Can I put Rhododendron branches in my aquarium

[Tropicalfishking]

(Is this in the right forum?)


I have several Rhododendron branches in my back yard that have been sitting there for at least 4 years, they are not rotten and are (As far as I know) completely dry.

Are these safe to put in my aquarium? How can I make them safe to put in my aquarium?

Thanks!

 

[Tropicalfishking]

I've heard that it is a good idea to remove the bark and boil it? Is that true?

 

[scalesandfins]

yea i would remove the bark and just soak it for a while. like a few weeks. you should be good after that

 

[Tropicalfishking]

Thanks!!

How often should I change the water in the bucket, once a day???

should i boil it aswell?

 

[Tropicalfishking]

Bump! Is it toxic?!

 

[Burto]

Boiling it would be a good idea but wouldn't be absolutely necessary. Definitely remove the bark. Soak it for as long as you want and change the water as often as you can be bothered. If you pull the wood out of whatever it's soaking in and it smells foul, it's probably time to change the water. You could add bleach or salt to the water to help sterilise it but I wouldn't bother.

 

[Noto]

Rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins, which cause stomach, heart, and nerve damage. I don't know if putting branches in water would release enough toxins to be dangerous, but I wouldn't risk it if I were you.

 

[Tropicalfishking]

Thank you for that info, I have googled it many time and have gotten nothing helpfull. I will keep looking for some other piece of wood that doesn't cost $50.

Thanks!!

 

[Noto]

No problem! I suggest you comb the local beaches for old, gray, skeletal driftwood. Once wood reaches that condition it is tank-safe; any toxins and other soluble substances have long since leached out. Soak the salt out and it should be ready to go.

 

[Younglin]

I love using wood that beavers have chewed. Makes the ends look really cool. Try finding a beaver dam near you?