tannins from drift wood questions??

[keller54]

hi is tannins harmful to fish and what are the effects of it on an established tank??
thanks!

 

[outlaw15w]

no its not harmful

 

[Cichla Addict]

It lowers ph

 

[keller54]

would u say its ok to put it straight in a tank

 

[dookie]

depends what kind of wood.

 

[keller54]

malaysian driftwood

 

[Cichla Addict]

When I added driftwood to my tank I soaked it in water and boiled it first to get rid most of the tannins. My aquarium still got that weird tea colored stain water look though and the ph change slightly but overall everything was fine. Personally I would say its okay as long as you boil it first. I would take caution on fish that are more sensitive to changes in water chemistry. I have no idea if the type of wood would really matter...

 

[andyjs]

How soft is your water? If it is very soft, it could cause a pretty big pH swing. If you have hard water, it is probably enough of a buffer that the pH won't do much.

 

[Fat Homer]

When I added driftwood to my tank I soaked it in water and boiled it first to get rid most of the tannins. My aquarium still got that weird tea colored stain water look though and the ph change slightly but overall everything was fine. Personally I would say its okay as long as you boil it first. I would take caution on fish that are more sensitive to changes in water chemistry. I have no idea if the type of wood would really matter...

I know some woods are toxic if you throw them in your tank regardless of what you do, but can't remember which ones exactly... although i think one rule is if it normally has sap, or is an extremely oily? wood its bad for your tank...

 

[keller54]

k thanks this helps al lot!