driftwood in aqaurium

Question
Is it ok to put driftwood from a river in my aquarium. The peice of wood was dried out and I cleaned it thoroughly, but will it effect my water chemistry?

Answer
Hi Anita;

Driftwood can cause your aquarium water to be soft (less minerals) so the pH goes down, and it may also cause a yellowish or brownish color to the water. Here is a link to a good article about using driftwood in aquariums;

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Haupenthal_Driftwood.html

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins