Does Driftwood in my tank stop it from being really clear?

[Pinks]

HI,
My tanks have always been really clean but after i rearranged one and added driftewood to it all the water turns is a tepid brown colour, is this bad? my fish dotn seemed stressed but id really like my cichlid tank crystal clear again any suggestions?
Thanks

[mooman]

It's totally normal. The water should still be clear, just tinted brown. In a SA biotope tank I think it looks nice. The fish will not mind at all, and for some could even act as a spawning trigger.

[moesha]

it is just the wood leaching tannins into the water causing the discolouration. it isnt bad for the fish, maybe just to your eyes. you could try taking the wood out and boiling it a bit and water changes or just water changes alone and it will gradually get clearer. it will also lower your pH so you may want to keep an eye on that.

[Pinks]

Ok,thanks coz the driftwood is really nice i think lol and i didnt want to get rid of it.

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

Try adding fresh carbon to your filter, this should help remove the tannins.