Many people have asked us about using coco peat as a substrate for an aquarium. Today we will break down everything you need to know about this topic, and whether or not we recommend doing it.
What is substrate for an aquarium?
Substrate refers to the material that you put at the bottom of the aquarium. It is usually used to help grow plants, improve aesthetics, and can even help (or hurt) your aquarium’s filtration. Examples of substrates in aquariums include pebbles, dirt, sand, etc. The type of substrate you choose for your aquarium can affect the pH and oxygen levels of your fish tank. As you will see with coco peats, it can also affect the color of the water in the fish tank.
What is coco peat?
Coco peat is a variant of Coir or Coconut fiber. It is a all natural material that is taken from the outer portion of a coconut husk. Coir is used in a wide range of products, such as brooms, doormats, and mattresses. Coir can hold a large volume of water, which allows it to get waterlogged and stay at the bottom of the aquarium. Coco peat refers to shavings of this coconut fiber that are grinded up into dust. They contain high levels of potassium and other organic material.
Can I use coco peat in planted aquariums?
Yes, you can use coco peat in a planted aquarium. Once waterlogged and placed at the bottom of the aquarium, it will release tannis which can lower the pH level of your fish tank water. The tannins will also cause the color of your water to get a lot darker. This can give your aquarium a very cool, natural look. We recommend rinsing the coco peat in water before placing it in the aquarium to avoid your aquarium water from getting too dark. An aquarium with near black water can make it hard for your fish to swim, and hard for you to see your fish. Coco peat also has natural mycorrhizae in it. This can help your aquarium plants grow if you have some. For this reason, coco peat is sometimes used as a soil conditioner.
If you do plan on using coco peat in your planted aquarium, it is important that you keep a close eye on your aquarium for the first week or two. You should test the water chemistry often, and also observe the behavior of your fish. If they have sudden changes in behavior or lack of movement, you should probably remove the coco peat. You should know that after 2-3 weeks, the color of the aquarium water will lighten up a little bit.
