Driftwood rotting??

[BlueKiller82]

Hello all,
I have three very nice pieces of driftwood in my 180 gallon tank. I have noticed when i clean the tank if i touch the driftwood it falls apart very easily, almost flakes like paint. Is this ok for the tank or should I throw them out and get new ones, Ive had them for a few years. unless there is a way to clean them up.

Suggestions welcome.

Thanks!!!

 

[fishbait912]

i would like to know too. mine are like that. it doesnt seem to bother the fish or anything.

 

[tyl089]

As long as it's already cured, it's fine. If you have plecos, they will do the job for you by actually eating on the drift wood, and getting their roughage. It's main reason why I have drift wood in my tank.

the stuff that's falling out will be taken out by water changes, and sucked out through filter. Your drift wood will then be left with a hard core and that can last for years.

I did my own drift wood like over ten years ago, and still in the tank. most of it though has been gnawed away by the plecos, or disentegrated from age.

 

[japes]

You'll find this is quite common, specifically with certain types of wood. These flakey or soft pieces are also the most likely to get the white fuzz on them which I believe is anaerobic bacteria calling it home.

I wouldn't be concerned.

 

[BlueKiller82]

Thanks for the response. Do you get alot of brown algae growth on your driftwood as well? All three of mine have it.

 

[BushFishRox]

I find that with the "drift wood" you can buy at big al's I had a log I got from them for about 2 years and it snapped in half very easily. I have read and heard that the wood that big als and such sells isnt actual drift wood, which is why I have decided to stick to plastic driftwood...

 

[tyl089]

yup, i def do have some brown algae growing on the drift wood, but it's just more food
for the plecs.