Mopani wood

geewiz916

geewiz916

AC Members
May 5, 2010
80
0
0
35
I recently bought a very nice piece of Mopani wood that is going to be put into my 10g tank. I also wanted to add some live plants to the tank. Ive seen plenty of plants grow on wood like Malaysian driftwood, but what grows on a Mopani piece? Or can i at all grow anything on this amazing piece of wood?

And what are some recommendations? I have a fully stocked 10g tank with a betta, tetras and julli corys.
 
Plants like Anubias sp. plants, java ferns, and mosses all grow great on all driftwood. Java ferns and Anubias sp. plants all have a rhizome which can not be buried or else they will rot and the plant will die. Although others use some types of glue, I use black cotton string to attach plants to driftwood. Hope that helps a little!
Regards,
Jake
 
ok great. I think the anubias and the moss will work for a great starting point.

Another thing too about the wood.

Ive had it soaking in my extra tank for a little over 2 weeks now. The tannins just keep coming and coming. Ive read that this wood can still leak after it being in a tank for over a year.

So is there a way i can reduce this. I know im going to have to deal with the 'tea' water color, but is there a way i can seal it with a polyurethane or something?
 
geewiz916 said:
ok great. I think the anubias and the moss will work for a great starting point.

Another thing too about the wood.

Ive had it soaking in my extra tank for a little over 2 weeks now. The tannins just keep coming and coming. Ive read that this wood can still leak after it being in a tank for over a year.

So is there a way i can reduce this. I know im going to have to deal with the 'tea' water color, but is there a way i can seal it with a polyurethane or something?
Click to expand...

Not sure but poly could probabyl hurt the tank water/fish/other inhabitants in your tank. You might want to see about buying purigen (clarifies water) and putting it in your tank.
 
If the piece is small enough, you can boil it for a few minutes. I did that and it really threw out a ton of tannins. After about 2 weeks in the tank the tannins were totally gone. I ran carbon to help clear the water but purigen should do the same thing. Not saying this will work for you, but it did work for me.
 
I have never had the tannins be a real problem. In fact, they actually seem to help the conditions of my tanks. But, I do change the water frequently enough to keep any wood from staining the water to the point I am uncomfortable with.
 
I have some beautiful java ferns growing on a piece of mopani.
 
I am 99% sure that poly' won't harm fish, but I wouldn't do it. As some have already mentioned, try boiling it for a couple minutes. If it is still releasing tannins, add some actavated carbon or purigen to you filter which will clear it up in a heart beat. Also, why not 'keep' the tannins? Tetras, Bettas and Corydoras' (especially the bettas and tetras) will love the tannins as it mimics there natural enviroment. (Black water streams/ponds)
Regards,
Jake
 
Regarding Attaching Plants such as Anubias Sp. and Java fern Sp. Super Glue Gel works wonder and it will be your next new best friend.

Best wishes,
Wes
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom