When Is Driftood Safe?

[onidrase]

I went and got 2 pieces of driftwood for the aquarium yesterday. I've started the soaking process and such. I'm really looking forward to adding it in and replacing all the tacky plastic. I guess I'm being impatient, though.

I've been soaking both pieces the utility sink, changing the water every time it goes cold. I've scrubbed the pieces down well and removed any gunk that would fall off in the aquarium, but I'm still getting plenty of tannins leeching out into the sink water.

At what point will it be safe to add in the wood? Thanks much.

 

[fishprotector]

The tannins are not harmful to the fish, they just colour the water. Technically, the wood is safe now. It just depends on if you like the tea coloured water or not.

 

[onidrase]

The tannins are not harmful to the fish, they just colour the water. Technically, the wood is safe now. It just depends on if you like the tea coloured water or not.

Don't they also really lower the pH, though? Wouldn't that cause pH shock?

 

[fishprotector]

It will only slightly lower it over time.