How to Use Peat for Dwarf Shrimp

Dwarf shrimps are attractive fresh water invertebrates and make fascinating additions to an aquarium. Numerous species of dwarf shrimp are available, including crystal red shrimp and tiger shrimps, both of which require soft water with a pH below 7.0. Aquarists use peat, which is derived from decomposed sphagnum moss, to naturally lower the pH and alkalinity of the water. When using peat, the aquarium water should be tested regularly to ensure that sufficient quantities are being used to allow for a gradual lowering of the alkalinity and pH.

Things You'll Need

  • Carbon hardness test kit
  • Aquarium booster agent to lower carbonate hardness
  • pH test kit
  • Peat granules
  • Nylon bag
  • Plastic cable tie
  • Liquid aquarium peat preparation (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test the carbon hardness of your water, by using a dip-and-read carbonate hardness test kit. Dip the end of color strip in a sample of your aquarium water and read the result after 30 seconds. The carbonate hardness should be between 10 and 15 dKH.

    • 2

      Add the appropriate amount of powdered booster agent as per the gallon capacity of your aquarium, to lower the carbonate hardness. Check the instructions for your specific make of agent. Carbonate hardness will prevent swings in pH, and a high carbonate hardness reading will prevent a fall in pH under normal conditions. In this case, the dwarf shrimps require a low pH and soft water, so you need to lower the carbonate hardness initially. The addition of peat will prevent the carbon hardness from climbing again.

    • 3

      Test the pH of your water, by using a dip and read pH test kit. Dip the end of color strip in a sample of your aquarium water and read the result after 60 seconds.The pH should be between 6.2 and 7.2. Once the carbonate hardness has been dropped, the addition of peat will keep the pH low, and you would have achieved creating the soft water that the dwarf shrimps require.

    • 4

      Rinse the peat granules briefly under a running tap to remove dust from the packing process.

    • 5

      Pour the granules into a nylon bag and secure the neck of the bag with a thin plastic cable tie. Add approximately 10 oz. for every 65 gallons of aquarium water.

    • 6

      Turn off the hang-on filter and remove the bag. Place the nylon bag into the chemical compartment of the filter. Turn the filter back on.

    • 7

      Test both the pH and the carbonate hardness of the aquarium water each day to determine how soft the water is. Use the same testing procedures as discussed in steps one to three.

    • 8

      Replace the exhausted peat with new peat, once the pH begins to climb once again.

    • 9

      Use a liquid aquarium peat preparation as an alternative to the granules, if these are not available.