My Peat System Journal

Makes sense, but if I keep adding the same type of water with the same pH, it won't swing will it?

Also, how can you buffer soft water?
 
You would think as long as it's the same PH water that it will stay the same PH, but you have things trying to change the water all the time. It seems easier with soft water than hard water because it naturally is going to want to lower, but things can change even with soft water.

I'm not a chemist by any means, and maybe someone can ellaborate for me, but, these constant variables trying to change your parameters can combated with water changes, but it's the time in-between where only the water is keeping something constant.

Kinda lime the salt guys using crushed oyster shells/coral etc to buffer their water up, you would be using the peat to buffer down, but in the tank so it's constant.
 
fishboy7 said:
Wow. That was a lot of posts and seemed like a bit of anger. It also seemed like I had 30 billion different opinions on this, so I will show my own and try to answer all questions. (Here we go...)

Fish wise, I will be getting 1 Angelfish, 10 Rummynose Tetras, and 6 Sterbai Cory Cats. Also, I appreciate the "going the extra mile" compliment.

I do realize that 6 gallons will only do a 16% water change, but if you read my 36 gallon thread, you would realize that I'm using a lot more filtration then I have to, and that would cut down on water changes. Also, my Alkalinity is moderate, and I would prefer that I don't have tea colored water, but since I already bought supplies and the system is up and running, I'm not going back. Also, 30 cents a bottle will really add up over time and I've already spent near $500 on supplies (My wallet is getting pretty thin). Also, if the pH starts to drop (probably won't), I'll add some hard water to even it out. Also, I greatly monitor my waters parameters.

Finally, I can't collect rainwater because winter is starting and we already have 6 in. of snow, so no can do on that.

I think I answered all questions (hopefully).
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Buying from a local LFS? Or a dedicated importer that is giving you F or F1 stock from the wild?

If the first case...odds are extremely great they have no clue about "natural" conditions of any type, and even if a "genetic" thing exists any longer, they can easily be adapted to new conditions.

For that matter, pH and the soft/hardness of the water are different issues if you research enough...a low pH doesn't mean soft water at all, nor the reverse of it.
 
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I have 3 pieces of driftwood in my tank, will this buffer the pH so it stays low?
 
Not by much and it will diminish over a short time.
 
So i skimmed through the thread and got an idea.

Is only getting 6g of water a week still an issue here? if so, has anyone suggested a larger container to make the 'Amazon' water? (trashcan, in my case) I mean, you could get a rubbermaid tub even, but something more rigid and round would be smarter. just line the trashcan with a clean trashbag and throw some peat in fine mesh bags. Circulate the water with either a good amount of aeration or a powerhead or two.

Just a thought :huh:
 
Well, I'll just go with what I got and see how it goes.
 
fishboy7 said:
Makes sense, but if I keep adding the same type of water with the same pH, it won't swing will it?

Also, how can you buffer soft water?
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Use the water before softening. Harder water to counter balance any drop. Volume/frequncy of wc should be proportionate to tank's changes b/n wc.

Try mixing softened water with tap water at different ratio to create water close to an ideal condition for your fishes.

Although 6.5 should be fine but pH may drop faster than expected with time. At such time asmentioned before, you may be able to use just the tap or mixture to maintain/stablized your water condition.

Good Luck!!
 
platytudes said:
No anger meant at all on my part.

Me neither!

I usually use a lot of smilies to try and lighten up the tone but I was trying to be more serious this time ;)

I guess it did not work, LOL! :grinyes:

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!
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