lowering the pH/KH with peat granules?

Hello! I need to lower the pH quick, and I was wondering if adding black peat to the tank would do this...Well, actually, i've read that it will, but what i'd like to know is, will it make my water all dark and foggy? Is there any way of safely lowering the pH whilst the fish are in there without (if it does) fogging up the water? I'm in a bit of a hurry with this, so if anyone can help, I would really appreciate it!
Thanks,
Felix

 

I think before anyone can help we'll need your pH reading? how high is it?

 

It's 8 at the moment. I have south american ram cichlids in there, and they need, I discover now :'(, pH 6.5, 7 at the most. They're not very happy! Neither am i! :-[

 

I would not try to lower your PH. Your Chichlids will get used to the PH. And DO NOT lower it fast!!! If you lower it more than .5 a day it could KILL your fish!! And a higher, stable PH is better than a fluctuating PH by trying to lower it to the right PH. My PH stays at 7.6 (sometimes a bit lower) and I have had NO problems. As long as you keep it at one PH, you should be fine.

 

Thanks man, this forum is really good... As I am really not very good at being chilled out about the fish! I can't help worrying! Now I know what my mother must feel like! Worry worry worry!
But what would REALLY ease my mind would be if you said that you had south american ram cichlids aswell with the pH you have. As pretty much everything ive read leads me to think they're going to die! Man... Just a little ray of hope would brighten my day!
Ps, if you can't say that you also have these fish at a higher pH, then don't worry, I can handle it!! lol

 

No I don't have Chichlids, but I have Ghost cats that are supposed to have a pH of 6.5 7.0. They are doing fine.

 

geeza!! That makes me feel much better!! Thanks a lot man, really appreciate some kind words of reassurance right now!
Thanks

 

Fish do best with a stable pH as opposed to one constantly changing.
Unless you are planning on breeding your rams, a slow ( lower it slowly by adding water within .2 pH of the current water) gradual lowering of pH to about 7 would be the course to take.
If you are planning to breed them, lower your pH to about 6.5 over the course of several months.

Dino