A Few Questions.

[Cougs]

First of all I would like to say hey to all you planted tank enthusiasts and thanks for helping me if you do.

Well first of all I see all your cool aquariums with nice big pieces of woof that look really good.
Were do you get this wood from?

Every piece of good wood I find has heaps of tanan in it. What is the best way to get the tanan out of it?

• Also pebbles those big beutiful pebbles that are smooth and round and kinda grey in colour. Were do you get those from?
  Also what is the best gravel for plants?
  What is the best lights for growing plants?

Thanks to anyone who helps me out.

 

[Rodders]

I got my wood from the LFS which they sold me out of their big tanks, so it was pre leached. It will stop leaking tanins after a while, you could soak it more in a bucket, or even boil it if you can. That helps it to leak tanins quicker.
My large smooth rocks I got from a garden centre and the big pebbles I got from the LFS.

 

[Cougs]

I got my wood from the LFS which they sold me out of their big tanks, so it was pre leached. It will stop leaking tanins after a while, you could soak it more in a bucket, or even boil it if you can. That helps it to leak tanins quicker.
My large smooth rocks I got from a garden centre and the big pebbles I got from the LFS.

Newb to the forums here.. What is LFS?

EDIT: Now I know what it means... Local Fish Shop.
Thanks.

 

[WendyinWichita]

In the US there are two main types of wood. "driftwood" which can be from Louisiana seems to be already leached, and in most cases comes attached to a piece of thin slate. It floats even after soaked so the slate is necessary to keep it anchored. The other type is the African Bogwood. (it may have other names, but that is what is on the label here) that is a much darker heavier wood. The African does not need slate because it sinks, but the down side is that is has lots of tannins in it. I do weekly water changes, so the tea color goes away after about a month. The tannins don't hurt the fish, just aesthetically changes the color of things. For the rocks, granite rocks are available at any nursery (plant nursery) here in the US. They (rocks) are used for landscaping. River rocks which are also smooth can be picked up on a hike. Do be careful however because some rocks will leach minerals into the water.

I picked up a couple of granite rocks at a hotel while I was working once.

 

[Cougs]

Yeah thanks man, Ill find the fish tank with the wood I like in it.