Re: [Killietalk] Re-use of peat

["Tim Addis" <timaddis at killifish_force9.co.uk>]

> Another point that has not (yet) been mentioned, and which may have 
> absolutely no basis in real fact, is this.  As peat is used and reused, I 
> would assume that it "decomposes" some, or at least falls apart into a 
> finer and finer grain of peat.  This in turn, I would think, make it pack 
> closer together and not allow as much oxygen to the eggs when put into 
> storage.  I could buy this as at least hindering egg success from reused 
> peat.  The more times you reuse, the less effective the peat would be. 
> Any opinions on whether or not this makes sense?  whether there could be 
> any validity?

I think Scheel in 1968 originally introduced us to peat to keep Killies. No 
peat in West Africa, only mud, sand & leaf litter. The reason embryos hatch 
is due to oxygen being suddenly cut off. Aerobic conditions suddenly 
changed. Killie eggs are unique in not all taking up the call to hatch, 
something quite unique.
Lack of oxygen to developing embryo's is fatal. Oxygen depravation & 
diapause state is an interesting study.
Scheel found peat a useful stop gap solution to the problem of breeding & 
keeping eggs alive. We need to look at leaf litter or other natural media 
which is easily sustained. Peat takes a long time to form & biotopes are 
destroyed to harvest it. How can we call ourselves conservationists when we 
take part in habitat destruction?

               Tim 

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