Driftwood and pH

[leafs]

How much does driftwood change pH levels? Would adding driftwood to a mature tank cause any stress to the fish by changing the pH? Just want to make sure before I throw it in. I boiled and soaked it for a week.

Thanks

 

[tttnjfttt]

How much drift wood affects your pH will largely relate to your KH. The lower the KH, the more dramatic the change will be.

 

[Mike&Diana]

In my opinion, most fish can tolerate a wide range of PH. The important factor to consider is stability. I would try adding the wood and test the ph regularly. It may not change much at all!! And if you notice changes you have two choices.. take it out or let the fish adjust naturally. However, I don't think it will cause a radical change unless you are talking A LOT of driftwood.

 

[Teelie]

Yeah, driftwood generally alters pH in small amounts and never in a large swing. Your fish ought to adapt just fine.

 

[leafs]

Thanks for the replies. The piece I"ll be adding isn't too big. I'll just keep testing the water to make sure the pH doesn't change too much. I'm kind of hoping that it does lower the pH a bit. I'd like to add some Neons and I know they prefer a lower pH. Could I try to lower it by using peat moss or something else, or should I just not mess with it? My pH right now is around 8.

Thanks

 

[Bloo]

In my experience, the drop in PH is minimal (if anything - depending on the water to wood ratio) and very very gradual..... nothing to worry about