By Donna M. Recktenwalt
Peat moss is a staple ingredient of our hobby – as most killikeepers are well aware. But just what is peat – other than a water treatment/ acidifier and a cushioning and antibacterial storage media for killi eggs?
Peat is the partially decayed, moisture absorbing plant matter found in ancient bogs and swamps. Given sufficient geologic time and pressure, peat will eventually turn into coal.
Peat is generally available in three forms, all usable by aquarists, and all generally available at garden supply centers.
Fibrous peat moss is the coarsest type available. It has broken down very little from its original state before being collected, dried and packaged. Fibrous peat is used by florists to camouflage the soil around potted plants. Aquarists use it as a spawning medium for plant spawning fish.
Sphagnum peat has decayed considerably before being harvested, and consists of a mixture of coarser stuff mixed in with a good deal of finer, powdery material. It works well as a spawning medium or substrate, although the fine particles can cloud the water.
Peat pellets are fine peat that has been compacted into a “wafer,” which when wet will expand sufficiently to support a seedling plant. One pellet can provide enough peat for a pair of small to medium sized annual fish that prefer a finer, mud-like spawning medium. Since peat pellets were designed for the nursery trade, they come with or without plastic netting to help hold their shape, and with or without added fungicides and fertilizers. Be very careful what you buy, and read labels carefully. Jiffy brand #690 (without plastic netting) and #703 (with netting) are supposedly additive free.
Readying peat for aquatic use consists of no more than boiling it well to drive out the air so it will sink. After cooling, it can be rinsed to remove the finer particles. Peat pellets can be microwaved in a cup of water (being certain to remove any plastic netting first), then rinsed in a net before use.
The prepared peat may be used immediately, or stored for later use.
The author squeezes out the excess liquid and stores the peat damp in a screw-top glass jar until needed. For larger amounts, Oleg Kiselev suggests using a 5-gallon bucket with the airlift on a small hex undergravel filter maintaining circulation. This keeps the peat sweet and provides a ready supply of “black water” as well.
— G.C.K.A. Newsletter, November 1996