Cedar..?
- Thread starter arherp
- Start date
Seems to be a matter up for debate. Try reading this thread, maybe it will be of some help. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1850656
I used cedar on my DIY build, I use 6x6's.
I have found limitations with how soft the wood is though. I had 2in diameter washers pulling into the wood at 6ft deep. (this was very scary 10second long sound of ship breaking that you could feel through concrete floor) It sounded worse that it was, luckily. I just had to lower the water level and re-epoxy one little seam crack that formed from the wood moving.
I have found limitations with how soft the wood is though. I had 2in diameter washers pulling into the wood at 6ft deep. (this was very scary 10second long sound of ship breaking that you could feel through concrete floor) It sounded worse that it was, luckily. I just had to lower the water level and re-epoxy one little seam crack that formed from the wood moving.
BTW, the piece I have is approx. 3" thick and 36" long. I faintly see red in some places. The smell is VERY light. Think this would be ok?
I guess your concern is any chemical leaching then. I doubt it would be a problem. You would obviously have to seal the wood anyways, so the water shouldn't have direct contact with the wood in the first place. Just being near it shouldn't do anything.
Are you just using it as a frame or what?
Are you just using it as a frame or what?
How do you seal the wood? In my experience, the commercial liquid seals will degrade over time and leach into the tank as well...
Sorry, I didn't realise you meant putting in the water. (myopic thoughts) I thought you meant as a building material.
I know cedar isn't good for small animals as bedding, I couldn't imagine it would be any better submerged in water. Too many toxic oils in the wood. I'd say its probably not worth the risk, unless its a really, really small piece compared to the volume of water you have.
I suppose the sealing idea could still be valid, I have seen people do it. Using clear epoxies, or polyurethane..ect. But like you said, it still might leach things into the water, and the piece would have to weighted down as it would never get water logged.
Or, you could weather the piece before hand. A season submerged would probably make it aquarium safe, but I'm not positive on this either.
I know cedar isn't good for small animals as bedding, I couldn't imagine it would be any better submerged in water. Too many toxic oils in the wood. I'd say its probably not worth the risk, unless its a really, really small piece compared to the volume of water you have.
I suppose the sealing idea could still be valid, I have seen people do it. Using clear epoxies, or polyurethane..ect. But like you said, it still might leach things into the water, and the piece would have to weighted down as it would never get water logged.
Or, you could weather the piece before hand. A season submerged would probably make it aquarium safe, but I'm not positive on this either.