Is it ok to take out old decorations and put in driftwood? does this affect this fish because of a change in surroundings? let me know if this isn't a bad idea or if it is ok to do
Re decorating tank
- Thread starter dontburnthe_pig
- Start date
With respect to beneficial bacteria it would be fine. Although some bacteria colonize the decorations most of the bacteria is in the filter and the sand so taking out the decorations wouldn't have any inpact in that way. Most aquarium fish like a change in their surroundings (well mine do anyway).
If you are collecting the driftwood from the wild make sure it is from a clean water source and treat it beforehand (by boiling and soaking). Even if you get it from your LFS I would still treat it.
Driftwood may gradually decrease the pH (make the water more acidic), just be prepared for this. Also some driftwood may release tannins into the water (totally harmless, beneficial to some fish but it makes your water go a 'tea colour'). Boiling and soaking should remove all tannins (most of the time).
I have driftwood in all my tanks, it makes them look a lot more natural and the fish love it.
If you are collecting the driftwood from the wild make sure it is from a clean water source and treat it beforehand (by boiling and soaking). Even if you get it from your LFS I would still treat it.
Driftwood may gradually decrease the pH (make the water more acidic), just be prepared for this. Also some driftwood may release tannins into the water (totally harmless, beneficial to some fish but it makes your water go a 'tea colour'). Boiling and soaking should remove all tannins (most of the time).
I have driftwood in all my tanks, it makes them look a lot more natural and the fish love it.
In addition to the above, redecorating can affect any territories that have been established. Depending on what fish you are keeping, the number of them and size of tank, along with male/female ratios, this may not be an issue though.
Er, probably not. If anything, real rock might make the water more basic. Leached minerals into the water increases alkalinity which in turn increases PH. But I don't think it happens on a scale that is worth worrying about.
However, putting in a piece of driftwood will lower the PH, as driftwood releases tannins and such into the water. You can minimilize the effect by boiling it or letting it sit in a bucket of water, change the water every few days until the water runs clear
However, putting in a piece of driftwood will lower the PH, as driftwood releases tannins and such into the water. You can minimilize the effect by boiling it or letting it sit in a bucket of water, change the water every few days until the water runs clear