View Full Version : Onyx Buffering Power
First, I am back...finally :p
Secondly, I just got a bag of onyx for my 29 planted discus tank [only 1 discus, it's gonna stay that way] And I read on the bag it has some buffering ability. Does anyone know how high it will buffer the pH?? I might just put the onyx in my planted 10 if it buffers it too much for my discus.
Raithan Ellis
04-20-2003, 4:19 AM
The Onyx itself has a pH of 8.2, however it has never raised mine past 7.4-7.6. It's "buffering" capacity is fairly mild and only raises hardness a few degrees.
Cheers,
Raithan O. Ellis
Heady
04-20-2003, 10:37 AM
Tom Barr has recommended placing a layer of peat in the bottom layer of onyx sand. That's what I'm gonna do:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3131&highlight=peat
I think I will just put peat in my eheim, that way all anyone will see in the tank is the onyx. Plus, all the water will flow past the peat.
isaac newton
04-21-2003, 12:48 AM
Is there any materal that will have a high buffering capacity but not raise the ph drastically?
superjohnny
04-21-2003, 2:19 PM
Onyx sand is soooo cool looking. I'm using it in my 6... it's gonna be groovy. :)
Raithan Ellis
04-22-2003, 4:10 AM
I had followed Tom's advice awhile back with the layers of peat and onyx... can't tell peat is underneath. Plants like is a lot! Plus, it adds to your cation exchange capicity (stores nutrients).
Cheers,
Raithan O. Ellis
125gJoe
04-22-2003, 3:41 PM
http://gordon.sourcecod.com/images/flagicons/american_flag.gif
My 80 gallon stays at or just under 7.0 pH.
I have only Onyx for substrate with Root Tabs added for the plants. I put some peat in one of the canister filters.
I like the look of a fine particle substrate rather than a course substrate. It seems to bring more "depth" to the aquarium, giving it a more realistic look, perhaps 'easier on the eyes' kinda look.. :)