View Full Version : cork bark - change pH?
delmore
08-25-2003, 10:35 AM
I've used cork bark and noticed that it makes the water a nice tea color, like peat does. Does the cork bark also lower the pH / soften the water like peat?
I'm getting a half dozen betta imbellis later this week, and need to lower the pH a little.
OrionGirl
08-25-2003, 11:17 AM
Most likely it will drop the pH a bit. Test it out with just a cup of water to determine how much is needed for the correct volume of water. Regular, untreated peat will do the same thing, as well.
delmore
08-25-2003, 11:55 AM
I don't think that the chemical pH test kits work well with peaty water. Using the my high pH test kit, tea colored = pH 7.8.
I may have to invest in an electronic test kit to get an accurate reading.
OrionGirl
08-25-2003, 12:02 PM
Why are you using the high range test? Should be much lower than that. My water is quite tea-stained, and I've never had a problem with the test kits not being accurate.
delmore
08-25-2003, 12:18 PM
My pH out of the tap is about 7.8. I also have the "normal" range pH kit, which was useless. I'm going to use the peat in a day or two. OrionGirl, how do you use your peat? What is your water like out of the tap?
I was going to put it in a stocking, and place it in the HOB filter (AQmini) with the sponge media.
OrionGirl
08-25-2003, 3:40 PM
Try using the low range kit after the cork has been in there a while. I soaked the peat for a while so it would sink, then put it under a layer of gravel in pots. No flow through, mostly nutrients for the plants. I've also added handfuls of soaked peat directly to the tank, just on the bottom. Kuhli loaches love snuffling through it.
For filtration, putting it in a stocking in the filter compartment is best--it's easy to replace as needed, and the water flowing through is more effective than just having it in the tank. Make sure it's either in a compartment (like in a canister), or underneath a sponge (in an Aquaclear style filter), or it will float at the surface.
If you can get the chunky German peat (firmer than Canadian, closer to osmuda and tree-fern fiber if you are an orchid/bromeliad grower), it is easier to use than the garden center product, but several times as expensive. It does not compress as much as does Canadian, so is much better for filter use.