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Peat & pH


Caryl

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi Caryl,

I have not used peat before, but have read about it. You usually have to try it and see. The peat continues to lower the pH, so you have to remove it once the desired pH is reached. Is there a reason you want a pH of 6.8-7.0? If it is for a planted tank, you could add sulphuric acid (only a very small amount at a time) until the desired pH is acheived. The extra sulphate will also be benificial to the plants.

The pH on a planted tank should naturally fall anyway. You may find given time it will automatically adjust itself. Once it is down where you want it, water changes will be enough to stop it falling further.

Both peat and keeping the pH constant by just water changes are a trial and error method unless you can accurately measure all parameters (on the tank water, tap water and the peat) prior to each water change. It will vary on the type and density of the peat, and on the chemical content of the water. All these items will be constantly changing, but you will find (given time), a general rule of thumb that will work well.

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My 2 cents worth. I find that controlling the pH around 6.8-70 works well with CO2 (If you can get it from a good bottle with a good regulator). It's good for your plant growth and a kH of about 4 will buffer it so that the pH will not drop to low.

Personally I'm not a fan of altering pH with strong acids like sulfuric.

Warren is right about the peat though. It lowers pH gradually and it depends on the source and type of peat as well. Just experiment Caryl :wink:

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