Collecting Sticks/Branches

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spitz006

spitz006

Piranha
MFK Member
Dec 25, 2010
565
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76
Allegan, MI
I'm setting up a 40 breeder planted and I just found a branch in my yard that fits perfectly. I'm not too concerned about bacteria or anything... and if it rots or something I can always throw it out and redecorate, but the problem is, if my plants start rooting to it, i can't really get rid of it. Will it be okay? I didn't strip the bark off of it or anything. What's going to happen in a few months?
 
Nothin much I did the same if the branch is from a hard wood tree like oak or cedar then It will must Likely just get a little soft and if it's a soft porous wood like pine or birch then it will get really soft there is no problem or reason to worry.


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Iv always wonderd this myself. If I toss some maple branches or something in my tank, what would happen to them? Would they slowly rot and have to be replaced every so often, or will it remain as a piece of tank decor? I want my tank to mimic a lake bottom, so some tall skinny branches would be a nice touch.
 
I'd go with oak if at all possible,i think aquarium fish international did a biotope article on this several years ago.i think eventually they have to be replaced due to them rotting away

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What if you took a live branch off atree? Would the branch still die from too much water or from not being attached to the tree? Or is it possible for a living branch to establish itself in the aquarium? If you cut up and frail the bottem like you would for cloneing/moving plants?
 
I had a Cherry Branch in one of my tanks and its now in my outdoor pond. Looks very nice and the best is its free ( came from our cherry tree).

Just make sure you remove the bark and its going to last literally forever :)
 
I do this all the time. I always debark them though. I collect hardwoods, dead and alive and strip the bark. I usually cook them in the oven at 200 F for a few hours but that is just to get rid of things on the wood. if you arnt worried about fungi or bacteria dont worry about it. As the sugars and starchs break down in the wood, a slime coat will cover the wood. Plecos or other species readily eat the slime and keep the wood clean, if you dont use some species that eat it, youll be living with the slime or cleaning it every few days. Different woods take different amounts of time to sink, Maple takes a long time, but my oak sinks pretty quick, imo. Always remember the tannin factor, I like tannins personally, I think the fish enjoy the natural dim lighting. Good luck and find some cool pieces!
 
I have a forest behind my house with all sorts of trees, so I was thinking of maple or oak. Do you have to strip off the bark though? I like the way it looks (going for a natural lake bed look), as for the tannens I dont mind as it will eventual clear with waterchanges plus the majority of my fish are nocturnal anyways, so might work out in their favor after all.
 
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