Wood

[johnj55]

I added a piece of drift wood and I don't think I let it soak long enough water has a slight brown tint. Should I just wait it out

 

[Kaneu]

Yup. Do some water changes and just give it time. It is a natural process that you just got to wait out.
I soaked my driftwood for months. When I finally got to build up my tank and placed my driftwood in, a tint of brown still leeched out. But went away within a few days.

 

[toolman]

Purigen will take it out, highly recommended.

 

[Kaneu]

Purigen will take it out, highly recommended.

Purigen?

 

[johnj55]

Sorry for being such a newbie. But my son just got back from South Carolina and brought back some sea shells would I be able too put them in a freshwater tank

 

[DreaminginBlue]

If they're cleaned really well (boiled) it'd be fine, but be aware that they'll raise your Ph. Depending on what kind of fish you intend to keep, this could be either detrimental or beneficial.
No worries about being a newbie- we all start somewhere!

 

[johnj55]

I'll have them soaking And then I'll boil them

 

[flchamp89]

I would boil shells or rocks. They can explode.

 

[mbkemp]

Purigen will take it out, highly recommended.

Purigen is good stuff

 

[flchamp89]

Purigen is good stuff

Plus 1000. Wont run a filter without.

 

[mbkemp]

I would boil shells or rocks. They can explode.

Good point. Maybe just get the real wArm

 

[DreaminginBlue]

Rocks are definitely not safe to boil. However, I have seen no evidence that shells are unsafe to boil. I own terrestrial hermit crabs and frequently boil seashells to clean them before introducing them into the crabs' habitat. Many others do so as well.
Could you cite where you found information that said boiling shells is dangerous?

 

[cbjfan75]

I'm confused. Everything I've read so far says that driftwood will lower pH.

 

[DreaminginBlue]

Driftwood can lower Ph over time; seashells and some rocks can raise Ph over time.

 

[flchamp89]

Rocks are definitely not safe to boil. However, I have seen no evidence that shells are unsafe to boil. I own terrestrial hermit crabs and frequently boil seashells to clean them before introducing them into the crabs' habitat. Many others do so as well.
Could you cite where you found information that said boiling shells is dangerous?

Nope I cant. But many shells have high levels of Ca and P which really isnt as hard as one would think.Im sure some are fine to boil. Ive boiled rocks too. But I try to give advice based on probability. Temp and length of boil certainly would be a factor as well.. Not to mention I dont see the need so id hate for someone to have rock pop corn in there kitchen lol. Many rocks or shells that have high levels of limestone or natural pockets within the shell/rock development would have a higher risk.

 

[mbkemp]

I'm confused. Everything I've read so far says that driftwood will lower pH.

It depends on how much carbonate hardness in water. Much over 4 dkh and it might stain it a little but ph won't drop much

 

[flchamp89]

It depends on how much carbonate hardness in water. Much over 4 dkh and it might stain it a little but ph won't drop much

Yep..lots of factors. Type, amount, ect...but ya its usually not a drastic change. A pile of leaves often have a larger affect.