What gives? Driftwood STILL coloring water

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fawkes027

AC Members
Aug 23, 2007
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Greetings folks!

I had this great idea some weeks ago that I wanted to put some driftwood into my 46g aquarium to make it look more natural. I read up on a few topics on here in regards to it needing to be soaked for a bit, etc. in regards to the wood's natural tannins.

However... after over a week of soaking in a bucket with fresh water chagnes daily, the wood is still discoloring the water to a degree where the water is a dark amber color.

I've been running a filter with carbon in it the last few days, to see just what the water would look like in my tank. Ugh. It's just as dark as it was over a week ago when I started this whole soaking process.

Have I done something wrong? Is there anything I can do? Did I buy the wrong kind of wood (mopani)?

Thanks!
 
It just takes time. Even after soaking mine stained the water too, just let it be for a bit then do water changes as normal. It will clear up eventually.
 
I actually prefer the tannins. You can try boiling it, but one of the effects of using natural driftwood is the natural effects of the tannins. ALot of fish have better coloration in a tank with natural tannins
 
It takes time, I have a very large piece of driftwood in my 80gal, and the wood is still discoloring the water after 4months. But water changes and carbon will clear up the color and help to contain it, if you dont like that natural look.
 
I have a few peices of wood including mopani that are still leaching tannins after a few years of being in my tank, i quiet like it so it doesn't bother me.
Using carbon in your filter will help remove the tannins but you will have to replace it every week.
 
I have heard that purigen is the best thing to remove tannins.
 
247Plants said:
I have heard that purigen is the best thing to remove tannins.
Click to expand...

I prefer Purigen, because you can regen it about 6-8 times, and its alot nicer to ferts in a planted tank over carbon.
 
don't worry about it??

I love the look that tannins impart in the water.
 
There are many commonly kept fish which come from waters naturally high in tannins. I personally think it's as much part of the natural look as the wood itself.
 
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