discus tank driftwood benefits

[julian]

Been thinking about adding driftwood to my 75-gallon Discus tank. Heard it's good for them but wanna know if it's worth the hassle. My tank's got sand substrate, a Fluval 407 canister, and a bunch of Amazon swords. Water's at 84°F, pH around 6.8. Anyone got experience with driftwood and Discus?

[Wildman]

Driftwood's a solid choice for Discus. It mimics their natural habitat, releases tannins that soften water, and can lower pH slightly. I've got Malaysian driftwood in my 120-gallon, and my fish seem way more chill. Just boil it first to avoid any sketchy stuff leaching into the water.

[polar]

Driftwood's a solid choice for Discus. It mimics their natural habitat, releases tannins that soften water, and can lower pH slightly. I've got Malaysian driftwood in my 120-gallon, and my fish seem way more chill. Just boil it first to avoid any sketchy stuff leaching into the water.

Yep, totally agree! My Discus love hiding behind the driftwood, and the tannins give the water a natural look. Just watch the pH if yours is already low.

[giggle]

I've been using driftwood for years in my Discus tanks. The key is to anchor it properly so it doesn't shift. I use slate rocks to weigh it down. Also, the tannins can stain the water, but it's harmless and some folks even like the blackwater effect. Just keep up with regular water changes.

[melodic]

Does driftwood affect the filter at all? I've got a sponge filter in my 55-gallon and don't wanna mess with the flow. Also, how long does it take for the tannins to stop leaching?

[Lister]

Does driftwood affect the filter at all? I've got a sponge filter in my 55-gallon and don't wanna mess with the flow. Also, how long does it take for the tannins to stop leaching?

Nah, driftwood won't mess with your filter. Tannins can take weeks to stop, but you can speed it up by soaking the wood separately before adding it to the tank. I've got a piece in my 90-gallon, and it took about a month to stop staining.

[Dubson]

Driftwood's a game-changer for Discus. My fish are way more active since I added it. Just make sure you get the right type—some woods can be too soft and break down fast. I've had good luck with Mopani and Spider wood. Also, the tannins can help with stress, which is huge for Discus.

[julian]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Gonna pick up some Malaysian driftwood this weekend and give it a shot. I'll boil it first and maybe soak it for a few days to cut down on the tannins. Appreciate the tips!

[Dandy]

Just a heads-up, driftwood can sometimes grow weird white fungus when it's new. Don't freak out—it's harmless and goes away on its own. My Discus actually nibble on it sometimes. Tank's been running smooth for months now.

[rustier]

I've heard driftwood can mess with the water hardness. Anyone got experience with that? My tap water's already pretty soft, and I don't wanna overdo it.