After using granular peat in my filter for a couple years I finally began experimenting with the real thing; 100% Canadian peat (the stuff that looks like dirt)
I've been experimenting in an empty 15 gallon tank for several weeks and now I want to start doing this on a bigger scale. After doing some research I have decided on the following plan. I have a 40gal, food grade, plastic drum that I'll be using with an airstone, perhaps 2. The peat will go into a thin cotton pillowcase (unless I find something better) and then into the drum. I'll be using about 15 gallons a week which I'll siphon off. The spent peat will go into the garden. The water is dark but I've never minded stained water, in fact I've come to love it.
Does this sound like a plan? Any advice would be appreciated.
_
I do have a second question: I've been doing this on a smaller scale in this 15g, removing 1/2 the total volume at a time for water changes in my community tank. I have been able to keep available water that is pH 7.0, GH 4-5, KH 2 pretty consistently and should be able to do at least as well in the 40gal drum. (my tapwater is 7.8, GH10, KH5 which was fine for the cacatuoides I kept) Now this 15g tank will now be available and I'd like get a pair of apistos to try my hand at some proper breeding. What species would you suggest for me with those water parrameters? I've done research but, I seem to see a lot of variation in what parameters are suggested for different species. I've also read that although I may be able to theoretically breed many species that m/f ratios could be affected if they are outside their preferred parameters. I'd like some real-world advice from you, what do you think would would be somewhat challenging and would do well in the water I have to work with.
Thanks
I've been experimenting in an empty 15 gallon tank for several weeks and now I want to start doing this on a bigger scale. After doing some research I have decided on the following plan. I have a 40gal, food grade, plastic drum that I'll be using with an airstone, perhaps 2. The peat will go into a thin cotton pillowcase (unless I find something better) and then into the drum. I'll be using about 15 gallons a week which I'll siphon off. The spent peat will go into the garden. The water is dark but I've never minded stained water, in fact I've come to love it.
Does this sound like a plan? Any advice would be appreciated. _
I do have a second question: I've been doing this on a smaller scale in this 15g, removing 1/2 the total volume at a time for water changes in my community tank. I have been able to keep available water that is pH 7.0, GH 4-5, KH 2 pretty consistently and should be able to do at least as well in the 40gal drum. (my tapwater is 7.8, GH10, KH5 which was fine for the cacatuoides I kept) Now this 15g tank will now be available and I'd like get a pair of apistos to try my hand at some proper breeding. What species would you suggest for me with those water parrameters? I've done research but, I seem to see a lot of variation in what parameters are suggested for different species. I've also read that although I may be able to theoretically breed many species that m/f ratios could be affected if they are outside their preferred parameters. I'd like some real-world advice from you, what do you think would would be somewhat challenging and would do well in the water I have to work with.
Thanks
