New Driftwood

[water_baby83]

Also I was wondering, is your background a fabricated rockwork insert or a flat image background? I can't tell from my phone but either way it looks really good from what I can see. Hoping its a fab because those are always nice to see in tanks.

 

[SePPii]

Hey there. First, I'm replying from my phone, so I won't be able to comment as extensively as I might have otherwise (Pc in the hospital lol). That said, I only have a 3 inch screen in which I'm viewing the pix too. However, from what I can see, your tank looks like it is off to a great start. That's a nice piece of driftwood, where did you get it? I ask, because there are a few considerations when adding natural wood to an aquatic system. First, you want to make sure the wood has been cured. There are a few ways this can be done, but most often, it's allowed to dry completely for a period of weeks to allow any residual organisms, plant matter and bacteria/fungi to die off. Then it can be boiled to further sterilize, followed by being scrubbed down, and let to dry fully once more. One important thing is to make sure that the wood was never chemically treated or has had any sealants or conditioners applied as these can leach toxins into your tank. Treatments such as these are common in wood pieces made for decorative purposes and not intended for aquatic use with live plants/animals. As far as price is concerned, they vary, but for a piece that large, $30 isn't a price I'd be suprised to see. it really is a nice piece. Also, considering many states/beaches restrict the taking of natural woods now, largely limiting a hobbyist to what is commercially sold, I'd say you did well. have you considered removing the artificial plants and adding in live ones?

Hey thanks for the feedback! The wood is actually Malaysian Driftwood, mainly made for reptile tanks, but, I've used it before in previous tanks anfd never had any trouble out of it. I brought it home and washed it off with hot for about 10 minutes and put it in the tank. I've since added the fish and they seem to have no negative reactions to it. As far as the background, it is a fabricated rock styrofoam back ground. I bought it at Petland ( it was also made for reptile terrariums) but, I figured I'd try it out. I siliconed it in the tank about a month before I put water in it with aquarium safe silicone. The only real problem I am having with it is the seam in the middle where I took the two pieces and put them together. As far as live plants, I was interested in them, but, I have CA Cichlids and I'm afraid if I buy live plants they will rip them up and I would have wasted my money. Love to hear more from you, I am always open to others opinions, never know what you might get when you listen to what others have to say!