Is bark on driftwood bad?

[featherfin]

i remember hearing somewhere that bark is not good for aquariums, but i can't seem to find out exactly why that is... some people say the tannins lower pH (not necessarily a bad thing?), but aside from that i don't see what exactly is not good about it.

if i remove most of the bark from the wood and then boil and soak it until most of the tannins are out, will it harm the fish?

[fischkopp]

Yes and no. Yes, because bark deteriorates faster than wood and pollutes your water. Good, if you have fish that feeds on the bark. Some plecos, especially panaque, love it.

[robt18]

Make sure you keep up with your water changes! And be sure that there aren't any bugs in it... it's easier to hide in the bark than the wood.

[featherfin]

okay thanks! i'll just be more careful with water quality.

@fischkopp: panaques are a little out of my price range 

[robt18]

Royals aren't too expensive! Nice looking fish...

[featherfin]

from the little bit of looking i did on the internet, the blue eyed panaque was like 500-1200$! the royals are a much better price though