Quick Question On Mopani Wood

[foley69]

does it still need soaking in water as i am re-scaping my 33gal as it looks shabby and i just bought some mopani wood today and was wondering if it needs soaking or not

 

[tom_os]

i would put it in some water. if it coulours it give it a good soak. give it a wash as well

 

[foley69]

will do i just didnt know if it was like bog wood and needed soaking for a period of time think i might soak it for a week and change the water daily

 

[tom_os]

im not sure, never used it. but i guess its basically the same as other woods

 

[Aussie_Dog]

Mopani tends to be a BIG tannin leacher, as in they can release tannins for up to 6 months (according to one review I read about the various driftwoods). Tannins are good for the fish, but if you're concerned about your "shabby" tank having yellowy water... lol. Boiling it for a few days, or soaking it for a week or two (changing out the water every day) helps accelerate the process of leaching, so by the time you put the wood in the tank, most of the tannins are gone. I boiled my one piece of mopani for 24 hours on the stove, then soaked it in a bucket for a few more days, and it was still leaching by the time I put it in the tank (I didn't care about leaching anymore, I just wanted to enjoy the darn piece of wood, lol)

 

[snowflake311]

YEAH mopani wood has lots of tannins. The smaller the chunk the less time it takes to be tank ready. I have a 2 foot long one and its been soaking for a month and a half and still leaking tannins like crazy. Also this wood gets a fungus on it sometimes once put in the tank. It's a pain in the butt to soak for months and have to change the water everday. But it is worth it in the end.

Yes you should soak it in HOT water for a few weeks.

 

[foley69]

right thanks ...i have a piece of bogwood in my 55 with my cichlids and my tank water has turned all tea colour i dont mind it and i know its safe for the fish but id rather not have it so al get soaking then