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Peat in the Aquarium

Peat, from Canada and northern Germany, has been an aquarist's helper for generations. Peat is an amazing substance in that it gives off valuable tannic, fulvic, and humic acids that reduce pH and acts as a natural ion exchanger and reduces carbonate hardness in the water.

Peat will also bind up some of the heavy metals and other toxins that may be present in the water.

The active compounds in peat are also present in the natural black waters of the discus. It is all-natural and does wonders in the discus aquarium. True, peat filtration will color the water, but if the behavior of discus in peat-filtered water is any indication, discus really like amber-colored water! Peat filtration often triggers spawning in fish that have been flirting outrageously for months with no results! Peat is available in aquarium shops and garden centers.

It even comes in neat little pellets that are easy to use and economical. There really is no excuse for not using peat in the aquarium. Just be careful if you buy your peat from the garden center. Be sure that is does not have any additives that could harm your fish.

Peat is easy to use. Just pour about 1 quart of peat per 25 gallons of aquarium water into a bag or a lady's stocking and seal the bag. Slip this bag into your filter or place it in an area of the aquarium where water will flow through the bag. Replace the peat about every 30 days or when your pH tests start to show a rise in pH.

Written by Mary Ellen Sweeney