Driftwood causes pH to drop?

[shadowfax23]

Did any of you guys buy a planted driftwood, only to realise that it decreases the pH of your tank to below 6?
Apparently, it happened to me and wiped out all my Yamatoes and guppies. Now that I removed it, leaving only 3 stalks of plants. However, I still need to add pH Up solution everyday to maintain the pH around 7. My tank measures 45cm (1.5ft)X 26cm X 29cm.

[bclee]

Driftwood will leach tanins which are organic acids. These will cause pH to drop. You can add some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to prevent KH from crashing.

BC

[bclee]

Driftwood will leach tanins which are organic acids. These will cause pH to drop. You can add some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to prevent KH from crashing. About 1/2 tsp will do during your weekly water change.

BC

[blur2x]

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On 12/23/2003 8:44:21 AM

Driftwood will leach tanins which are organic acids. These will cause pH to drop. You can add some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to prevent KH from crashing.

BC
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Is that the reason for soaking and boiling a driftwood before placing it a main tank?

[shadowfax23]

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On 12/23/2003 8:47:21 AM

Driftwood will leach tanins which are organic acids. These will cause pH to drop. You can add some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to prevent KH from crashing. About 1/2 tsp will do during your weekly water change.

BC
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Thanks buddy. The pH Up solution is costing me a bomb. :P

[Mendistan]

alternative is to use coral chips...