brown tinge in water

Question
QUESTION: hi karen,i recently set up a tropical aquarium,i bought the tank plus plants etc.one week in and the water in the tank has a brown look to it.i bought a plant attached to a brown log.could this be doing the water tinge and will it go away.it looks great and natural if i put a lot of african like fish.tetra etc.but is it dangerous.no fish yet as i am maturing the tank.the tank holds about 75ltrs.

ANSWER: Hi John,
The brown tinge is most certainly due to the driftwood. It's natural and nothing to worry about. If you don't like it then water changes and carbon in your filter can help a lot. Eventually the wood will "wear itself out" and not leech as much tannins in several weeks to maybe a couple of months just depending upon the size.

Driftwood also tends to lower your pH so keep this in mind if you are thinking of adding fish that love harder water conditions. If so, then several repeated water changes and carbon in your filter will eventually get it clear again.

I really hope this helps!
Best wishes!
Karen~

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi karen,looking into my tank a little closer,the brown seems to have left a stain on another piece of wood i had put in there,the other piece being a paler in color like grey but now turning brown.even some of the stones are doing this,is this still a natural process my tank is going through as it matures.many thanks for your help.john.

Answer
Hmm...Can the brown stain be rubbed off? If so, then it could very likely be brown algae growth. Brown algae can be caused by a high nutrient level so a couple of extra water changes would be needed plus regular wiping it off until it goes away. Brown algae often goes away on its own anyway. Sometimes otocinclus catfish are good at removing this type of algae.

I really hope this helps!
Best wishes as always,
Karen~