Peat??

lokobreed · 02-24-2004, 08:58 PM

SOme people recommended peat for planted tanks?

Is that ok as isnt it like mud type??

DO I put that under the gravel Im assuming?
How much do I need in a tank?

ALso where can I purchase it from?

trenac · 02-25-2004, 01:53 AM

Do you have hard water? Peat is used to soften your water and will make your water have a brownish tinge. Your LFS should carry it. One brand is made by Fluval to be used in a canister filter in the middle media basket. What is the reason you are wanting to use it in your planted tank?

Tonyd · 02-25-2004, 02:10 AM

I have read (AP list, Tom Barr suggestion) that you put a handful or so for every couple of square feet under your substrate when you first set up a tank. Combined with a layer of mulm (gunk siphoned from an existing tank), this is supposed to give your new substrate more organic material and make it more stable like an established tank. (I may have the amount incorrect, do a search on google for Aquatic Plant mailing list and there are a lot of posts).

I have no direct experience but am going to try it on my tank.

YMMV.

Tony

Rex Grigg · 02-25-2004, 03:06 AM

Read my FAQ.

I have used peat in every planted tank I have set up. It does kick start the tank. You can use standard garden peat moss as long as it doesn't have any added fertilizers. It also helps to pre-soak it in water for a couple of days first. In fact if you can get hold of some panty hose or stockings they make the perfect container for soaking the peat.

Raul-7 · 02-25-2004, 07:01 AM

Tony, you are right...Tom does use mulm and peat in all of his tanks as a base layer.

IUnknown · 02-25-2004, 03:19 PM

Diamond black is a more recent suggestion. Check out this thread,

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...opic.php?t=257

lokobreed · 02-25-2004, 08:32 PM

What kind of peat you recommend or is any ok?

Also I have no gravel in my tank right now as its not sertup yet, but I have heard that if oyu put a layer of peat then a layer of flourite then gravel for the rest that that is good for growing plants.

I would rather do that because stuff like Eco - Complete is very expensive.

Also what kind of flourite do I need?

Do you recommend I do this or just use peat then gravel?

And in gravel size should I use around 2mm -3 mm in size?

Tonyd · 02-26-2004, 12:55 AM

As Rex mentioned, you have to be sure to get peat that doesn't have any added fertilizers or other chemicals. If you go with just gravel you will probably benefit by mixing in something like laterite or the flourite as you are thinking. Or, you could try using one of the newer methods of DIY substrate like was suggested by IUnknown.

Tony

02-25-2004, 01:53 AM	#2
trenac Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: North Carolina, Traid area Posts: 1,044	Do you have hard water? Peat is used to soften your water and will make your water have a brownish tinge. Your LFS should carry it. One brand is made by Fluval to be used in a canister filter in the middle media basket. What is the reason you are wanting to use it in your planted tank? __________________ He who angers you, controls you!

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02-24-2004, 08:58 PM	#1
lokobreed Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: St. Louis MO Posts: 524	SOme people recommended peat for planted tanks? Is that ok as isnt it like mud type?? DO I put that under the gravel Im assuming? How much do I need in a tank? ALso where can I purchase it from?

02-25-2004, 02:10 AM	#3
Tonyd Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Montana Posts: 312	I have read (AP list, Tom Barr suggestion) that you put a handful or so for every couple of square feet under your substrate when you first set up a tank. Combined with a layer of mulm (gunk siphoned from an existing tank), this is supposed to give your new substrate more organic material and make it more stable like an established tank. (I may have the amount incorrect, do a search on google for Aquatic Plant mailing list and there are a lot of posts). I have no direct experience but am going to try it on my tank. YMMV. Tony

02-25-2004, 03:06 AM	#4
Rex Grigg Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (65/100%) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland Orygun Posts: 9,600	Read my FAQ. I have used peat in every planted tank I have set up. It does kick start the tank. You can use standard garden peat moss as long as it doesn't have any added fertilizers. It also helps to pre-soak it in water for a couple of days first. In fact if you can get hold of some panty hose or stockings they make the perfect container for soaking the peat.

02-25-2004, 07:01 AM	#5
Raul-7 Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lomita, CA Posts: 1,650	Tony, you are right...Tom does use mulm and peat in all of his tanks as a base layer.

02-25-2004, 03:19 PM	#6
IUnknown Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA Posts: 651	Diamond black is a more recent suggestion. Check out this thread, http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...opic.php?t=257

02-25-2004, 08:32 PM	#7
lokobreed Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: St. Louis MO Posts: 524	What kind of peat you recommend or is any ok? Also I have no gravel in my tank right now as its not sertup yet, but I have heard that if oyu put a layer of peat then a layer of flourite then gravel for the rest that that is good for growing plants. I would rather do that because stuff like Eco - Complete is very expensive. Also what kind of flourite do I need? Do you recommend I do this or just use peat then gravel? And in gravel size should I use around 2mm -3 mm in size?

02-26-2004, 12:55 AM	#8
Tonyd Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Montana Posts: 312	As Rex mentioned, you have to be sure to get peat that doesn't have any added fertilizers or other chemicals. If you go with just gravel you will probably benefit by mixing in something like laterite or the flourite as you are thinking. Or, you could try using one of the newer methods of DIY substrate like was suggested by IUnknown. Tony