Anybody tried using Black Peat to lower ph for CRS tank?

[vernonlcm]

Hi bro, just like to check if anybody tried using the above to lower the ph in your tank? Some said if want to use this, is better to put on the net and remove once your required ph is achieve. Not sure if this is the case and will it do harm to the crs?

My current ph is around 7.3. I do have some casualty on and off in my tank daily despite daily feeding them mosura tonic 2 times a day since 1 week ago. I have been also using chiller setting it to 24 degree (kick out) - 26 degree (kick in).

My tank got no rocks just some plants and co2. I set my co2 and light with the same timing which i keep it on 10-12 hours a day. I have a lot of floating plants (Salvina) on my tank.

I do not have test kit for the GH and KH so don't know about these 2 readings but only PH pen to test my water. My tank is around only 2months and i add in my shrimps only 1 month back after cycling my tank.

Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

[silane]

What gravel are you using, how old is the gravel?

[vernonlcm]

Originally Posted by silane

What gravel are you using, how old is the gravel?

Hi bro, Silane, I am currently using Gex soil about few months old(not too sure as i bought my soil online and that bro claimed using for 1 month plus only).

[silane]

Look like the acidity has been worn out. Not sure if 4 month plus soil can wear out that fast. To reuse used soil, it is better to mix with some new soil to ensure the acidity does not wear out fast.

[vernonlcm]

Can I just buy 1pack of 2kg soil and mix it in straight then? Currently I put 8kg of soil in my 2ft tank. Will it cause ammonia spike even if I put it in slowly? Or will black peat just solve my problem? If so, how should I put in the black peat??? In bucket of aged water then add in slowly or use q net to put in the tank and monitor the ph and take out after that or just put into the canister filter and don't care about it after that.

Originally Posted by silane

Look like the acidity has been worn out. Not sure if 4 month plus soil can wear out that fast. To reuse used soil, it is better to mix with some new soil to ensure the acidity does not wear out fast.

[Ningning]

Originally Posted by vernonlcm

Can I just buy 1pack of 2kg soil and mix it in straight then? Currently I put 8kg of soil in my 2ft tank. Will it cause ammonia spike even if I put it in slowly? Or will black peat just solve my problem? If so, how should I put in the black peat??? In bucket of aged water then add in slowly or use q net to put in the tank and monitor the ph and take out after that or just put into the canister filter and don't care about it after that.

i think safer to use peat. if in doubt, use sera super peat. not so sure about black peat.

if u add soil and mix in straight, your filter might not be able to handle the ammonia fast enough if its not mature enough.

lol... how to use peat?
this is how i used peat. i calculated the amount to be used by putting it in a hang on filter. this is to decrease the amount of times i had to open and close the canister to avoid bb from being affected and of coz so my canister wont spoil.

when im satisfied with the amount, i put it into my canister. i put the peat into a bag tho.. i took out the peat after awhile when the ph keep dropping.

putting in the peat into the tank is a more passive way of lowering the ph. its slower than putting it into the tank.

[silane]

Originally Posted by vernonlcm

Can I just buy 1pack of 2kg soil and mix it in straight then? Currently I put 8kg of soil in my 2ft tank. Will it cause ammonia spike even if I put it in slowly? Or will black peat just solve my problem? If so, how should I put in the black peat??? In bucket of aged water then add in slowly or use q net to put in the tank and monitor the ph and take out after that or just put into the canister filter and don't care about it after that.

Adding of soil is alway has it risk, especially with large amount. I didnt study the soil properties and hence I cannot advise you.