What plants to get?!?!?

[LooksLater]

+1 when I boil it, its to remove the tannins/toxins and to be able to have clear water. If its been in the tank for years with WC's and what not its already out. Ya it may be time for a new one because boiling it is only gonna errode it more

Oh, noooooe! But it's so pretty...

Lol. yeah, I've been thinking about it. I know that's got to effect water quality. Maybe this is just my cue to get a pretty piece of manzanita! Which I will boil when I get it. Yay. Thanks, guys.

[eklikewhoa]

The wood will deteriorate, nature of the beast. Its a natural occurence for it to break down some so its not a big deal, in soft acidic water it would be a slower process but hard alkaline water is the opposite.

[Kiko]

DUN DUN DUN!!! LOL!!!

+1 when I boil it, its to remove the tannins/toxins and to be able to have clear water. If its been in the tank for years with WC's and what not its already out. Ya it may be time for a new one because boiling it is only gonna errode it more

[LooksLater]

The wood will deteriorate, nature of the beast. Its a natural occurence for it to break down some so its not a big deal, in soft acidic water it would be a slower process but hard alkaline water is the opposite.

Yes, I know...and it's been very hard water...for almost 10 years, I think? It's kind of funny, it still holds together just fine, it just...sheds..when you touch it. I try not to. Great for clinging plants, though. And it being in the puffer tank, big W/C's are happening often. Not too worried about it, but I suppose it's time to start looking for that magical piece to replace it.

Lol Kiko...it's like realizing it's time to let go of your favorite chair, or something! Man, if driftwood could talk...this puppy would have some stories.

[Totenkampf]

that wood would prolly be heaven for a pleco / ancistrus breeder since they eat the stuff

[LooksLater]

that wood would prolly be heaven for a pleco / ancistrus breeder since they eat the stuff

Hey, that's an idea. Maybe when I'm ready to let go of it, I can try to find a breeder who'd be able to use it. For now, maybe I can find a clown pleco or something to nibble on it that would be fast enough to have a chance in there with the Fahaka...maybe, maybe.

[TexSun]

I picked up a couple clown plecos from HAW a few weeks ago. They had bunches.

[eklikewhoa]

I think Tim had some he was trying to part with.

[LooksLater]

Thanks, guys.

[Numero111]

yes definitely boil the driftwood and iv'e had success with Brazilian sword

[mnemenoi]

That piece is Malasian root and has been inside the tank for upwards of 3-4 years, its just decomposing on the outer layer. The amount of moss and plants grown on it has probably not helped either. The tannins have always leached badly from that piece, but I think its likely from its size (20-30# dry) and its dense centralized mass. The purigen has done wonders for the tannin stain of the water, certainly far better then what I expected. Will likely just go down to HAW and pick up some Manzanita and replace the larger driftwood. It worked out well when the tank was heavily planted and more South American, but swapping it to an Fahaka tank it is a bit too large and difficult to work around. Now to get another large tank and do a shrimp haven tank, they love that driftwood :mrgreen: