African driftwood question

[aquarius]

it didn't come with any directions but i read you have to soak or boil it before adding it to the tank. anyone know which and for how long?

 

[rvm]

You can soak it, but don't have to. Basically, the wood will leech tanins into the water which are not harmful, and some people say are good for the fish. It will also lower your Ph a little. but most importantly it will turn your tank water brown and make it look like cold tea!!! That is why soaking is recommended.
A lot of people like this brown water look, but that is personal taste.
If the wood was bought from a fish shop then you'll probably be ok without boiling it, but it's worth doing anyway just to make sure there are no nasties in it. then soak it for as long as it takes for the water to be clear!!

 

[CFC]

You dont "have" to boil or soak the wood before using it but it will release a lot of tannins which will turn the water tea coloured if you dont. Some people like the tannin effect and some people dont, if you have any fish from the blackwater regions then they will certainly love it. If the wood has a lot of loose bits of bark and dust on it then a quick scrub in some dechlorinated water before adding it to the tank wouldnt hurt.

 

[aquarius]

ok thanks, do you know whar fish are from the blackwater region? and isn't the filter going to take care of the brownish color or is it going to stay for good?

 

[CFC]

The brown water will be diluted by water changes over time but depending on the size of the piece of wood it may leak tannins out for a few weeks, carbon will also remove the tannins if you use it in your filter.

Fish from blackwater regions are most south american characins (tetras) many catfish (corys and plec etc), south american dwarf cichlids (appistos) and many many more fish.

 

[Phantom Thief]

Just a little question. What about fish from non-blackwater regions? wiil it hurt them? And also, if there is too much tannins, will it kill fish?

P.T.

 

[CFC]

Too much tannin wont harm fish, it can only lower pH so far and then it levels out, i think pH 6 is about as far as it can go.
Fish that are not from blackwaters usually require a more alkeline pH and harder water so will not enjoy water with a lot of tannin present though if the pH and hardness isnt altered then just the dark coloured water will not bother them.