Mopani Root

[Fantail_John]

Today I have Just treated myself to some Mopani root from local PAH shop, to put in my main tank after I have moved it to my living room,I have done what it says on the tag soaking it for the two weeks. Is there anything else I can do to take the tanning's out? It also says on the tag the carbon in the filter will help when in the tank. How long will it take until all the tanning as come out?

I got the root as I want my tank to look as natural as I can make it, also will be planting all real plants but like my water clear, so how long will I have to wait? replies will be most welcomed

Hope I posted this in the right place?

 

[micko]

There is no accurate answer to your question. Some pieces release tannis for months so its a slow process.
I'm not sure about the carbon filter so I cannot help you there.

If it were me, I'd put it in the tank. It won't do any harm, some people actually like the water a slightly tea stained colour and it can be beneficial to some fish I've heard, not 100% sure on that so you may want a second opinion on this.

 

[ian]

as long as it's washed, it'll be fine. Carbon will help, as will a few extra water changes.

 

[Fantail_John]

Thank you for your replies I will just keep soaking in for the week with changing the water in the buckets each day and then place in tank and put in the carbon for a few weeks, and do my weekly water changes in the tank Think I should have me tank moved by next week. Thank's again

 

[Teephphah]

Depending on how large the root-ball you purchased is, boiling it may help leach out the tannins more quickly. Of course, if the piece is too large to fit in any pots you have, that option is out.

I agree that from an aesthetic point of view, clear water looks better, but, as someone else pointed out already, many fish species enjoy having the tannins in the water. Apparently, the tannins "soften" the water and/or help more closely approximate the "blackwater" conditions of their native habitats. I think I've heard this specifically with regard to neons.

And that's all I know. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[Fantail_John]

Depending on how large the root-ball you purchased is, boiling it may help leach out the tannins more quickly. Of course, if the piece is too large to fit in any pots you have, that option is out.

I agree that from an aesthetic point of view, clear water looks better, but, as someone else pointed out already, many fish species enjoy having the tannins in the water. Apparently, the tannins "soften" the water and/or help more closely approximate the "blackwater" conditions of their native habitats. I think I've heard this specifically with regard to neons.

And that's all I know. Sorry I can't be of more help.

I did get 8 small pieces, was sat in pets at home on the floor trying to work out the arrangement that I would place in my tank lol with everyone looking at me lol but yes all 8 will fit in the large pan I have so I will do this before I place in tank yes I like a clear tank and hoping all will turn out ok as I start the planting, nothing high tec

 

[gearhead65]

I got a piece last week that weighs about 5 lbs. It's quite a large piece and I have it soaking in a 5 gallon bucket right now. I am mainly trying to get it saturated so it doesn't try to float away. I soaked it a few times and the water was pretty brown. Then I boiled some water and filled up my bucket with that and let it soak again. Not sure when I'm pulling mine out, maybe this weekend. I plan to attach some java moss, anubias and some java ferm when I pull it out. I'm anxious since this will require me to rearrange all of my plants in the tank for a complete "redo". Sorry for the long post.

 

[This Old Spouse]

I'd avoid boiling it. You can pour boiling water over it, but don't boil it whole or it will break apart.

 

[Fantail_John]

I'd avoid boiling it. You can pour boiling water over it, but don't boil it whole or it will break apart.

Thank's for the info so many people have different options what to do so I will not boil it just encase it does break apart?

 

[gearhead65]

But like Old Spouse said, you can pour boiling water over it. That's what I did, mainly cause my piece is so large. I boiled a smaller piece awhile back. It didn't crack, but that's not to say your pieces won't. I'd at least pour some boiling water over it to kill some of the hbacteria before putting it in your tank.

 

[This Old Spouse]

Some wood does break down when boiled. There's no need to boil whole pieces to disinfect it. Just pour the boiling water over it and it will kill anything on the surface. If you have a larger piece and are concerned about nasties, put it in a container big enough to hold it and pour enough boiling water on it to submerge it. That'll take care of anything that may be living in it.

 

[raptorrex]

I'd avoid boiling it. You can pour boiling water over it, but don't boil it whole or it will break apart.

sound advice

 

[RadaR]

I'd avoid boiling it. You can pour boiling water over it, but don't boil it whole or it will break apart.

sound advice

Really? Never had that with Mopani. It's #41#### hard stuff. Bogwood yes, I've seen that disintergrate.