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How to use Sphagnum Moss?

ThePuzzleMaker

New Member
Messages
17
Hey guys,
I'm working on breeding my apistos but my waters ph is a little high (around 7.4).

I have decided to use sphagnum moss to lower the ph to around 6.5. I know how sphagnum will affect my water chemistry and lower the hardness.
My question is on how to prepare the live moss, before adding it to the aquarium.

I have live moss and have read that some people add it straight it, others boil it, others rinse it or dry it before using.

What should I do?

PD: The sphagnum is completely organic and safe for aquarium use.
 

dw1305

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Messages
2,755
Location
Wiltshire UK
Hi all,
I'm working on breeding my apistos but my waters ph is a little high (around 7.4).
Do you know the carbonate hardness of the water? (or the conductivity?) It will give us a bit more idea of what the effect of the peat will be.
I have decided to use sphagnum moss to lower the ph to around 6.5. I know how sphagnum will affect my water chemistry and lower the hardness. My question is on how to prepare the live moss, before adding it to the aquarium. I have live moss and have read that some people add it straight it, others boil it, others rinse it or dry it before using. What should I do?
You can use the moss live, there is a description of the process of ion exchange in <"Newbie questions... ">, <"question about conditioning..."> & <"nijsenni">.

I don't use sphagnum peat or moss at the moment, but when I did I used the <"pillow-case method...">.

Even if your water is harder than you might want, you may be able to spawn the fish successfully by adding the <"moss to the spawning cave">.

cheers Darrel
 

dw1305

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Messages
2,755
Location
Wiltshire UK
Hi all,
I'm working on breeding my apistos but my waters ph is a little high (around 7.4).
Do you know the carbonate hardness of the water? (or the conductivity?) It will give us a bit more idea of what the effect of the peat will be.
I have decided to use sphagnum moss to lower the ph to around 6.5. I know how sphagnum will affect my water chemistry and lower the hardness. My question is on how to prepare the live moss, before adding it to the aquarium. I have live moss and have read that some people add it straight it, others boil it, others rinse it or dry it before using. What should I do?
You can use the moss live, there is a description of the process of ion exchange in <"Newbie questions... ">, <"question about conditioning..."> & <"nijsenni">.

I don't use sphagnum peat or moss at the moment, but when I did I used the <"pillow-case method...">.

Even if your water is harder than you might want, you may be able to spawn the fish successfully by adding the <"moss to the spawning cave">.

cheers Darrel
 

ThePuzzleMaker

New Member
Messages
17
I'm working on breeding my wildcaught apisto norberti.
They have adapted to neutral ph but I need to lower it in order to get them to spawn
 

ThePuzzleMaker

New Member
Messages
17
Just to understand, can I add the live sphagnum?

I've read some places that live sphagnum doesn't lower ph effectively, is that true?
 

dw1305

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Messages
2,755
Location
Wiltshire UK
Hi all,
Just to understand, can I add the live sphagnum?
You can. If you have soft acid water already it may survive and grow. If you have harder water it will still have a softening effect.

I would definitely try using it in the spawning cave, unless you already have soft water? Have a look at <"Thank you, Ted Judy">.
I've read some places that live sphagnum doesn't lower ph effectively, is that true?
Have a look at <"Tannic, humic...">, there isn't a "yes or no" answer, it is all down to how hard your water is initially.

Could you use rain-water in the tanks? it is a lot easier to add solutes to water, rather than to take them away, and rain-water is low in solutes.

cheers Darrel
 

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