Yard Sale 37g Bow Front Build!

[Big Tex]

As long as you're doing your water changes regularly, it shouldn't be much of an issue. Remember that many South American fish live in tea colored water that is stained that way from wood, leaves, etc.

The only time my tank has an issue with tannins (two massive pieces of driftwood in a 75) is when I slack on my water changes

this is true, and i do weekly 20% wc so i should be good?

 

[Big Tex]

**UPDATE** **EDITED**​

so this is where im at guys, im very anti-petco, but dang they have a good selection of decor! i need some opinions on plants, what do you guys think..?​

Petco Super Ludwigia Background Plastic Aquarium Plant at PETCO​

Petco Super Ambulia Background Plastic Aquarium Plant at PETCO​

Petco Green Ambulia Background Aquarium Plant at PETCO​

Petco Background Green Plastic Aquarium Plant at PETCO​

Petco Green Ambulia Midground Plastic Aquarium Plant at PETCO​

Petco Purple & Green Midground Aquarium Plant at PETCO​

 

[cgthebeast]

I like them all except for the 2 and last 2 silk plants. And I vote no go on the log. Lakes and creeks have lots of natural drift wood

 

[Big Tex]

I like them all except for the 2 and last 2 silk plants. And I vote no go on the log. Lakes and creeks have lots of natural drift wood

yeah i thought the silk looked cheesy,

updated!

 

[jwh0818]

dang, i dont want that, so i guess its just down to petsmart "drift wood" i guess

No no no. Not all dw changes water color. It all depends where you get it, how old it is, and if its been soaked or not. If you find one thats coming from someonez tank then your good. If not just soak it in a tub outside for a week or 2

 

[cgthebeast]

yeah i thought the silk looked cheesy,

updated!

Yeah, I've never been a fan of silk plants

 

[Big Tex]

No no no. Not all dw changes water color. It all depends where you get it, how old it is, and if its been soaked or not. If you find one thats coming from someonez tank then your good. If not just soak it in a tub outside for a week or 2

until? or just for 2wks? do i swap water weekly in the tub? direct sunlight..?

Yeah, I've never been a fan of silk plants

i just liked the design of the stalk then leafs up top, still cheesy, i want taller plants though, i dont like dead space

 

[jwh0818]

until? or just for 2wks? do i swap water weekly in the tub? direct sunlight..?

Id swap it every day or so to get the dirty water out. Yes direct sunlight will heat the water letting it cook basically so it will definitely help

 

[Big Tex]

Id swap it every day or so to get the dirty water out. Yes direct sunlight will heat the water letting it cook basically so it will definitely help

sweet, so definitely in direct sunlight, swapping water everyday, no sappy woods just old and dry, where do i look for drift wood? and can it be cut? before or after the soak..?

 

[cgthebeast]

sweet, so definitely in direct sunlight, swapping water everyday, no sappy woods just old and dry, where do i look for drift wood? and can it be cut? before or after the soak..?

After it rains around ponds and creeks. It can be cut if needed

 

[slayer72]

sweet, so definitely in direct sunlight, swapping water everyday, no sappy woods just old and dry, where do i look for drift wood? and can it be cut? before or after the soak..?

Try some old bois' d arc. Its everywhere, free, hard as a rock and super gnarly.

 

[jwh0818]

sweet, so definitely in direct sunlight, swapping water everyday, no sappy woods just old and dry, where do i look for drift wood? and can it be cut? before or after the soak..?

Just find a nice piece you like that doesnt hold sap and cut away. The greener the tree the longer its gonna take to soak and prepare. I would definitely look for old pieces that are dead on the ground (not rotting)

 

[Big Tex]

ok guys, i will definitely start searching around today, should i try to break it rather than cut it if need be, for a more natural look.

 

[cbourg746]

Yeah, I've never been a fan of silk plants

Silk plants in IMO look far more realistic than plastic when done right.

All silk.....

 

[cgthebeast]

Wow, that looks good. Is that your tank?

 

[Big Tex]

Silk plants in IMO look far more realistic than plastic when done right.

All silk.....

That does look good, idk if the taller plants would still look realistic though,

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

IMO silk plants come apart though. Like little strings floating around my tank

 

[cbourg746]

IMO silk plants come apart though. Like little strings floating around my tank

They anchor down better that plastic and to me they look real. Just my opinion.

 

[Big Tex]

Dang I'm at a crossroads here with decor!

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

They anchor down better that plastic and to me they look real. Just my opinion.

I will agree with you on that man, they move a lot easier in the flow and usually have the fake rock bottom which is nice and easy to bury. But they are harder to clean, string apart, and I seem to have better luck with the plastic ones