To peat or not to peat? That is the question.

[Tim]

What are the benefits (if any) of adding peat to my canister filter? I have a moderately planted 75 gallon tank.

Thanks

[BigDaddy]

Peat will lower your pH over time.  It will also turn your water a slightly brownish tone.  As well, it will increase the amount of dissolved organics in your water.

Most people only use peat if they are keeping fish that prefer a pH significantly lower than what your tapwater can provide.

[Julie]

Peat will lower your gh and kh.  
I use it in my AC's when my fish are spawning, as the eggs won't be fertilized without it.

[gvv]

Peat will lower your gh and kh.  
I use it in my AC's when my fish are spawning, as the eggs won't be fertilized without it.

I found info on the I-net that GH cannot be lowed with peat - only RO unit (or distiller).

[Julie]

My well water is 15GH.  After peat filtering the GH drops a couple of degrees and the KH decreases significantly.

http://www.drhelm.com/aquarium/chemistry.html

[gvv]

Yes sorry, it was KH...