hi all-i just aquired an aqua clear 200 filter -its a bit much for what i need(only a 60 cm tank)

But theres no filter mediun(no foam etc)

I intend to filter through peat to lower the ph for dwarf cichlids.

I figure i'll have to get a foam cartrage to suit and then put abag of peat on top of this in place of the carbon shown here

http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/manual ... lear04.cfm

Is that right?

now for the (possibly) dumb questions

could any one recommend what type(brand?)of peat to use ,having no nasty chemicals etc?

what should i use to bag the peat? I've some mutton cloth here but I'm not sure if this would be fine enough.

has any one seen aqua one foam inserts for sale and any idea of cost -cant remember seeing any about-but havent really been looking as getting this filter was a suprise.

cheers all

sid

Hiya

We just use a stocking for the peat And we use the super fine peat that you get at the LFS... supplied from Brooklands..

Are you looking for an Aqua One foam insert or Aqua Clear which is Hagen product??? Haven't seen the Hagen hang on filters stocked down this way.. so not familiar with them.

Aqua One do have foam inserts, but would they fit your Hagen Aqua Clear?

Why not just get some filter wool and do it on the cheap some pummice or something for bio and you'll be away..

Old pantyhose are good to put peat in (as long as nobody is wearing them at the time). Choose a natural peat that has no additives.

You can buy the sponges or use filter wool. I also like to put extra ceramic noodles in mine under the foam.

thanks for help -ended up with ceramic noodles some filter material I scrounged and a foot off a pair of tights filled with organic peat.

water was muddy when i first started the filter(yesterday eve) but had cleared up after an hour or two, although there seems to be a "tint " to the water now

how soon should i expect to see any change in the ph?

would using carbon on top of the peat help clear the water without negating the efects of the peat?

cheers all

I don't think the carbon negates the peat and may help the tint a little. Having never done it I don't know how long it takes for the peat etc to kick in.