Driftwood Question.

[The Wolf Pack]

Thinking about going out to a couple local streams and small lakes to look for some driftwood. I've seen a gazillion videos on Youtube on how to get it tank ready and safe. The part I'm unsure of is the type of wood to look for? I have 3 main questions if anyone can answer that would be great. Any additional advice is always helpful.

1) Does the wood have to come from or near a water source? Can I find a nice piece in the woods?

2) I know I have to remove the bark if theres any, but do I also have to sand it down a little?

3) I also know all evergreen type trees are a no-no. But if a tree is uprooted and obviously dead for years, is it safe to use?

 

[tlindsey]

Thinking about going out to a couple local streams and small lakes to look for some driftwood. I've seen a gazillion videos on Youtube on how to get it tank ready and safe. The part I'm unsure of is the type of wood to look for? I have 3 main questions if anyone can answer that would be great. Any additional advice is always helpful.

1) Does the wood have to come from or near a water source? Can I find a nice piece in the woods?

2) I know I have to remove the bark if theres any, but do I also have to sand it down a little?

3) I also know all evergreen type trees are a no-no. But if a tree is uprooted and obviously dead for years, is it safe to use?

1) No
2) I personally only collected old dead Oak Tree stems and they normally have no bark on them. No need to sand.
3)I would avoid that type of tree may still release harmful resins.

 

[Jexnell]

1) does not have to come from an already wet source. Can be completely dry, they just take longer to become waterlogged and sink.

2)No sanding needed, unless of course there are some sharp points from broken off branches that could impale your fish.

3) No evergreens at all, even dry they have the natural antifreeze in them that in a tanks volume could be deady unlike in the wild with much more water volume.

 

[Midwater]

1) Does the wood have to come from or near a water source?

No.

1) Can I find a nice piece in the woods?

Yes.

2) I know I have to remove the bark if theres any

Yes.

2) but do I also have to sand it down a little?

You could try power washing it. Removes anything loose and any part of the wood that is not going to last.

3) But if a tree is uprooted and obviously dead for years, is it safe to use?

The more dead the better.

 

[The Wolf Pack]

Thanks for the replies. Will take some pics tomorrow. Looking for 2 nice 3-4 foot pieces. Lfs prices on driftwood are insane

 

[Jexnell]

I got all my manzanita from here

Manzanita-Driftwood.com - Stunning Aquarium Driftwood, Stones, & Fish

Shop now and take advantage of the BUY 2 GET 1 FREE deal. Nothing enhances a tank like Manzanita Driftwood or Stones

manzanita-driftwood.com

Decent prices and buy two get one free (equal to or lower than your least expensive piece)

 

[The Wolf Pack]

Picked up 6 pieces today 4 of them I'm 90% sure they'll be good.

 

[The Wolf Pack]

After a rinse with the hose I realized these 2 are questionable. Will get out the power washer next weekend but until then I'll soak these in a huge tote with a splash of bleach. Enjoyed the walk along the lake with my 10yr old son looking for these. Will definitely be out there next weekend.

 

[tlindsey]

After a rinse with the hose I realized these 2 are questionable. Will get out the power washer next weekend but until then I'll soak these in a huge tote with a splash of bleach. Enjoyed the walk along the lake with my 10yr old son looking for these. Will definitely be out there next weekend.

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Nice finds the pieces in the bottom look safe to use.

 

[The Wolf Pack]

Nice finds the pieces in the bottom look safe to use.

After rinsing it the 2 bottom ones seemed very mushy at the ends and stringy.