Driftwood in Axolotl tank? Also Lunar Lights?

Hello everyone,
I've recently become fascinated with axolotls and decided to set up an extra 20 gallon long tank for some axie friends. The tank is currently cycling. Don't worry, I'm no beginner to aquaria and I'm being responsible with this endeavor by reading as much literature on these salamanders as possible. This forum has been tremendously beneficial.

Anyway, looking at all the axolotl tank set ups on this forum I noticed that there is never (or rarely) any driftwood in the aquarium. Any particular reason? Are you afraid it might lower the pH?

Also I have a pair of Current Lunar Lights for my community tank and was wondering if it would be ok to get some for my new axolotl tank? I really like the cool night time effect and I figured it would be fine because the light is not over powering.

Hrm, interesting point that not too many people use driftwood. Myself, I have 5 pieces (4 large, 1 medium) in only 2 axolotl tanks. I don't see it lowering the pH (from leaking tannins) a noticeable amount. Maybe because I have hard water to buffer?

Anyway if you soak the driftwood for a week in warm water and change the water daily. At the end you should see the water is more or less colorless and so you can safely assume the leaking of tannins is going on at a very slow rate. If not, soak some more

In my experience it's safe to use and nothing beats the aesthetics of driftwood with plants growing out of it in my opinion. It's an instant centerpiece.

As for lunar lights, I have no experience but I know some people here use it. So perhaps they will comment on it.

I have driftwood in mine too - Petrie loves hiding behind it.

X

As long as it is not cedar, pine or oak, driftwood is not really an issue when prepared as described above.

Personally I use poplar, cottonwood, and aspen driftwood in my tanks without issue.

Thanks for the input. I found a really cool piece over the weekend and it's been soaking since sunday night. Can't wait to put it in and finish my tank! I'm sure I'll post pictures.