Adding Driftwood

[Becks1985]

I have a malawi cichlid tank wit coral gravel an ocean rock an I have a piece of driftwood I would like to add was wondering will this do anything to my ph it sits at 8.2 in the tank

 

[coolie]

What kind of driftwood is it?

 

[Becks1985]

I haven't a clue I just bought it from local fish shop as driftwood was no other name on it are anything...

 

[haleem8777]

While reading this article http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/driftwood.php about cichlids there was a paragraph that answers your question. This is the paragraph: The most common question most cichlid keepers have about driftwood is "how will it effect my pH?" Answering this question is not easy, but there are a few things to consider. Since driftwood contains tannins (which is also referred to as tannic acid) it will try to lower your aquarium's pH. Your pH may drop if the buffering capacity of your water is low (low mineral content). If the buffering capacity is high, the chance of a piece of driftwood causing a pH swing is minimal. Hope fully this helps.