Driftwood

[aravenschild]

Hello,
I'm new here but have had aquriums for years, and I have a question...
I've got a great piece of driftwood that I would like to add to my aquarium, but it needs to be cleaned (no bark, just dirt) Since I do not have a powerwasher can I clean it some other way? And how long should I soak, rinse, and soak it before I can add it to my tank? Heating is out, its just too big for my oven.
I would be greatful for any suggestions.
Thank you, aravenschild

 

[AROWANABE]

WELCOME TO MFK

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Try soaking and cleaning it in your bathtub if it wont fit anywhere else. Just be sure to clean your tub of any shampoo or soap before.

 

[aravenschild]

Thank you for getting back to me so quick.
I can get it into one of those large rubber maid containers to soak. Should I change the water a few times before trying to add it to my tank? And how long will I need to soak it to keep it from floating?

 

[portabuddy]

Well its going to leach out tannens for quite some time, if you can soak it im HOT!! water like soiling water this would starilize it and welp get the tannons out, i guess boilding it is out of the question.

just remember not all wood is good to put in the tank. as long as it isnt sappy you should be ok... but boiling it for about 3 houres is the best way...

if you see the water get brown, change it... and do that untill it dosnt leach out any more.

 

[dovii88]

everyone loves free driftwood

 

[Derpeder]

I put a piece in my native tank with LMB and didn't even soak it. Like you it was to big to boil so I just threw it in there. Looking back I should have definately soaked it. It turned my water a slight yellow color. I don't thinnk it harmed the bass and they enjoyed the bugs that came out as a tasty little snack.

It was about 6 months ago and I weighted it down with rocks. I recently check and it still floats (the piece was EXTREMELY dry though so it probably does not normally take that long...??..??). I don't know.

This is my piece I found.

 

[rallysman]

Give it a quick rinse at the car wash next time you go

 

[aravenschild]

Won't rinsing it at the car wash just contaminate the wood with soaps, oil, and car wax?
I think I'm just going to spray it off as good as I can, then soak it in clear water for a few weeks.
To Derpeder, great tank, what size is it?

 

[rallysman]

I just let the soaps run out of the carwash hose before I have at it. When I get home I give it a scrub with a bleach solution and then put it in the tank during a water change (wish extra dechlorinater). It has worked for me on several tanks.