I am thinking of adding peat

Christople

How much peat should I add for a 38 gallon to see my fish look at my signature. I want the pH about 6.5. It's already at 7.6 and could I have cost reference for peat. Also how would I add it and procedures

Byron

Peat's effectiveness depends upon the initial hardness of the water. The lower you want to shift this (hardness and pH being inter-connected) the more peat which means the faster it will be exhausted and need replacing. I've never had to use peat so will leave it for others to comment on quantity. But I suspect they will want to know your hardness, so providing that will help.

Personally, if I ever needed to soften my water to this extent, I would consider a RO unit. Initially costly, but long-term over buying peat... Then dilute the tap water to the desired hardness/pH. Or using rainwater to dilute the tap water. Either would be more accurate and consistent.

Byron.

Christople

I don't have a accurate hardness but last time i tested with strips it said 4 dgh. Mywater is not too hard i can tell because it doesn't coat the area where water evaporated in a white residue as it did at another house

Byron

You can find out the hardness from your water supply people. Some have a website with the water analysis listed, or they can tell you directly; it is public info.

If it is 4 dGH, that is low enough that in the aquarium the pH will gradually lower (with fish of course). Once that occurs, it would be easy to maintain it around 6.5 with minimal water changes. Initial use of peat would get it there quicker. I still can't say how much you would need since I've not used it myself, but this shouldn't be difficult.

Byron.

jcinnb

I am now using peat, bought some, put it in a media bag, and have it in eheim 2215. I think it makes my water a little dingy. Water has never been crystal clear since. My pH was up around 7.6 - 7.8. Now, for the last several weeks it has been around 7.2, so I think it has worked. Once pH starts creeping up, I will replace.

Good Luck.

jcinnb

Christople

okay thank you for your help