using bogwood in a malawi setup

just wondering is it ok to use some bogwood amongst all the rockwork in a malawi set up just to break things up a bit

No problem using bogwood in your Malawi tank, I have always had it in mine...........Tom.

The only problem with bogwood in a Malawi set up is that it can reduce the pH which is something you want to avoid. However, a small piece shouldn't make much difference.

Its not ideal,like Ken already said, but can be done.Why not use artificial timber?
Regards,Tim;)

Lads, Ps.Acei live around fallen trees in the lake, and a piece of bogwood is not going to make much of a difference if you are doing regular water changes.

I have checked pH before and while using bogwood and there was no difference in the readings.

Tom.

Tom wrote:

Lads, Ps.Acei live around fallen trees in the lake, and a piece of bogwood is not going to make much of a difference if you are doing regular water changes.

I have checked pH before and while using bogwood and there was no difference in the readings.

Tom.

Have to agree - I've done it before myself even with big pieces of bogwood & it made shag all difference to the PH.

Thanks for replys lads

KenS wrote:

The only problem with bogwood in a Malawi set up is that it can reduce the pH which is something you want to avoid. However, a small piece shouldn't make much difference.

I have to totally agree with Ken!!!!!! true bogwood will effect your pH!!!!!! the problem is there are a lot of substitute products been sold as bogwood as bogwood becomes rarer an more expensive thus the key here is viligance, testing and i would consider adding crush coral or a stone of your choice that will counter any fall.

Tom wrote:

Lads, Ps.Acei live around fallen trees in the lake, and a piece of bogwood is not going to make much of a difference if you are doing regular water changes.

I have checked pH before and while using bogwood and there was no difference in the readings.

Tom.

while this is true one has to remember a tree fallen in a lake is a totally different matter compared to one that has been in a bog for hundreds if not thousands of years bogs cause a totally different chemical reaction which is why bog wood differs to drift wood in a lake

The volume of water in Lake Malawi or Tanganyika would make any drop in ph impossible given they are thousands of square miles in area and nearly 1500 metres deep in places, an Aquarium on the other hand would show a drop more easily.

Lfs sell buffers to equalise the effects of rock, sand etc mainly because ph fluctuates given the material it makes contact with.

I would steer clear of anything that might give the slightest of concern, why take chances, it's difficult enough dealing with diseases etc, leave well enough alone, stick with Rock and gravel, both should be neutral at least and of a Calcium base at best.

I've also noticed that whatever the coating on artificial wood is, it can be grazed off by Ancistrus etc, given their need for Algae
Mbuna etc may do the same.

Kev.

I've had two fairly large pieces of bogwood in cichlid tank for a couple of years now - no adverse effect on fish or change in PH...

True, that's feasible but I'd bet it's very old or had been in water before, different wood leaches tannins etc at different rates unless you are sure wouldn't it be best to leave it out? would two lovely shaped pieces of Ocean Rock look lovely in Cardinal Tetra setup.

All I'm saying, for the sake of newcomers to the hobby is, leave it out till you know more.

Kev.

Nope bought them at LFSs....

I doubt if the wood you got was made yesterday, it would have to be old to be sold as bogwood or wood suitable for Aquarium use, I'll leave it at that.. lol

Not sure what your trying to say ...all Im saying is that I bought what is commonly referred to as bogwood and sold in various LFSs and had no problems - simple really...

real bogwood when dry will not float but will sink in water. other (bogwood) can be weighed down in the tank until it is waterlogged.
it is used for decoration and to lower the ph.
phil

Just though I would Google Too...................

What is Bogwood?
Bogwood is wood preserved in a bog due to anaerobic conditions. Usually bogwood is stained brown by organic matter (tannins) present in the bog.

Driftwood is very similar. It is wood submerged in water for many weeks or years usually in a river, stream or pond. Apart from that, it is treated by aquarists as if it is Bogwood.

Driftwood found by the seashore will be saturated with salt and is usually considered unsuitable for freshwater aquarium use unless a lengthy soaking process is carried out to remove the salt.

True bogwood is very rarely offered in aquarium shops as it is so expensive. The wood offered is usually pieces of wood that have been dried out in the sun and so may float when first placed in a tank. The wood becomes water logged after many weeks and so will sink in the aquarium. Large pieces with interesting shapes are quite collectable and are often added to aquariums to give an aquarium character.

What Bogwood does to the water.
The wood will leach out tannins which slowly turn the water brown (this reduces with age). This is harmless and indeed often thought of as beneficial to the animals as it is a mild antibacterial, fungicide agent and the wood provides trace minerals and nutrients for all your animals and plants. These tannins will alter the pH of the water making it more acidic and will soften the water in a similar way that peat does. This can be counter balanced by adding Calcium carbonate like crushed seashells or coral sand. Ensure your tank water has a decent level of KH and this pH effect will be minimal.

When adding fresh wood to the tank often a light white coating appears on the wood for a couple of months. This is a harmless fungus and should disappear. Algae eating fish often eat it.
Adding Activated carbon in your filter will remove tannins. But so will regular water changes.