[KatSea]

So about a week ago I added a nice piece of drift wood. I had it soaking in a plastic been cause I had found it in a friends yard. Ive soaked if for about 3 to 4 weeks before putting it in I also scrubbed it with a dish washing brush (no soap or cleaning products of course). After putting it in I notice my water had slowly turned kinda yellow. Its been like this for a week is there anything I can do to clear it up? I have none 2 water changes since I added it

 

[AbbeysDad]

Wood can leach tannins for a very long time. There are products that can clear the water (e.g. Carbon, Purigen, Bio-chem Zorb), but water changes will also work. However, it sounds like you need to remove the wood and soak it longer.

 

[KatSea]

Will it harm the fish if I leave it in there?

 

[AbbeysDad]

Will it harm the fish if I leave it in there?

It's my understanding that although the water can become tea colored from driftwoods and may have an off appearance (certainly not crystal clear) it is not harmful to fish.

 

[JDM]

No it doesn't harm the fish. If you look at the water that the fish are native to, it is often very dark. I boiled my driftwood for hours and hours and poured off some nasty tea water that you couldn't see more than a few inches through. After 9 weeks it still tints the water. I doubt that it will stop any time soon.

Larger water changes will keep it clearer but I think that it will reach a point where the water will not darken further.

If you want the driftwood, embrace the water colouring... otherwise you need to go with fake wood or rocks.

Jeff.

 

[KatSea]

I really don't have a problem with the color. My biggest thing is just will it harm the fish or the plants. That is my biggest concern

 

[stephenhelsel]

not trying to hijack but quick question....

i also just purchased a new piece of driftwood from when i was on vacation. i found a fish shop that carried it. none of of the ones by my house carried it.. good find.

i began soaking it last nigh. after soaking for a week or two will the wood stop floating to the top or will i have to weight it down to keep it at the bottom of the tank?

thanks

 

[JDM]

not trying to hijack but quick question....

i also just purchased a new piece of driftwood from when i was on vacation. i found a fish shop that carried it. none of of the ones by my house carried it.. good find.

i began soaking it last nigh. after soaking for a week or two will the wood stop floating to the top or will i have to weight it down to keep it at the bottom of the tank?

thanks

What kind of wood is it? Mopani or Malaysian don't float... normally. I expect that if it floats now you will have to weigh it down. If it's big enough you could drill out the back and fill the holes with sand or something. Eventually it could get water logged enough to sink. Perhaps try boiling it for a while, that will speed up the water logging process if it is close to sinking now.

Jeff.

 

[KatSea]

I have mine floating . I kinda like it floating and the fish seem to like it to. But its all in what you like

 

[stephenhelsel]

i will have to call them and find out what type of wood it is........first time buying drift wood.....

got all excited when i found it and just bought it without asking questions.......oops

 

[MoneyMitch]

I really don't have a problem with the color. My biggest thing is just will it harm the fish or the plants. That is my biggest concern

No it will not harm fish or plants