20 Gal Freshwater to driftwood or not...

[Chris1075]

Hello all...

I am just seeking some information and comments about expanding my aquarium. As my post say's, I have a 20 gallon freshwater tank, with some java fern, money wart, cabomba for plants. I have 3 bleeding heart tetra's 3 golden long tail tetra's and 3 turquoise guppies. 1 golden mystery snail and 1 red clawed crab.

I was told that the crab need to be out of the water at times and that driftwood would be a good choice. Hence the reason I am looking into getting some driftwood. (the plants I have would also like the drift wood)

I have read posts from here and other sites that it tends to leave the water a brownish colour. The pictures I have seen have shown both clear water and brown water. So it leaves me to question, are the pictures I have seen with clear water real driftwood or some type of resin. Or are they real driftwood in a tank with someone who is experienced with driftwood and keeping the water clear. ( my hope is the later and is willing to pass on that knowledge to me)

Also which driftwood would be the better to purchase. African Mopani or Malaysian.

Thanks

 

[NickAu]

All new bog wood will leach tannins ( thats the brown water ) this is actually good for the fish, I use Indian Almond leaf Adler cones and peat moss to make my water go yellow, Its called black water.

Some people boil drift wood to get rid of the tannins I find this a waste of good tannins,

 

[dascrow]

Welcome to the forum @Chris1075