Shelly Tank - Wood?

[fishwatcher]

I've seen some people have wood in their shell-dweller tanks. What kind of wood is that? I know the normal driftwood I have brings the ph down a little, so surely it isn't that kind, right?
Thanks!

 

[Teelie]

It's what I use. It won't lower the pH by much and most shellies don't seem to mind it. In fact I have a shellie that lives under the wood.

 

[fishwatcher]

Really? Well now.... I wonder if I should add a piece to my about-to-be shellie tank. Technically it's already in there, but the last of my fish are going to be moved out soon. I guess I could keep it in there to mix in with the tufa/lace rock?

 

[Teelie]

You could, just make sure to have a lot of room for shells and some open space for them to pick around in as well. Do you have sand or gravel substrate? Sand, virtually any kind, will work best as they love to dig.

 

[fishwatcher]

Yep, it's got sand, about 1-1/2". There will lots of shells as well as a tufa/lace rock wall in the center of the tank for the julidochromis. The pair of brevis will be on one side, and the multis on the other. I think since there isn't any wood found in their natural habitat that I'll leave it out though.
Thanks for the help!!