Driftwood

[Ember]

I bought a great piece of driftwood that I'm dying to add to my tank. I read that my pleco and cichlids will love it.

What I want to know is, how much does it really affect the water color.
Although if you tell me it's good for the fish then the appearance won't matter to me.
I thought I'd soak to reduce the tannins leaking into the tank water but I read that it can take months of soaking the wood and I don't have the patience for that.
I'm debating whether to soak it longer or just set it in there now.
Hmmmm....what to do...what to do

 

[Mr Miagi]

Letting it soak is a very long process, but thats what ive done in the past and it works for me. Boiling is another obtion, and increases the time taken to release tannins as they are released easier in warmer temps.

It can discolour your tank quite drastically, but some like it some dont.
Active charcoal is one method of removing tannins from your tank water if you dont have the patience to let it pre soak before adding it. Or frequent water changes should keep it in check. As for the health of your fish, it certainly shouldnt harm them in anyway, and some class it as beneficial.

EDIT: i must add: Clean it thouroughly before hand with a scruber of some sort. Like you use to clean dishes at home. Remove as much dirt and grime as you can before adding it too the tank. This does not recquire any pre soaking!

Drift wood adds a natural feel to your tank and is very good for plecs. I hope it makes your tank look very nice and goodluck!

 

[Ember]

Thank you for your help.
I just put it in and it looks lovely. There is a charcoal filter for this tank. I will eventually remove the charcoal for the sake of live plants but for now it'll help clear the water a bit.
Personally I don't mind the water being discolored a bit but most people who don't know about fish just think the tank is dirty.

 

[yvez9]

i've had driftwood for maybe 4 months in my tank, nothing leeched so i guess i was lucky

 

[wrs]

if you want a black water tank, you should let the color leak from the wood, as from wha Ive read that is what one is, correct me if Im wrong.

But if not boiling is good. There is a post about wood around the forum some where. In the pinned topic

 

[Ember]

The piece of wood went in last night and today it seems to be the hot happening spot in the tank.
My two rams used to each have a spot on the opposite sides of the tank (rock shelters). Today they've both been hovering around the driftwood. One seems to have claimed the tunnel/cave underneath and the other has taken the area behind it amongst the plants. They're practically shoulder to shoulder but both seem to be loving it.
I've already seen the pleco skimming around it. The tetras seem to like it too.
It's so fun to see my fishies so happy in there. D

I'm definitely getting another piece. An even bigger piece. I just love how it looks in the tank.