Tannin in drift wood?

[CTS]

Im soaking some pieces in a pail and it seems to be getting better, but not totaly going away. I was wondering that if it ever goes away completly? Thanks

 

[JamesTasker]

It will eventually. It won't harm the fish so as long as it will only tinge the water, I'd put it in the tank, the water will gradually clear with your water changes.

 

[Paul_MTS]

Just to clear it up....Tannins can not harm fish at all, alot of fish will prefer the water this way aswell.

 

[CTS]

oh good, i had it soaking in a big pail with hot water, then id change the water every 12 hrs or so. It seems to be getting better. Thanks for the replys

 

[jflowers]

I totally agree with Paul, most fish actually like it and it will eventually dissapear with regular water changes.

Jon

 

[Mr Miagi]

Agreed. My driftwood has been in my tank for a few good months now, and after alot of water changes, and cleaning with scrubbers etc, my water is clearing a little.

It looks more natural in my opinion anywyas.

Benny

 

[Teelie]

I just added a large piece to a 30 gallon that's been leaching. It's not too bad but I've had other, smaller pieces I got that have taken months to leach and still haven't finished yet. The large piece was bought at an LFS.

Here's a picture of it about 4 hours after it was added (Saturday).

And today, after another 20% water change and minor substrate change:

 

[CTS]

I just added a large piece to a 30 gallon that's been leaching. It's not too bad but I've had other, smaller pieces I got that have taken months to leach and still haven't finished yet. The large piece was bought at an LFS.

Here's a picture of it about 4 hours after it was added (Saturday).

And today, after another 20% water change and minor substrate change:

did you pre soak it first or just put it in the tank

 

[Teelie]

This was presoaked before when I bought it but obviously not all of hte tannins have come out. It's hard to find wood that will not leach tannins in my experience. My only gripe is the water makes it harder to see the fish, otherwise I'd prefer it to stay like this.

 

[Mr Miagi]

Boiling your pieces of wood i hear is a good way of removing alot of the tannins.

I also heard sumone on here put theres in the oven. LOL

But i let mine soak for atleast 2 months first.

If u hate tannnins or want to reduce the amount in your water...(alot by the look of those pics) use activated charcoal. It does the trick, but only for a little while!

Benny

 

[Teelie]

I have activated charcoal in there actually. It's only been one night so it hasn't had much time to work yet.

 

[r0b3y]

boiling the driftwood gets out the tannings alot quicker.. if your boil it for about 3hrs it should take alot out.. but not completly..
they say it makes the wood break down faster but the driftwood i have done it to seem to be fine and i have had them for 3 months!!
give it a try if you want a quick way out!!

r0b3y

 

[Teelie]

Unfortunately my piece is too big to boil although I have two smaller ones I may be able to boil. I've never boiled any wood. I thought I'd be patient and let mine soak out however that has taken months for these little ones.

 

[pahansen]

Some people do put their driftwood in the oven, but it's not done to get rid of the tannins. Usually it's because the driftwood is of questionable origin and these people are trying to kill off any bugs/parisites/whatever that might otherwise invade the tank.

An alternative to "baking" the driftwood is soaking it in a weak bleach solution, then rinsing and dechlorinating very well, but some people are hesitant to do this because they are afraid that they will never be able to remove all of the chlorine.

I'm not advocating doing either of these things -- putting the driftwood in the oven, in particular, can be very dangerous and can start a nasty fire. I'm just trying to clear up the confusion. The "Oven People" are not as nuts as you might originally think!

-- Pamela

 

[Blue Lobster]

My LFS petland discount had some presoaked pieces mounted on slate that only needed a week or two of daily water change pre-soaking in a can to leach out.