peat granules

[finfan]

i was wondering about using peat granules in my filter and wanted to see what your experiences have been with this

what are the pros (other than obviously getting a softer/acidic water)?

and specially what are the cons of using peat granules?

what should one be careful about when using such media in the aquarium?

personal experiences?

[finfan]

Re: peat granules

ok, i'm feeling no love today

nobody has anything to add?

[armthehomeless]

Re: peat granules

Some comments on Peat Granules::

1.  Phosphates/dissolved phosphorus:  The peat granules have a tendency to remove these from the water, which I understand is good because it inhibits algae growth.  The addition of calcium
carbonate to the peat improves phosphorus removal, but I have no idea what that would do to aquariums.  I think it might have a pH buffering
effect, but I am probably wrong.

2.  Color leaching/"tannin" leaching:  The more decomposed a peat is, the more color leaching you will get.  The Sphagnum peat granules do not leach very much, whereas reed sedge peat granules have an initial dark color leach.  The amount of color leached varies by the pH of the water, and decreases with pH.  It does not leach color at pH 3, but leaches badly above 8.  In any case the color leaching decreases over time. If you put the granules in boiling water and let them soak for a day or two,
then rinse them, this takes care of much of the color that will leach.