Peat under fine gravel?

[GrahamWebb]

Hello,
Never sure wheather or not I've got the right forum heading, I guess this could also be adressed in general freshwater anyway, I figure plant people would do this thing that I did too.  I put a layer of peat under a layer of flourite under a layer of fine crushed stone, and was just wondering if anyone else has used peat in there tank and how long it took for the water to clear up of if in fact it ever will.  The brown water look isn't that bad I guess, it wasn't exactly what I had in mind though.  The tank 75g hasn't even fully cycled yet so I won't be doing to many water changes until it does.  Anyone have experience with peat as substrate?
Graham

[Almarine]

Hi Graham

I'm new to this group but have browsed quite a few forums and found this info from Tom Barr's site. He is considered an expert on growing plants. Covers topics such as: lighting, fertilizers, CO2 and substrates.

"Peat is peat, it will soften the water and turn it yellow."

You are saying your water is brownish in color. It may be that you put too much peat in. I'm no expert on the matter but maybe reducing the amount of peat will help.

Check out his site.  http://www.barrreport.com/