Hi all,
I've had a new tank set up, just sitting cycled. It is a dirted tank with a sand cap. I've been testing the water and the pH has been low (about 6, maybe lower). I was puzzled as to why it would be lower than the tap until I thought to look at the bag of organic soil - it has peat in it! Definitely a mistake on my part. I was wondering how long it would take for the peat to lose its acidity, if it does? I really don't want the pH that low, but I don't want to have to tear everything out and start over either. Would replacing some of the sand with crushed coral help balance things?
I've had a new tank set up, just sitting cycled. It is a dirted tank with a sand cap. I've been testing the water and the pH has been low (about 6, maybe lower). I was puzzled as to why it would be lower than the tap until I thought to look at the bag of organic soil - it has peat in it! Definitely a mistake on my part. I was wondering how long it would take for the peat to lose its acidity, if it does? I really don't want the pH that low, but I don't want to have to tear everything out and start over either. Would replacing some of the sand with crushed coral help balance things?