Peat Moss

Has anyone used Meat Moss in a canaster filter to lower pH? I think the idea is to put some Peat inside some nylon hose and place in one of the stages in the filter. What pH do I need to reach to keep Discus?

I have before. The effectiveness depends of the hardness of your tap water. Be prepared to live with tea colored water, as the tannins in the peat give off that blackwater effect.

it's been about 15 years since I've raised discus, but if i recall the pH should be a tad acidic. I was raising them to breed, but if you're just keeping them, they can be acclimated to your local tap's pH.

this is kool read, i never heard of that before. but i know i would never want a tank full of black or tea colored water..

The same thing can be achived by using Indian almond leaves and it's a lot less messy. Depending on the size tank you just put the leaf in and let it float. After awhile it will sink to the bottom. The Asians use it for Breeding Bettas and I have used it also when I was breeding them. Here is some very good info about them.

Is it true that Indian almond leaves prevent and cure diseases in aquariums?
Indian almond leaves are rich in compounds produces by the tree to protect itself against bacteria, fungi and similar organisms. Because of this, it has been speculated that adding Indian almond leaves to an aquarium will decrease the risk of disease in the tank or even help fish. As far as I know, no one has yet carried out any scientific study to verify this claim. Compounds found in Indian almond leaves have however been researched for their potential health benefits for the human body. Quercetin, a type of flavonoid found in Indian almond leaves, is for instance considered anti-inflammatory and has antioxidant properties1 , while several other flavonoids present in these leaves – such as kaempferol – decrease the risk of developing certain types of cancer.[2 ][3 ]

Fish kept in an environment that mimic its natural habitat tend to grow stronger and heartier, i.e. more apt at fending off malicious microorganisms. As an aquarists, it is therefore difficult to determine if Indian almond leaves actually cures and prevent disease by killing of bacteria and fungi, or if it is simply a question of the leaves boosting the fish’s own immune system by providing it with an ideal water quality when it comes to pH-value, tannins, etc.

Natural hiding spots and infusoria supply
Using Indian almond leaves is not just about chemistry. You may think leaf litter looks ugly, but for a long row of fishes it feels just like home. Leaves and leaf litter makes the environment more natural. Bottom dwelling fish love to hide among sunken leaves, while surface and mid-water dwellers like the sense of security offered by floating leaves. Indian almond leaves are also nice for fish and invertebrates to nibble on between meals, and the leaves serve as home and food for infusoria.

whisper, this has been a great read. thanks for sharing!!! one question, where and how would a person get their hands on some Indian Almond Leaves???

You can get it on Ebay.

thanks whisper........

Welcome and good luck

I've even read in various other forums the use of dried white oak leaves too. other tree leaves may be used, but some research is needed to ID the tree because some leaves are not safe for fish; poisonous effects.

Yes fish you're right . Oak leaves can be used. Not sure which ones. I've heard people say they just go outside and rake some up. I think the oak leaves would be messier then just one or two Almond leaves though.

I don't know what quantities of oak leaves are to be used, but from photos i've seen of almond leaves, they are thicker looking than an oak leaf. So i'd gather to say one would have to use more oak than almond leaves. I do remember white oak was safe, it has rounded oak leaves and not the pointy ones. I don't remember the other oaks and which are still safe or not. I've thought about using peat or leaves myself. I have moderately hard-hard water here, and want to get that hardness down. I don't want to use RO water since I'm in a 7th loft apartment. I lugging water when i was in a 2nd floor apt and that was the pits.