Bark Background

[stormydax]

Hi all,
I was over at petmart some time back and i saw that they are selling a type of background.

The salesman told me that its real bark.it cost around $2/100gram.

I wish to check if :
1) the bark will release harmful chemicl into the water.
I am keeping apisto and cherry shrimps in two differen tanks which i am intending to use the bark background

2) how long can it last?

thank you

yours sincerely,
Storm

[besh]

by right. they won't release TOXIC chemical into water,
but the PH will increase int he water. and water turning yellowish/browish.

[stormydax]

Hi...

ahyone tried this bark with CRS?

thanks

[ryzcris]

by right. they won't release TOXIC chemical into water,
but the PH will increase int he water. and water turning yellowish/browish.

It should decrease the pH lah... not increase... Yellowish and brownish is due to the tannins... I think if you soak it in boiling or hot water a few rounds before you can help reduce that... also helps remove any harmful chemicals they may use ot treat the bark.

[brianclaw]

It's Cork Bark. It releases tanins into the water like most driftwoods and will decrease the PH level in the tank. Regular water changes in the beginning will stop all this. It will last for 2-3 years before it starts disintegrating in the tank. It is very buoyant and you will need gobs and gobs of silicon to keep it stuck down. All in all, I'd say it's a bad idea for submersed conditions, it's just not worth the hassle.

[StanChung]

It's quite annoying if comes off and float. Then you have to redo. lol.

[stormydax]

wow...looks like its not very pratical...but its indeed quite nice...hahaha