Anyone use California Grape Vine Wood?

[JK47]

An LFS near me has some amazing pieces for very cheap. I know they are more for reptile tanks because they are not a hard wood but does anyone know if it could safely be used in aquaria?

Would love to hear from anyone with experience with it.

 

[JK47]

Been reading a bit on this and I meant grape wood, not grape vine wood. Have not found a definative answer yet, allot of mixed results. Any experiences from members on this forum?

 

[robmcd]

I have used it in the past and it works just fine. It just takes a really long time for it to sink as it is very buoyant. I personally just dont like the way it looks......

 

[Angler]

Well it is Grape Vine Wood that is commonly used for reptiles. I think you were right in the first place to call it Grape Vine and not just Grape. Anyways, I tried to use it. I tried to put it in my tank 3 different times, and everytime it grew a white film all over it.

 

[Cecropia]

White film vanishes after a bit and it doesn't discolor water. I used to have 2 pieces but chucked them. They get to the point where you can peel the outer layer off. They decay pretty quickly once decay starts, my plecs LOVED them though.

 

[zerojquan85]

White film vanishes after a bit and it doesn't discolor water. I used to have 2 pieces but chucked them. They get to the point where you can peel the outer layer off. They decay pretty, my plecs LOVED them though.

I still have a piece with me.. been trying to get it to sink.. they just keep floating.. maybe i should try again... hmmmm

 

[Cecropia]

I tied my big piece down for a week or so and it sank. The decay always made my sand look dirty though. I'm sure with my higher flow rate now that it wouldn't be an issue, I'm picky about mess on my sand lol

If you leave the outer decayed layer the decay slows to a crawl, scrub it off like I did and it will look the same in a couple weeks.

 

[JK47]

Interesting opinions guys, thank you. The LFS has a 4' piece for $30 that looks a lot like mapani which is why I wanted it. If it does not leach tannins I have to pass. I keep all my tanks tinged with tannins to help soften my water.