I should have specified, I live in a (fairly) cold climate. Water temperatures over 70 degrees is quite uncommon. I'm sure you could introduce something living in a warmer climate, but if the water I pull rocks/wood from never gets higher than 60ish and my tank is 80 degrees plus I don't think there are many unwanted "thingies" that would survive a getting removed, dried, and cleaned with a good scrubbing.
More power to you if you have the intestinal fortitude to cook bogwood on your stove! I tried it with oak leaves once and it reeked to high heaven and then the leaves fell apart in the tank.
Another thing to consider is that certain woods can leech toxins as well, in an open system (river) it's not a big deal but in a closed system (tank) there could be adverse effects.
I'm all for collecting your own decorations, just do so with some common sense. River rocks can explode since they can contain water which when heated turns to steam. If you've ever had a campfire on a river bed or beach I'm sure you've seen what happens (I have). I would not boil or heat rocks inside.
More power to you if you have the intestinal fortitude to cook bogwood on your stove! I tried it with oak leaves once and it reeked to high heaven and then the leaves fell apart in the tank.
Another thing to consider is that certain woods can leech toxins as well, in an open system (river) it's not a big deal but in a closed system (tank) there could be adverse effects.
I'm all for collecting your own decorations, just do so with some common sense. River rocks can explode since they can contain water which when heated turns to steam. If you've ever had a campfire on a river bed or beach I'm sure you've seen what happens (I have). I would not boil or heat rocks inside.
