So I had this idea

[BlackCamaroSS99]

Ok I was looking at the texas rock and some other structures that are semi-open so the fish can swim through and also dwell in with the larger structures...

What would happen if I took a big log(about 2 feet around and 3 feet long) and dremel and sand it down to look like a long tall piece of rock...put holes throughout and make some long enough for the fish to dwell in would that work?

I figure if you can put driftwood in your tank why not try regular tree wood....

The only thing if thats ok is how would I anchor it down....I was thinking maybe glass marbles placed in little ditches I would make at the bottom of it???

[ReesaPie]

i think... the only thing with useing wood in a Cichlid tank (sorry, i'm assumeing African Cichlids, though that may not be the case) is that it tends to bring the PH way down.... can anybody tell me whether i'm correct about this?

[Adam]

You would be absotively positlutely correct. And the wood turns the water an ugly brown tinge, not a very nice thing.

[CichlidPete]

You could just silicone the wood to the back/bottom of the tank.

Pete

[BlackCamaroSS99]

dang...it was a good idea too....hmmm maybe I could try something else??

[slc,phenochilus]

we if you got a huge peice of bogwood you could cut it and drill it and make a good house for some american cichlids, I've done it.

[chc]

Not worth the effort here guys.... I've tried several different avenues over the years, and it isn't worth the effort. Some woods are no good at all, and most leach tanins into the water.

Your best bet is to say with rocks, pots, or specially prepare aquarium driftwood (especially the kind that sinks on its own).

You're going to have a mess on your hands if you're not careful.