Driftwood - life in tank & harbors debris

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

sushiray

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 11, 2009
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new windsor/cormwall, ny
72gal BF discus juvie bare-bottom plant-less tank

I have a 16" piece nice shape & nooks & hollow out shoots. it does get some fuzzy growth which some discus pick at.

what is avg. life of having one in one's tank? when should they be removed/replaced? should they be treated/maintained, how?

I did have to do one scrubbing when I had my brown algae/diatom bloom.

of course if I see major deterioration discoloration or major fungal attack I would take it our immediately.

I have had mine since June. little chips fall off when I move it around when I vac. but otherwise looks like in good condition - I would hope it can last a long time.

also, as I have bare bottom tank so makes it so much easier to clean & vac. but just now when I moved the driftwood around to vac, I didn't realize how much crud can be harbored inside. Now have to remember to shake it out in the tank or rinse it out in the sink to remove all the debris.

thks all
 
I have driftwood that has been in constant use for 10 years...

Although not all driftwood is cerated equal... hardwoods work much better and last much longer than softwoods...
 
I get rid of mine when I can easily stick a fingernail deap into it. When it starts to feel spongy its time to go.
 
:iagree: If chunks of wood are just falling off it may be time to replace it, or if you can push your nail into it and its all mushey, prob ought to keep your eyes peel'd for a new peace of DW to replace it with. I would deff stick to hard wood as nc_nutcase mentioned it has a much longer lifespan.
 
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