Somehow missed this. It seems like you have peat on the ground? That is what I dont like as its extraction is environmentally destructive and it is quite impossible to clean the tank. However it is my opinion and there is only very little peat used for aquaristic purposes compared to other use. Using beech leaves, alder cones and Terminalia catappa leaves to acidify the water and get enough humic substances and tannins is probably more environment friendly. Just a note, no hard feelings 🙂