Adding Driftwood to an Established Tank

[GaMeR]

Hello!

I usually like smaller fish, and I was keeping ember tetras, galaxy rasboras for 5-6 years. When I went to local store to get some Pseudomugil Gertrudae for my 100x45x50 cm 200 liter / 50 galon tank, I saw a couple Apisto Cacatuoides and bought a pair. Such a newbie mistake. I didn't prepare my aquarium for them, but it was already established; running for years.

I have a big rock on the right side of my aquarium, blocking the sight of heater & filter intake & ph controller probe. So I want to remove that rock (slowly not to ruin the water with debris) and put a driftwood so I can get some tannins.

When I was looking for a piece of driftwood I also find a another really nice piece of wood with great texture.

So I want to introduce 2 x 35-40cm of wood to my aquarium but I'm really concerned about the fish I've had. It's been a week now, everyone seems happy. Don't want to mess with water too much. I also got some swords and anubias to plant for Apistos, but they wait for driftwood placements.

What do you suggest? Now curing the main driftwood with hot water.
Should I take the big gneiss rock to have a driftwood only aquarium? If yes, what should I watch for?

 

[Mike Wise]

Did you bury the driftwood from a pet store or collect it yourself?

 

[GaMeR]

Got it from the pet store. It's kinda big but I'm treating it with hot water, it doesn't have much tannins.
I was gonna use it to reduce the ph a bit but I think my apistos don't really care about my ph.

 

[Mike Wise]

If it is a commercial product it should be safe after a quick rinse to remove dust. It should be either weighted or be a very dense wood so it shouldn't need any extra soaking to sink. I doubt it will lower the pH much.