Driftwood & pH

Chenell

AC Members
Jan 27, 2003
50
0
0
Denver, Colorado, USA
I am setting up a new 60 gal Cichlid tank.

I understand they need a pH around 7.5 - 8. I would like to use a large piece of natural driftwood as a centerpiece. I know that it tends to lower the pH of the water.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks to keeping the pH stable? Or should I forget the driftwood altogether?

Thanks for any imput you may have. :)

P.S. This is a brand new setup. I do not have anything other than the tank and the stand atm.
 
I have driftwood in all my cichlid tanks. Any drop in pH is more than offset by coral, either as a substrate or in canister filters. Unless you are into some very specific breeding requirements, a stable pH is better than a specific one. Do not use chemicals to try to get the pH where you have been told it should be.

What is the pH of your tap water. (use a sample that has set out in a shallow dish at least overnight)
 
I've found that keeping DW in my tank not only lowered the ph but some how kept it stable. JME.
I'd go with driftwood anyway, aesthetically it's a nice addition and a lot of fish benefit from the released tannins as well. Good luck with your new set up!!
 
What cichlids do you plan on having?
 
AquariaCentral.com