Peat Moss as Substrate

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Icehawk

Inquisitor of the Ordo Hereticus
Sep 16, 2010
3
0
0
Oshawa
Hi All,

My brother is giving me a couple of killifish for my spare 10gal aquarium. He says that they like peat moss so we decided to try it with a 100% peat moss substrate. Has anyone tried this before? Hoping to get some setup tips or opinions of others.

Thanks.
 
is it like a mat of peat moss or a bag/container of it. I have never used it nor known anyone who has as a substrate but I would assume that it would just turn the water to a murky mess.
 
What kind of killies? Although used peat moss as substrates for some killies, the real question would be what kind of filter as standard HOB will just clogged up in no time unless modified strainer with large sponge to reduce/cut down flow rate.
 
I'm not sure what type of killies, I'll ask next time I talk to him. I was just going to get an internal whisper filter, I didn't think about it getting clogged.
 
wont work you will need somthing on top of the peat to hold it down. put it in then put gravel layer then put water in without distubing bottom too much.
and be careful when gravel vacuming !
 
It could work with internal whisper filter if you can wedge in sponge over strainer at the bottom of the filter. Sponge filter will work as well.

Gravel wont work if bottom is frequently disturbed as heavier gravel will eventually end up below peat.

I had no problem keeping certain pair of killies in the jars, moving them to different jars on the daily basis. If not, you may need to remove eggs with turkey baster on daily basis, of course depending on the species.
 
Dont do it. simply put.

You will regret it in the end. Any movement in there, whether it be fish scurrying from the bottom, filter, moving plants around, it will get seriously stirred up and turn your tank into a giant cup of Peat Tea.

However, you can put some peat into a fine mesh bag into your filter to lower pH if thats your goal. you can also add a small layer of it under your substrate, whether it be gravel, sand, etc.
 
Should try it before suggesting rather than just assume. As they say, Necessity is the mother of invention. And can learn alot from failures.

Have used nothing but peat moss as substrate for certain killies as I did not have any issues as long as took few precautions or used sponge filter (minimal flow/circualtion; just enough to break the surface a bit) mentioned above. One can use artificial spawning mop or even java moss instead if desired..

Since Java Moss are epiphytic, lay and cover them with egg crate the size of tank's bottom or close to it. Once well attached with time, can even move it from tanks to tank to serve its purposes.

Good Luck and pics of killies possible?

btw, keep in mind the effects of peat moss on tank water before using. Another word, consider all the possibilities in ref to your tap water.
 
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