Driftwood Problem?

[DN328]

I have had two "XL" pieces of Malaysian driftwood in my tank for over a year now. Recently, I've noticed areas on one of the pieces covered in black. I'd say it reminds me of being burnt piece of wood. I'm going to try to scrub it off during my next water change. The driftwoods were LFS bought and I boiled them in a large pot prior to introducing to my tank a year ago.

My water parameters are fine (0, 0, ~10ppm nitrate). Been doing some reading, but nothing definitive. Appreciate if anyone could educate me on what this is, and how to address, if anything? I'll try to take a snapshot tomorrow. Again, reminds me of burnt wood or tar on wood. Thanks.

 

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

Does the tank smell in any way? Try pressing your fingernail into the wood, if it leaves a very noticeable mark then it's softwood and should be tossed, if it leaves a slight mark and your tank doesn't smell then it's just aging.

 

[DN328]

Appreciate the response, Mike. I'm doing a water change later this week (it's a 260 gallon) and will do that. By "softwood" do mean it's rotting? My point for using Malaysian driftwood was that it was intended for this purpose. I'd be disappointed if it's rotting already since it's a hardwood.

The tank doesn't have any unusually odor, so fingers cross.

 

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

If the tank doesn't smell at all then I wouldn't worry about it, Malaysian driftwood is known for turning darker once it's fully water logged.

 

[smitty03281964]

If it is soft and you have plecos I would probably leave it in.