Driftwood Tank -- HELP PLEASE!!!

[FunGi]

Okay, so I thought a cool idea was to set up a 150 gal tank behind the futon in the basement so that you could see through both sides.  I filled it with gravel and then stacked a ton of driftwood into the tank.  I soaked the pieces for a few weeks rinsing and adding new water every couple of days.

HERE IS MY PROBLEM:
I have so many tanins (spelling?) that I cannot see through the tank.  I tried using some organic absorption resin but that was exhausted almost right away.  I am trying to recharge it with brine.  UGH!  I started emptying the water, and soaking the wood all over again.  I see little white flecks that seem to be swimming in the tank.  I am almost to the point of shutting the whole tank down and forgetting this project.  Please help with any suggestions.

Steve

[Regalblue]

When my tanks have been dark with tannins, I've always done large volume water changes on it,about 75% every 4-5 days.
Eventually it'll get the way you want it to be. But, sometimes you just have to have patience

[Helloitsme]

I have found the best way to stop new driftwood from discoloring your tank is to boil it many, many times before you put it in. Now that you already have it in your tank I would do as my predecessor replied and do lots of large water changes. Changing your filter carbon with each water change may or may not help too.

[Marty]

I have heard that if you boil driftwood, it will drastically reduce the tannins released by the wood once it's in your tank.

[Regalblue]

I have heard the same about boiling driftwood. 

I've just never done it.  I'd rather hear about boiling the driftwood, than hear my wife bitch about me doing it

[GrizzlysDad]

I'm not sure what you mean by "a ton of driftwood" but at one time I had my 190g decorated with nothing but driftwood.  It was literally stacked front-to-back and top-to-bottom with the stuff. It was filled with a bunch of different tetras, wild silver angelfish, and a huge assortment of rare plecos.
No matter how long it soaked, over time it will still release tannins.
The tank will look great once you get "over the hump" with the heavy tannins but be advised, it will always release tannins. That is how a black water stream sustains it qualities. Weekly water changes help keep in in control once you get the majority under control.
Be patient as it is a rewarding aqua scape, it just takes some effort.
I still miss having that set up in my living room.

[FunGi]

Thanks guys for the replies.  I did not have fish in it or the tank cycled so I unloaded all the driftwood as much of it was covered with algae that had turned brown due to the tanins.  I think I will try the boiling thing to try and get a lot of them out.  I do like the way the wood looks as well as the water having that more natural look of "some" tanins in the water.  I am going to house South American Cichlids in it as I have heard that they like the lower ph that the wood helps to accomplish. 

Part of the problem is that I have taken too long to get the tank up and running.  I put the water, gravel and wood in there and then hooked up heaters a couple days later w/only one filter.  Then I got lights on it only yesterday which was about 5-6 weeks after got things started.

One other question for you guys.  I am trying to hook up two ehiem canister filters to the tank and I have been having a devil of a time trying to get the flow to go.  It keeps losing syphon.  I changed the hosing to new hosing, but I would not think that would be the problem.  Any thoughts?

Steve

[Regalblue]

I still miss having that set up in my living room.

While you may miss the setup. I am glad you tore it down, as my tanks look nicer since you did.

[Marty]

Likely one of these:

Your impeller is bad

Your motor is bad

Your seal is bad (probably need a new o ring)

Also, if you used some type of aftermarket hose and have it rigged with hose clamps, I would check to see if they're tightened enough (this would cause your filter to lose siphon as well)

[FunGi]

I still miss having that set up in my living room.

While you may miss the setup. I am glad you tore it down, as my tanks look nicer since you did.

LOL!  That is funny and not funny at the same time.  Never fear the tank will be up and running again soon.   

[PaulineMi]

This will polish your water to crystal clear. Use it up to the point that the water is where you want it color wise then quit using it for awhile. As the water darkens you can use it again. It's truly awesome stuff.  Not cheap but it works well and fast.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/1-5-pounds-half-gallon-premium-rox-0-8-aquarium-carbon.html

[buznoz]

What model of Eheims. I run Eheims on all my tanks. If they have the siphon feature, which isn't worth a hill of beans, forget about that feature. Take your tops off, fill them with water and reinstall the top. Hook up your intake and return and plug it in. Works every time.