Dated Methods: Peat and Aging Tap Water

In years past peat was used in large vats to soften breeding water in discus hatcheries. With reverse osmosis filtration becoming commonplace and affordable, the peat method became obsolete. Peat methods of water softening are still found in books today, not because it is still in use, but because discus books are often reprinted with new covers and photographs added. That results in information that was current in the 60’s and 70’s still being published today.

The only discus that will appreciate stained water is certain wild caught types coming from black water areas of the Amazon. Not a lot of these are found in the hobby today. Peat is messy and is unreliable due to variation in strength. The peat tonics are ineffective and can spoil in the bottle. When a spoiled product is used the fish suffer catastrophic events immediately.

In years past tap water was disinfected with chlorine. This water could be stored in a vat and aerated to condition it. US law requires all municipal water supplies to be disinfected with chloramines. This was one of the changes seen in the aftermath of 9-11. Recently a new generation of chloramines was developed that has an even stronger bond. Simply aerating this water for 24 hours is not sufficient to eliminate the disinfectant and make the water safe for aquarium inhabitants. Storing this water in a barrel also can result in nitrification starting in the barrel. This is highly undesirable.

A conditioning agent should be used to break the chlorine-ammonia bond. Tetra's Aqua Safe, Prime and Amquel are the top three conditioners designed for chloramines. I do not use stress coat with discus. When doing a partial water change, the water conditioner can be added directly into the aquarium after removing the desired amount of water. Then tap water can then be added directly to the aquarium from the tap. The tap water should be around 80 degrees when added. After the water change it is a good idea to test the ph with a liquid drop type test kit. This should be done before and after any partial water change you give your aquarium.