Floating wood

[jeff]

I was going to put this nice pice of birds eye maple in the tank with my c.o, but i wasn't 100% sure about the whole wood thing. what types are not safe? I pressure washed this old piece of maple and then washed it again in really hot water, but still wan't sure. Whats the word on wood?

 

[jeff]

Whats "tanins"

and I heard it will lower ph from one person, but raise it from another. Who can field this one?

 

[ester]

Here is some general info on tannins:
http://www.braintan.com/barktan/2tannins.htm

this also seems like a useful link:
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/driftwood.php

 

[stipe]

i pretty sure it lowers ph

 

[edward]

Tannins are weak organic acids that can lower the pH.
I have used maple in with aquatic animals but it takes awhile before it will sink.

Ed

 

[stipe]

sound gud, give it a try if you cant get anything proper to lower ph

 

[jeff]

Thanks, I still haven't put the wood back in, I don't think she likes it, I find that she will only sit on her rock all day above water, she went to the wood once, but that was for about 20 minutes. After he near death experiance, she is totally avoiding the water. Probably has a phobia. Anyhow, thanks for the advice, and especially from Ed, we all should be thanking our lucky stars we have him around.

(Message edited by newtsrfun on September 27, 2005)