Driftwood making tank smell

[AceofSpades]

I just set up a 29 gallon 3-4 weeks ago with a large peice of driftwood. I collect this driftwood and cleaned it well. Im pretty sure its starting to rot the outer layer is pretty soft and the water smells bad. Iv tested the water and the water test fine and is crystal clear. Iv been reading around and everyone says take it out but nobody seems to have a reason why you need to take it out. Does anyone have any bad experiences with leaving driftwood like this in the tank?

 

[Deaths Sting]

Things to try:

-Carbon
-Purigen
-boil the wood a few more times
-more water changes

 

[knifegill]

Or get a panaque to pare it down for you. More filtration needed, but he'd eat your softening wood for you as part of a complete breakfast.