all about peat

[ColleenT]

Hi. I am considering a tank of Cardinals and glowlights. I have heard they are happiest in a "blackwater" environment, which is basically water filtered thru peat. Can anyone tell me what I need to know about how much, what type and where to find it? Also, anything else I need to know? Thanks in advance.

 

[discusaquarium]

first of all, i would say that you dont need to bother with the blackwater. i have cardinals in with my discus and they have been fine for almost 2 years now without the need for blackwater. i would only reccomend bothering with blackwater if you plan to do wild discus. otherwise it is not a necessity.

 

[Matt Nace]

It is a matter of taste...I did an amazon bio-tope  with peat filtration and blackwater extract added.

Made it look nice and tinted, but I grew bored with it. It wasn't as nice as clear water.