Tannin

carriej · 01-24-2008, 09:13 AM

My LFS just got in some really nice driftwood, they never carried it before. They are good size pieces. I'm trying to remember the name of it...I'll have to post back later and look it up, but basically I was wondering about tannin. I don't care about my water turning a tea color, unless it's difficult to view the fish. My thing is the glass, will it stain the glass? I don't think I would feel comfortable with stained aquarium glass. If I ever decided to remove it, I wouldn't want to be left with a brown tank! As far as I know, the brown water is a temporary thing right?

cassb · 01-24-2008, 09:48 AM

Tannin won't stain glass, but it might stain the silicone sealant slightly. Tannin also will make the water slightly acidic, so make sure you have plants and fish that can deal with that OK.

Loman · 01-24-2008, 08:48 PM

Personally I think a light coloration of the water actually makes the tank viewing a bit nicer. It strikes me as something along the lines of bluing making whites brighter or something. But the water seems to get a depth to it that looks really neat to me. Regular water changes which should be done for many reasons will keep it from getting to dark. I do not think it will stain things in the tank . You will want to be a bit careful on water changes not to spill it on carpet etc. because it could stain there.

carriej · 01-25-2008, 07:30 AM

It's now soaking, it's a brand called "geosystem" if anyone has heard of that. The water was pretty much black in the container I was soaking it in. I replaced the water this morning. I'm excited to get it into my tank, plan on attaching some of my java ferns to it, will fishing line work? It's a really pretty piece. if I like this I may get another, smaller, narrow one to place diagonal. and lean against the side of the glass. When I get my 55 up and running there are some huge 20kg pieces she has that are about 3 feet long, and well..you can guess where that's going

Jay · 01-25-2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

will fishing line work?

I've always used a little cotton thread, match the color to the driftwood. The cotton will eventually dissolve away leaving the Java Fern naturally attached.

Quote:

Tannin also will make the water slightly acidic, so make sure you have plants and fish that can deal with that OK.

Actually the amount of acidity from tannin that would be acceptable in the aquarium is negligible. Plants prefer slightly acidic water.

Regards,
Jay

missfish · 01-26-2008, 02:28 AM

I reckon driftwood is great too! whenever we go to a dam or creek i'm always looking for new pieces, Much to my partners joy! I'm just glad he puts up with my hobby!

missfish