Driftwood; alkanline or acidic?

[zephyr]

I have come across conflicting information on driftwood. Is it alkaline or acidic? I know it comes from the sea, so it seems obvious it should be alkaline, but all woods used in aquariums are acidic, aren't they?
thanx for your help in advance
Justin
(sorry if anything is spelt wrong, I am only 14)

 

[loganj]

driftwood

Most driftwood that is available for aquarium use comes from freshwater sources. It will soften the water and lower the pH due to the release of tannic acid from the wood. The tannic acid may give the water a slight golden brown hue. While this does not affect the fish, it may make it a little harder to light the tank. This wouldn't really matter unless it was a planted tank though. It will be a gradual change. You won't add a piece of driftwood and see a drastic overnight drop in pH. As far as driftwood that comes from a marine environment, I'm not really sure what properties it might have.
Logan J