Driftwood?

[Meggie :)]

So we were out on the lake today at my grandparents' and my little sister found some really neat pieces of driftwood. I was just wondering if I could use those in my tank? If so, how do I clean it and what is the best way to make it stay on the bottom of the tank and not float? And also I have heard of certain wood causing problems in tanks. Will this driftwood do that?

 

[Fishy friend2]

ive always found cool drifwood and always wondered if i could put in tanks that would be so kewl

 

[Caprichoso]

So we were out on the lake today at my grandparents' and my little sister found some really neat pieces of driftwood. I was just wondering if I could use those in my tank? If so, how do I clean it and what is the best way to make it stay on the bottom of the tank and not float? And also I have heard of certain wood causing problems in tanks. Will this driftwood do that?

We would have to know what type of wood it was? As far as sinking it, you can put it in a tub of water, hold down with rocks until it gets water logged. Depending on the type it is and how big, it could take a few days or many weeks. To clean it, pour boiling water over it and scrub it with a bristles brush. (Don't boil it for hours over the stove though)Did I forget anything? Someone will chime in to add info if so.

Good luck

 

[Fyurae]

All the wood in my tanks is stuff I've found. I boil it if its small enough, or put it in the bathtub with boiling water and hot tap water. Scrub loose pieces off. Its hard to get it to sink if it's not already waterlogged. I usually strap it to a rock or piece of granite, or just wedge it under the tank frame or put a rock on top. It will most likely discolor your water, but that's normal and harmless. I think I read somewhere that wood can lower your PH a little, but I don't think its enough to worry about unless you specifically have to buffer your tank.

 

[Meggie :)]

Will it permanently discolor the water? Or just at the beginning?

 

[micko]

I cannot understand why people would boil wood?
I don't boil it, I soak it for a while, take it out, clean it and soak for longer changing the water regulary until the tannis has stopped.
This could take days, weeks or months.

Some people prefer the tannis of the wood and to be honest, it doesn't look too bad. Just make sure its well scrubbed and soaked.

 

[Fyurae]

I've found that boiling it helps to water log it, and get tannins out. Like putting a tea bag in hot water vs cold water. It's worked for me.

And Meggie, no, not permanently, but it can take a long time to get the tannins out, depending on the particular wood. For instance, my main tank has had this wood in it for going on 8 months, and there is still discoloration in the water. It's not very noticeable when viewing the tank, but when I go to do water changes it's apparent while in the white bucket.

 

[Meggie :)]

What is tannin?

 

[Fyurae]

A mild acid found it plant matter. It can alter your PH but if you are changing your water regularly its no concern.

 

[Aqua Tom]

What is tannin?

It is a product of the driftwood as it soaks. It will turn your water a slightly brown colour. Some people dont like it, while others, myself included, think it adds realism to the aquarium.

A mild acid found it plant matter. It can alter your PH but if you are changing your water regularly its no concern.

+1

I have said it many many times. Dont worry about the Ph, that will look after itself.



Tom.

 

[Meggie :)]

I do 10%-15% water changes weekly and 35%-40% water changes monthly...is that enough?