Ideas on a HUGE Twisted Driftwood on my Poly Tank

[litigator666]

I recently acquired this huge twisted driftwood and thinking of using it on my tank. Tank size is 2.6meters x 1meter x 0.75meter (LWH). I prefer not to cut the wood as it's gorgeous so if i can fit it on the tank, a portion will be hanging out of the tank. Driftwood is about 3meters. Another problem will be the top bracing which will be a maneuvering nightmare just to get most of the wood in.

my big concern is the part outside leaning on the glass top frame may exert too much pressure on the tank. Taking out the top brace or getting a bigger tank is not a direction I want to take. Another concern if ever i can fit a big part of the wood inside is the open space - what can I use to cover the open top sections as my bichirs (ornates and endlis) and other fish may find their way out.

Not in a hurry to do this and want to know your thoughts on how to approach this.

 

[kno4te]

I’d cut it and not mess with the tank bracing. That’s the most important part.

You can try using mesh netting to cover the tank and make sure all opening are covered.

 

[Experiment397]

Chainsaw. Problem solved

 

[adamsfishes]

Epic piece. The stump end on the right looks like it could be removed without altering the character of it.

 

[litigator666]

cutting the right tip will fit the length of the tank but i still have the problem of fitting it inside.

there is no way for me to get this in without cutting it in pieces. any suggestion of a strong and clear fish safe glue I can use in order to rebuild it as one whole piece inside the tank? I'll have to strategically cut it in a way, that the parts lines up and the chopped parts unnoticeable. I was thinking stainless screws as well as an option.

 

[the_deeb]

Very nice piece!

I would cut it and use stainless steel bolts and nuts to reassemble it in the tank. I think this will be more effective than glue.

 

[Experiment397]

If you will be dry fitting it you can use reef epoxy on the cut portions then sand it down to match the wood

 

[litigator666]

i ended up chopping it to 3x pcs. biggest i can fit was around 6ft with me and the wife struggling to maneuver it on the openning. soaking now in the tank as i dont have a big enough container. hopefully it sink soon.



bichir hanging out on the floating wood. tank is now brown due to the tannins.

 

[the_deeb]

I think you’re going to need to weigh it down somehow so that it’s fully submerged if you want to eventually get waterlogged.

 

[litigator666]

i strategically position it to avoid hitting the braces and weighted it down with the top filter. i still need to get it water logged and that will need time. tannins are being released and water is still brown despite having purigen and keeping up on water changes.



undecided on whether to attach anubias on the wood as i will have redhooks and filament barbs on it. im afraid theyll eat any plants i add in.