how should I stop driftwood from discoloring my water?

[dereks]

Hey how long do you guys think I should boil my driftwood to prevent discoloration when I put it in my tank?
Any other tips?

 

[cellodaisy]

I'm not sure it matters much how long you boil it, but it might be a good idea to boil it a few times, using fresh water each time. You can also put a bunch of carbon in your filter when you add the wood to your tank to help remove any tannins that are left to leach out.

 

[Wingate2581]

Boil several times for best results.

 

[Druu]

Sometimes boiling alone will not do it. Soak for a while afterwards. I've been soaking mine for about 3 and a half months. It still leaches tannins out, but a lot less than it did originally.

 

[Mexican Racoon]

I bleached mine in a cooler full of water outside. Two bleach baths. Three rinse baths, then some quality time in the sun.

 

[Star_Rider]

depending on the wood. tannins may leach for years.

I personally don't worry about it.

 

[thebrandon]

Pre soak the wood for a very long time, or use carbon in your filters. The carbon will help to reduce the tanans.

 

[edh]

Submerge in boiling water, let sit and change water daily until water comes clear. Like making tea with the same tea bag over and over again unit no more tea.

 

[PDX-PLT]

The discoloration is the driftwood's way to telling you to increase the frequency of your water changes.

 

[thebrandon]

driftwood can change a tanks water color in a few hours to a few days...