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what is the most effective way to remove tannins from driftwood?

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Devon do you mean how to remove the tannin from the tank water?

Tannins are a natural happening in some soft timbers as the outer surface breaks down it releases a natural brownish colour.

If will not go away after you have soaked it for several weeks scrubbed and cleaned it (NOT BOILED IT) there is a chance it never will.
All boiling does is break down the outer surface faster
What usually happens the timer will break down fast to start off with. This is why you see it then it slows down and it is not noticed much at all.

If it will not stop no matter what you do, you just have to take it out.
Some harder timbers never release tannins at all.

Keith

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mmkay, I decided to soak it a clear plastic container so I can see just how brown the water is going to get. I purchased the piece I have from the ol' LFS, so it probably wont be so bad... I think I kind of like that natural look anyway.

All of my driftwood came from an LFS and I boiled it to kill nasties and to leech out some of the tannins.

Boiling does begin the decomposing process faster, but my DW was hard mopani wood so I wasn't too concerned. Driftwood leeches alot at first because the water is absorbed into the cells and sent back out carrying the tannic acids. This slows as the driftwood forms a layer (similar to a pudding skin in function) that keeps the water from reacting with the wood and drawing out as much tannins.

if the color bothers you just add some more carbon to your filter and do wqter changes more regularly.

Driftwood is an amazing addition to all tanks and I hope your new piece pleases your fish and your eye!
-Brandon

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