How much does peat lower PH ?

[gmh]

I'm setting up a 40 gallon and thinking of using sand as the substrate . If I add a layer of peat on the bottom will this lower the PH measurably? Does it effect GH or KH?
How thick a layer of peat should be added?

 

[kblane]

In a confined environment, I can get peat to drop the pH a whole 1.0 or more. In larger volume, far less dramatic.

Over time, the effect peat has on the water goes away--meaning pH may rise again over time.

As for depth, I'll reserve that comment for those who have used it in substrate. As I have no experience there, I wouldn't want to mislead.

Good luck.

 

[wolf13]

peat won't effect kh or gh, however, your buffering capacity will have a direct correlation with how much your pH drops. more buffering, less drop.

 

[Rex Grigg]

Actually peat can lower KH.

 

[galen]

http://www.drhelm.com/aquarium/chemistry.html

 

[gmh]

Back to one of my original questions: How thick a layer of peat would I put under the substrate if I go that route. A quarter inch? More than that?

 

[Rex Grigg]

I use a light dusting. If you can measure it then it's too much.