driftwood question

[Lady G]

I read in a thread about driftwood it makes your water more acidic, if my water is already acidic should I opt for the fake driftwood :huh: . I do not have driftwood yet, but am in the process of ording plants, substrate, and wanted driftwood but after I read that I just wondered if it would be safe for me.

BTW my acidic level usually reads between 6.2 - 6.8 when I test my water.

Thank you

Gin

 

[kcooley]

just boil it for 2-3 hours... it will release all of the tanins and those are what makes your water yellow and acidic

 

[Genral72]

I make my own driftwood. The safest way to do it is
1. boil the driftwood for 20 minutes
2. dump water
3. repeat steps 1 and 2 until water no longer turns brown
This should be done to all driftwood no matter where it came from
If Driftwood is too large to be boiled
1. Put driftwood in water
2. dump water when it turns brown
3. repeat steps 1 and 2 for 3 weeks
The first procedure is preferred but sometimes it is just not possible.
Well good luck

that should do it. As kcooley said this will release the tannin which is acidic.

 

[Lady G]

ok, thanks so much!!

 

[midnightmadman]

Dift wood

When you make your own, what kind of wood should be used??? and how do you know its ok?
I want to make my own for my 90gallon tank