Tropical Fish Forums

[honda]

OK I'm thinking on buying this ausome peice of driftwood for my 72 gallon but the seller says it will release tannins into the water and I do not want to do water changes evry day so would one water change clear up the tint of the water from the wood or I don't know what to do because I want this peice of drift wood bad so please help!!!!! THANKS

[DF Bobo]

most people soak the wood for a while to get most of the tannins out, then varnish it so it won't release anymore. if you have any sucker mouth catfish like plecos or otos, don't varnish. they like to grave on the wood occasionally and you don't want them eating the varnish. the driftwood, even after you soak it, will still release small amounts of tannins, but not enough to be noticeable. another solution is to use activated carbon in the filter, which will remove the tannins.
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[Liszie]

Tannins aren't really that big of a deal, actually. They will make your water a little funny coloured for a while, but it goes away eventually. It can also make your water a little softer and more acid, but if your buffer is strong enough, probably that won't happen.
Liszie
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[Barracuda324]

whats "tannins"???
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J.B.

WHO DEY, WHO DEY, WHO DEY THINK GONNA BEAT THEM BENGALS?!

[Liszie]

Tannin is just a natural substance found in driftwood and peat and such.

Liszie
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