Is This Safe For The Aquarium?

[supaman900s]

Grapevine from PetCo

I first tried to put it into my tank and it floated so i have been soaking it in water for about a week now changing the water every other day.When i change the water it has a Brown tint to it. I am afraid that if i put the Wood into my tank it will tinge my water. How long does it take to get the wood to stop turning the water color? I am not to concerned with the Floating part, because worse comes to worse i could always just secure it down with a few rocks.

Thanks everyone

 

[Themuleous]

That wood should be fine, the brown colour is due to the wood leaking a chemical called tannin. Its a complete natural product that leaches out of most wood when put in water. Its complete harmless to fish, plants and shrimp it'll just colour the tank water. Some people even add it to get the brown colour effect (black water extract.)

It could take months for the wood to stop leaching, over which time it gradually gets less and less as you do the regular water changes. I have some in a tank that's been leaching for over a year, so it can take time! But its nothing to worry about

Sam

 

[supaman900s]

How discolored does it make the dank look? Could you show me a pic of your tank?

Thanks, Chris

 

[spankone]

i add a bit of mopan last week and its fine turned the water a yellowish more than brown, if you pour boiling water over it for a few days then you'll soon lose that tannin

 

[Themuleous]

Its almost gone now so little point posting a pic, but to start with it looked like tea!

Sam

 

[Bozza]

Does most wood that are found in river beds ok for tanks? Wat other things should be done to it to make it useable? So soak in water for a few weeks and boil it? Sorry for hijacking the thread. Thanks in advance.

Torrens

 

[Themuleous]

If its come from a river bed chances are it'll have leached most of the tannis. To get it ready for the tank I would soak it for a few weeks, then if you're able boil or bake it for a few hours to kill anything that might be in it.

Sam