is it possible for driftwood to increase the ph?

Question

I was always under the impression that driftwood lowered ph, but my aquariums ph is MUCH higher than my tapwater. I don't like adding those ph adjusters as I can never seem to acheive a constant ph which is even more detremental.I have two large pieces of wood in my tank so why is the ph so high?

I bought the wood at the petstore. No new fish, just 2 dwarf gouramis in a 44g

I have done water changes- no real change in ph

Answer 1

As stated the only way this can happen is if some chemical is in the wood and slow leaaching out into the water. Salt will not impact pH under any circumstances, so that cannot be the problem chemical. However, if the wood came from a saltwater environment it could contain calcium compound that would affect the pH. I would first look at any gravel or other stones in the tank as a potential source. A rough test would be to put a few drops of vinegar, lemon juice or other acid on any suspect rock. If it bubbles or fizzes you have certainly found your problem. Shells of course can also raise pH so any shells need to go.

MM

Answer 2

ok frist off did you go to the ocean your self and find the drift wood or did you buy it at the petstore?there is a big diffence.if you bought it at the pet store then it was treated and it should not affect your ph but if you went to the ocean your self and found it then yes it will cause it has salt in it and it will raise the ph.Did you add anything else to your tank that might of affected your ph?maybe a new fish?before you added the driftwood did you check your ph?you might want to do a water change but ONLY take out 1/3 of the water.and leave the drift wood in and wait a day until the new water settles and see if that helps.if it dose not then remove the drift wood and get some that is specialy treated for fish tanks.good luck

Answer 3

It's not likely(although anything is possible) that the driftwood is raising the pH. What is the substrate? Coral sand(Aragonite) can raise the pH,as can certain rocks. Some crystal appearing rocks(Calcium Carbonate, I think) can cause this. If some of the tank ornaments are "plaster of Paris" they could be leaching Calcium into the water. It's a mystery,and I'd really like to know the solution. Good luck.-----PeeTee
P.S. I just recalled once I had a piece of driftwood that had a plaster of Paris anchor weight for a base,maybe that's it.

Answer 4

As previously stated, if the wood came from a saltwater environment it can raise the pH of the water. If it is any other type of wood it will lower the pH. Sometimes high pH can be caused by certain types of rocks or substraits in the water as well as some medications. I would look at these for possable causes as well. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Driftwood should lower it. My question for you is what is your substrate? If it's crushed coral, argonite, or if you have any limestone it'll go up. Add any stones from outside?