Do you ever need to replace old driftwood?

[FishBliss]

I've had two large pieces of Malaysion driftwood in my 29 gal for a couple of years now. How long can this wood stay in the tank before it should be replaced? Does it rot or decompose in a way that is harmful to the tank params? I've noticed that some thinner 'fingers' on the wood are developing large holes. I stick java ferns in there. At some point the 'finger' will break off. I've also noticed that if I scrape the wood it feels soft.

I've noticed that the ph in the "wooded" tank is higher than my other tank with rocks only. Does the wood do that?

You can find 1 ram, 2 shrimps and 2 bloodfin tetras in this pic. (not pictured: 4 cories, 3 more bloodfins, another shrimp and another ram)

 

[BioHazard]

Wood can be replaced if it starts to break down and get really messy, but it does not NEED to be replaced. However, it is likely the wood is raising the pH. What I might do, would be to remove the wood, take it outside and hose and scrape it off a bit. That will help to clean it up a little. If you have room, you could add something like a bristlenose pleco, which would LOVE to feast on the loose wood for you.

 

[FishBliss]

I would LOVE to own a bristlenose pleco, but this is only a 29 gal......that's too small, right?

 

[BioHazard]

I would LOVE to own a bristlenose pleco, but this is only a 29 gal......that's too small, right?

No way! I have a pair in my 25 gallon. Admittedly, MINE is a little tight. But you could definitely do a BN in there. What is the other stock?

 

[FishBliss]

4 julii cories (with plans to add 2 more)
5 bloodfin tetras (with plans to add 1 more -- one jumped out recently, found it on the floor)
2 Bolivian Rams
3 Japonica shrimp
wood
plants

 

[BioHazard]

Yeah, a BN would be fine in there. Look around locally, or I could even hook you up if you want a REALLY little one, lol. They are fun little fish.

 

[FishBliss]

how big do they get, eventually? I've seen huge plecos. Gorgeous, too, but huge. How is it you know of a REALLY little one?

And do they need to be in pairs or do they enjoy solitude?

(If it gets too big for the 29 I'll just *need* to buy a bigger tank - oh well - too bad for me.)

 

[FishBliss]

I asked you a silly question....I see from other posts that you have little BNs and other folks get them from you....

Der....

learn something new every day.

 

[BioHazard]

BNs get around 4 to 5 in in length. Mine are only REALLY little cause they are babies. They are fine on their own, or in male/female or female/female pairs, or in a breeding group with one male and several females. Males get a little rowdy to be together. A single BN or even a pair should not outgrow a 29, although bigger is always better.

 

[froggsong]

Wood lowers the pH, not raises it. It releases tannic acid into the water, making it softer.