Keeping soft/acidic water in a 55gal

[georgedv]

I have a 55gal with african fish (congo tetras and pelvs). I am using an external emperor filter w/peat moss and carbon. Yes I know carbon can counter act the peat. My question is/are, how can I keep this 55gal tank (the water) CLEAN and maintain low pH and soft water? What other filtration can be used for 55gals. Sponge Bob will have a hard time keeping 55gals clean!! I am not sure if my wording is very clear...if anybody can understand what I am trying to do...HELP please!!!

 

[curviceps]

You can always use a canister filter...

Also, as far as I am aware, carbon will remove the brown colour effect of the peat, but not its pH lowering capability.

Purigen is an alternative to carbon that I use to polish the water. It also removes nitrogeneous waste and can be regenerated.

 

[beleg]

Does Purigen really work on nitrates? I'd like to try it on my growth tanks.

 

[curviceps]

according to the marketing material, it "controls ammonia, nitrites and nitrates by removing nitrogenous organic waste that would otherwise release these harmful compounds." But I never did any controlled experiments to see how effective it is...

there was a discussion on use of purigen on grow out tanks: http://forum.apistogramma.com/showthread.php?t=4350

 

[beleg]

Thanks mate

 

[Richgrenfell]

The best way i have found to have water exactly the way you need it is to use RO water, that has been aged and reconstituted to the parameters needed.

Rich