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Such a thing as too much wood in aquarium

5K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  Cow1200 
#1 ·
Hey guys, just in the process of fishless cycling my first tropical fish aquarium (93ltr, 3ft long). Which seems to be going along nicely. I've also bought a couple of pieces, around 12 inches in length, of mopani wood which I've had soaking for the last week or so, so my question is really is there such a thing as too much wood in a tank? I'm unsure if it would take up too much space in the tank and should maybe just use one.... Perhaps a stupid question for some but hopefully someone can give me some insight! Thanks in advance 🤘
 
#2 ·
It really just depends on the aquascape you're going for, the shape of the pieces, and your creativity. a few well-placed large pieces of wood can create excellent depth, as well as an interesting environment for the fish. just piling it randomly in the middle - sure, if you're going for a "bonfire" look :)

Also, don't forget that sometimes a large piece sticking out of the tank can also look amazing.

Are you planning to add live plants? In that case, you can get away with much more wood than you might think, as much of it will be in/under plant growth.
 
#3 ·
Well, you want some space for the fish. But no, many fish species enjoy having a lot of hardscape, particularly smaller fish, catfishes/plecos and bottom dwellers!
 
#4 ·
Cheers for the answers guys, as I'm still cycling I've put both peices in with some live plants. Looks not too bad, unsure if it's leaving enough surface area on the bottom but I'll leave them in for now. Seems to be an eternity waiting for nitrites to drop. Thanks again 👍
 
#5 ·
You really need to take into consideration the type of fish you are planning on keeping as well. Driftwood is an essential part of some plecos diets. They actually need it to aid in digestion. My little clown pleco spends nearly all her time rasping on driftwood.

On the other hand if you are planing on keeping hard water, African rift lake cichlids you really should keep driftwood out of the picture and go more with rock work instead as driftwood will make the water more acidic and lower the PH.

I keep bettas, tetras, South American & West African cichlids so the more driftwood the better in my tanks!
 
#7 ·
Mike is right, a lot of wood will likely lower the pH (unless you have a lot of buffer from hard water minerals). Low pH can slow or stall the nitrogen cycle. It might be advisable to get your cycle established before adding the wood.

Unless you have lots of plants, in which case the cycle is secondary.

Tetra Safestart is an easy way to get rid of nitrite and speed-up the cycle.
 
#8 ·
Hi hallyx, I'm keeping an eye on the ph after a drop earlier in they cycle. Plant wise I've put in some java fern and Amazon swords just now but very minimal. I did try api quick start at the beginning but just letting it run its course now. Nitrites have been lowering and nitrates rising so the there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to everyone for the advice. The mopani wood doesn't take up as much of the tank as I thought and I'm pretty happy with it.
 
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