Driftwood

[rick]

I picked up this large driftwood "branch" from a petland. It looks real cool, and was wondering if its ok to have the wood in water permanently. I'm wondering if the wood will decay in the water and harm the newts.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[anthony]

The wood will naturally lower your PH.It is ok to use it just keep in mind that your PH is being lowered faster than if you did not have it in there.If you keep up with your maintaince you should be fine.Make sure you soak it in a bucket or tub first though before putting it in your tank.A lot of times "new" driftwood tends to bleed.It could take several weeks of daily 100% water changes to get past the bleeding phase.

 

[rick]

Thanks man. I tend to do a 70% water change every week. Hopefully this will be good enough.