Onyx Buffering Power

[MFish]

First, I am back...finally

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]

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]

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

 

[MFish]

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]

Is there any materal that will have a high buffering capacity but not raise the ph drastically?

 

[superjohnny]

Onyx sand is soooo cool looking. I'm using it in my 6... it's gonna be groovy.

 

[Raithan Ellis]

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]

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..