Driftwood Problem

Question
Just recently I started up my new aquarium and thought that it looked a little bit empty, so I put a lump of driftwood in. I was surprised to discover the next day that the driftwood had made the water very murky. Is there a way to have driftwood in my aquarium without it being a nuisance???

Answer
Hello

It can leach tannins for a long time. If there are deep crevices they can also contain dirt that will come out if the piece of wood has not been pre soaked. There is a good run down on aquarium wood from the page below.

www.e-aquarium.com.au/wood-aquarium-ornaments.htm