[MMAfish35]

I just got a nice piece of drift wood from the fish store, and it's putting a lot of tannins in my water. I read that it is good for Neon Tetra and Catfish, but can cause ph to drop to low levels. Is a weekly water change of about 15 to 20 percent enough to keep it at safe levels? I dont mind the color, I just don't want to lose any fish. I have neon tetras, cory cats, hillstream loach, and mini mexican crayfish and will be getting red cherry shrimp very soon. Thanks for any info.

Luke

 

[rexpepper651]

I just got a nice piece of drift wood from the fish store, and it's putting a lot of tannins in my water. I read that it is good for Neon Tetra and Catfish, but can cause ph to drop to low levels. Is a weekly water change of about 15 to 20 percent enough to keep it at safe levels? I dont mind the color, I just don't want to lose any fish. I have neon tetras, cory cats, hillstream loach, and mini mexican crayfish and will be getting red cherry shrimp very soon. Thanks for any info.

Luke

im not sure about the ph but after putting in two large peices i had soaked in very hot water for over a week my water still turned tea color and did not harm my fish one bit.

 

[Hallyx]

Tannins from Oak leaves, Katapa (IAL) or driftwood will lower your pH a little. Peat moss will lower it more. Neither is critical. Check it out for yourself.

 

[MMAfish35]

Ok sounds good, just wanted to double check.

 

[fish monger]

I just got a nice piece of drift wood from the fish store, and it's putting a lot of tannins in my water. I read that it is good for Neon Tetra and Catfish, but can cause ph to drop to low levels. Is a weekly water change of about 15 to 20 percent enough to keep it at safe levels? I dont mind the color, I just don't want to lose any fish. I have neon tetras, cory cats, hillstream loach, and mini mexican crayfish and will be getting red cherry shrimp very soon. Thanks for any info.

Luke

I would bump up the water changes to 30% in general, not just for the tannins. Some folks suggest 50%. I think 30% is a good healthy compromise.