Hi there,

was wondering why peat goes in the substrate and is it of great benifit to do so? curious because I fill my tank tmw and if it is greatly beneficial i will do it lol

Darren

it is goot for root feeders. Many nutrients in peat.

so a worth while thing? might do it before i fill the tank tmw

Couldnt hurt...

cool thanks, how deep should it be?

I would just sprinkle it lightly on the glass bottom you dont need much.

cool thankyou

No worries. Glad to help.

When I did it, I was told the "general rule" is that you should still be able to see through it on the bottom of the tank. Maybe someone else can shed some light on this? I know there was a site somewhere that had all that info with pictures of someone setting up a new planted tank. They added "mulm" from the filter of an established tank, on top of the peat to add nutrients. Then they used whatever substrate on top of that to "cap it off" so to speak.

Hope this helps! If I have given any bad advice, someone please correct me!

Steve X.

thanks Steve, been reading about it and the article i read was very similar to what you have said. Just a sprinkle but I am afraid I dont know what mulm is lol

Mulm is the dirt you clean out of your filter. It is also the material from assorted sources that blooms when you disturb the substrate of an established tank. It is full of good bacteria and a great way to kick start a tank.

A good way to get some is to clean out your filter. It will be full of mulm from the filter pads etc. Then pour the cleaning water into the substrate of a new tank before you add water. Some people also put in half the required substrate, add the mulm and then add the rest of the substtrate.

Aren't you happy you asked :-)

Mulm is basically fish poop. You know that gross stuff you get from siphoning the gravel? Yum!

Will have to give the mulm a miss as don't have another tank...