Driftwood Prep. Question

willsher

AC Members
Dec 13, 2006
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This morning I picked up a piece of Malaysian driftwood for my rubberlip Pleco (I could not find Bogwood). The LFS assured me the type I purchased was the type they put in their aquariums for their plecs. Can someone tell me if it is true that this type is sufficient and also can some one tell me how to properly prepare the wood before I place it in my tank.

Thanks
 
If the wood can fit into a pot large enough to boil it just put it in there and boil the wood for awhile. If it doesn't fit just put it into the bathtub and pour very hot/boiling water over the wood. Then I soaked my wood in my utility sink. Do this until the tannis has stopped leaching from the wood (makes a yellowish tint in the water) . For me, this only took a few hours but it can take a week or more. Make sure you change the water once the temperature begins to drop.
 
bog wood, malysian wood, african wood - as long as it is labelled for aquarium use, it will be fine.

you can just rinse the wood and put it in the tank, or you can boil it, or you can boil it and soak it for several days. most wood puts out tannins, which will discolor the water as if you've poured a pot of tea into the tank. it's not harmful although it may lower your Ph a bit. the more you boil and soak the wood, the more tannins will come out before it goes into the tank. it's up to you. if you want it in the tank asap, water changes and carbon will help remove the color. keep in mind though that a lot of fish species from blackwater rivers (south america and aia as well, i believe) will do fine in the darker water. it makes lighting less harsh and allows flourescent colors (like on neon tetras) to really pop out.
 
The packaging did say that the tannins were harmless to fish and I don't think I would mind some discoloration for awhile. I think i'm going to boil it for a short while and get it into my tank so that the pleco can take advantage of it asap.

Thanks all.

Any other advice for caring for Plecs? I had one that passed due to a screw up with my heater getting unplugged overnight. I don't want the same to come of this guy.
 
feed veggies like zucchini, spinach, or frozen (thawed) peas.
 
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