Is driftwood good for the health of the fish or is it just something to hide behind

[chiod1]

I put a piece of driftwood in my tank and I’m wondering if it is essential to their health or not.

[brewmaster15]

Not essential at all. But it can release tannins which are acidic chemicals that are part of blackwater environments discus evolved in.Tannins have antibacterial and anti fungal properties which may be beneficial though.
hth,
Al

[bluelagoon]

Also,only if you have certain types of plecos in your tank.

[chiod1]

Ya I took the driftwood out.... they didn’t seem to like it

[Filip]

Ya I took the driftwood out.... they didn’t seem to like it

Why ? How did they reacted to it ?

[chiod1]

Some of the fish got a shade or two darker. All of the fish seemed to be a little slower. Also most of the fish didn’t really gravitate towards it like I thought they would. Additionally I considered the risk of injury, fungus, tannins, over all cleanliness and more space and ease of maintenance. After doing the math it just wasn’t worth it for me. They are great with in my bb tank

[chiod1]

Also one discus was showing bars ....she usually doesn’t

[Willie]

The driftwood is for you, not for the discus. So if you don't like it...:p

Willie

[chiod1]

Haha Gotcha! I’ve heard a lot that driftwood is almost mandatory ! I just didn’t find that to be true. Maybe for wild caught it is

[pastry]

The driftwood is for you, not for the discus. So if you don't like it...:p

Willie

100% agree... But I love the [BLEEP] out of driftwood :jester::jester:

I just really love the way they navigate & interact with driftwood. But DW is NOT at all a must.