Driftwood Question

[new2tanks]

not to mention that tannins are a natural antifungal and can help prevent SOME common fish ailments.

Wow I had no idea.when i first started my tank and had some driftwood in there,i couldnt stand the brown tinge in the water.

I just soaked and boiled it like others have mentioned.

 

[wataugachicken]

i would not use any kind of sealant on the wood if you have plecos or other fish who might rasp at it and either ingest the sealant or break through to the wood.

 

[Marinemom]

I agree. Don't use a sealant on the driftwood. Plecos like to pick at it and it is good for their digestive system. Just boil and soak it and you should be good to go.

Marinemom

 

[Star_Rider]

how a piece of driftwood acts in your tank will vary on the species of wood the particular piece is.
some will have more tannin than others some will break down faster than others.
how much pH change you get from the wood is also relative to the species of wood you have.
if you have plecos as mention in other posts..don't seal the driftwood.

 

[robadk1]

Well that's all good to know, I appreciate the aid. How does one judge how fast a peice of wood is going to break down, I would imagine the harder the wood the slower it breaks down. What woods are commonly used, Native to the US lakes and rivers.

 

[lovejonesx]

I've had one beautiful driftwood that was sealed & over time the effects of the water on it still eroded the sealant & the driftwood started breaking down tremendously fast & fouled the water.

As a rule,...I stay away from sealed driftwood.

LJx