Finding rocks and wood for your tank

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Llamalord

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jun 17, 2009
209
0
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Montana
Just curious how many of you guys like finding your own wood, rocks, other misc decorations to decorate your aquariums with.

I went wandering around my mom's property today and found a couple interesting pieces.

First was a rock that was just super badass so I cleaned it up and brought it back home.
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Later I found this piece of wood down by the river that runs through the area, I actually have a question about the wood. The majority of trees surrounding the house are all soft wood, I've heard putting softwood in your aquarium is a huge nono. But I've never seen an explanation why. I have no idea what kind of wood this is but I'm fairly certain it isn't hardwood (lol). I'd just like to be certain if it's safe to use before actually using it. Obviously if it's safe there's plenty of work to do on it but I'd rather not waste the time if I can't have it in my tank. Dimensions are approx. 33-34"x24"x11"
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All the rocks I have in my tanks I have found myself. As far as wood is concerned I haven't tried putting any driftwood I have found in any of my tanks. The rock you have pictured above is fantastic looking. Almost looks like a fossil or something. Nice find!
 
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All found at the local river.
 
I collected my rocks myself, but just any kind of rocks basically,nothing too good looking.
As for wood, I collect branches that look like trees since until next year I want a "sunken-forest" theme tank :)
 
I collect everything for my tanks. As for soft wood,The reason it is not recommended is that it will break down/decay faster than hardwoods.
 
When I go to upstate New York (I have 120 acres) and I hop on my quad put on the trailer and I go out for say 4 hours and grab any cool looking wood all around my pond usually or down stream it depends but I casually go and get my own driftwood and deco


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I got my drift wood from an old dead tree stump. I cut it in half and used the roots upside down. I got some of my rocks from the field and the rest from the hardware stores in my area if they have real rock for sale in the yard. Its much cheaper then buying from the pet store.
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I have done the same thing and even make trips to different rivers around to walk the banks and look for cool and interesting items to use in my tanks. All I'd say is make sure to wash them all down and if they were in the water when found give them a salt bath to kill anything that maybe living on them ;)
 
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