Peat Substrate - Root Health?

[AdamTill]

Hi folks,


Was reading the sticky with interest, and because I want to create a low-pH tank with no CO2 added, the part about using a peat substrate caught my eye.


Lots of people are screaming about rotting the roots out from under the plants when I mention this concept to them, so I was wondering what the thoughts here were on that subject.


Thanks tons!


Adam

 

[Dennis Singh]

Peat/humic acid and clay can all be added lower the substrate.


I have heard nothing or read nothing on root rot, others can chime in on that one.


But i find it cool and more interesting you trying get a low ph tank?


What you aiming for? 5.5?


6.8 justs ain't low enough nowadays hehe


My buddy gets to about 5.25, chaos lord, and his plants do great? I have not seen his roots but plants look incredible

 

[AdamTill]

They're a couple of oto breeding tanks, and my struggle is right now the soil I'm using raises the KH to at least 5 and thus the pH above 7.5. Where I eventually bring the pH will depend on what the fish respond to.


Right now I have a few dozen very happy otos, but no breeding action. Lots have tried to convince me that TDS is what counts compared to pH, but thus far, the otos disagree.


This will be my first foray away from soil tanks, but it's interesting so far!

 

[AdamTill]

Just in case anyone is curious and finds this later, the pure peat substrate in concert with PPS Pro dosing works very well.


I'll link to a tank shot, where more or less let the tank grow wild as a nursery tank for the 90 I'm setting up.


http://www.easphotography.com/Aquariums/Otocinclus/IMG_8527.JPG