Water Colour?

[nelly3164]

hi, i am a complete beginner and have just got my first tank sorted, i added some nice pieces of mopani wood and the water colour has gone from crystal clear to a slight greeny/yellow colour is this normal?. thanks

 

[Marcos]

Probably from the wood, I think adding carbon to your filter system will sort it. Do you have any fish in there yet?

 

[Bloo]

Hi Nelly. That is entirely normal New wood often leach "tannins" for several weeks. This is not dangerous for the fish at all, so do not worry. Carbon will to some extent help to reduce this discoloration, but may not remove it entirely.

Many people soak their wood in a bucket or container for a few weeks. If doing so, it's best to change the water daily (in the bucket, not the tank!) and replace with hot water.
You may also try to boil it in a pot on the stove, but don't do so for more than 10 minutes or else the wood will start to disintegrate !
After boiling, let it cool down completely for a few hours (and rinse in cold water) before putting into the tank.

 

[nelly3164]

thanks guys, after looking around and seeing lots of pictures of tanks i see that some of them look the same as mine. thanks

 

[Marcos]

Thanks Bloozoo. I had read that carbon would help but having never used wood I can't speak from experience. I had read that the carbon may kill off any medication should you need to add it so it may be an idea to remove the carbon once it's done it's job.