Wood-related tank problems

[Fortezza]

I've got a piece of driftwood in my 20-gallon tank that's been leaching tannins like crazy. It's been soaking for weeks before adding it, but the water's still tea-colored. Anyone know how long this usually lasts or if there's a way to speed it up? Tank's got a sponge filter, and I do weekly 25% water changes.

[EllieX]

Tannins can take months to fully stop leaching, especially with dense wood like Mopani. If you're not into the blackwater look, activated carbon in your filter can help clear it faster. Just replace it every couple weeks. What's your substrate? Some types buffer the water and might affect how long it sticks around.

[kadyash]

Yep, Mopani's the worst for this. I gave up and boiled mine for like, six hours straight. Still tinted the water but way less sketchy. If you're gonna try boiling, do it outside unless you wanna stink up your kitchen. Also, your fish probably dig the tannins, so no rush unless it's bugging you.

[virus]

my wood sunk fast but water brown af. gonna just roll with it lol. fish seem chill.

[Fortezza]

Tannins can take months to fully stop leaching, especially with dense wood like Mopani. If you're not into the blackwater look, activated carbon in your filter can help clear it faster. Just replace it every couple weeks. What's your substrate? Some types buffer the water and might affect how long it sticks around.

Thanks, I'll try the carbon. Substrate's just plain sand, no buffering. Didn't realize it could take months, though.

[EllieX]

Sand's neutral, so that's good. If you're using RO water, the tannins might stick around longer since there's no minerals to bind with. But honestly, unless you're keeping super sensitive species, it's mostly cosmetic. My Bettas and Tetras never minded it.

[kadyash]

my wood sunk fast but water brown af. gonna just roll with it lol. fish seem chill.

Same vibe here. My Apistos bred in tannin soup last year, so I stopped fussing. Boiling's overrated unless you're impatient or your wood's leaking weird gunk. Just watch for fungus, that's the real headache.