Maintaining pH (Driftwood)

[Vitaliy]

I am posting way too much about driftwood lately. I see so many of you have freshwater tanks with driftwood in them, which looks great, since the driftwood lovers the pH how do you bump it back up?

 

[pl*co]

I have read a few posts around here that mention adding coral or shells will do the trick. I tried it myself and it works. Cuttlebone (for pet birds) will help also. It comes at a cost though, if you are trying to keep plants in an optimum environment (the carbonate hardness will increase, as well as increase the PH). Partial water changes are a quick fix.

 

[L046]

I have tons of huge driftwood in my pleco tank and yes they still leech out huge amounts of tanins even I had them for almost a year. I will really need to do a water change at least a week if not you'll see tea colour soon after 1 week.