FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I cannot find any small pieces of driftwood. I would like small pieces for my smaller tanks.
I have larger pieces of Swahalia wood, or something like that. Anyways, I was thinking of taking my sledgehammer and bashing them into smaller pieces.
Any problem with doing this? I figure wood is wood but still thought I would ask.
My water is naturally high in PH and am running around 7.6-7.8 and cant get it regulated. I am hoping some driftwood would work for me and lower it abit.
Thanks

The best way to lower your pH is to use RO water mixed with your usual water change water. Second I guess would be to use peat in your filter or neutral buffers - I think seachem makes some.

The tannins released from DW will only slightly move the pH down, and only until the tannins are all leached out.

Why are you trying to alter your pH anyways?

To answer your question though, I'd probably use a saw to get the size pieces I wanted without all the splintering that bashing them up will do.

---

Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Thanks. What is RO water?

I wanted the PH lower as from what I read it should only be around 7. Should I not worry about 7.6-7.8?

Hi,
I'm not sure I'd "smash the wood with a sledge hammer."
Instead, I'd use a saw, and simply cut the pieces to size.
Place the cut portion in the gravel to hide the cut, or
plant some moss or Anubis on it to hide the cut edge.

RO Water is Reverse Osmosis water. Water that has been
filtered through a membrane that allows only water
molecules through trapping any other impurities in the
filter. Its expensive to purchase initially, and requires
that you replace the membrane at a regular interval (also
expensive). In order to run a RO filter you connect it to
a tap (plumbing connection - expensive), and turn the water
on allowing it to run down the drain. Depending upon the
membrane, it can take many many gallons to provide just one
gallon of RO water (also expensive).

In most cases, "our" fish can handle your pH water. The
key is stability, staying within a point or two of the same
reading, all the time. Most of our fish are farmed and
not "wild caught" so in most cases they are "used" to our
water. Additionally, when purchasing the fish, ask the LFS
what the pH is of their water. If it's close then you
probably don't have to worry about it. Just acclimate them
slowly to your higher pH.
Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

RO water is reverse osmosis water. It's 99% pure of any contaminants. It has a neutral pH and virtually no buffering capacity. That's why it is good to use to lower the pH of hard water.

Unless you are trying to breed tricky fish or something of that nature I would not worry about your pH.

---

Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

I'd go with the saw. Downside is you'll have a smooth edge that looks unnatural but if you just start smashing the stuff it will split. You'll end up with a few hundred splinters and possibly 1 good piece. Haven't you ever tried to break sticks with your feet and hands? They rarely break cleanly. With most wood it splits halfway up either side of the break and then several inches(depending on size of stick) around the break turn into little splinters. Your left with much less stick than you started and some very sharp ends. You'd be wasting alot of good driftwood and might not even end up with a good piece when your done. Go get yourself a little handsaw or if you wanna get it done real quick find someone with a band saw they'll let you use. That way you can slice it up all you want into pieces that are exactly the right size.

I think I have a RO system already installed in my kitchen sink. There is a seperate lil faucet that says Culligan on it and it is attached to the water line and there is a caninster thing under the counter. I have never used it as I wasnt sure what it was or why it was there. I bought this house used and there are many odd things that I havent figured out yet. LOL

I will let the PH stay where its at but still will be adding some driftwood. Thanks for all the help. You all rock!

Hi,
Actually Culligan installs very few RO systems. Most are
actually water softeners, and filters.
They must be maintained routinely by the replacement of
salt in a "brine" tank and water is flushed through them.
Or, the filters inside the canisters must be replaced.
If you have never used it, you should have them come
service it first.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

I have cut DW up with a saw many times I recently cut a rather large piece off the DW in the Betta tank and tied Serated Java Fern to it and placed it at the back of the tank. Seeing the DW was wet I use a Rose pruning saw (small but rather large teeth.

I will be wanting a particular shaped piece for the 5ft tank and I know I will have to cut a piece up to get the exact shape I want.

A good tip make sure you hold it firm before you cut and know exactly where to cut if you dont you could end up with a nasty cut on youself.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW