Is manzanita covered in lichen fish safe?

[Oscar Mike]

Hey guys so I took a trip to Monterey today and found this awesome manzanita branch but it has some lichen spots. The wood is solid and doesn't appear to be rotting. I found a smaller branch I thought was burnt but actually appears to be rotting and looks different than the bigger one.

Really hoping I can use it as it's 5ft long by 4ft tall in the shape I've been searching for and the color is really nice. Since my tank is 2ft tall I'm planning on cutting the top half so I can use as much as possible.

I would appreciate any opinions on if it's safe and where I should make the cut so I don't ruin it lol

 

[robmcd]

I would use the one on the bottom. The one on the top looks like it is still live and actively growing. I'd dry it out for a year then use it.

 

[Oscar Mike]

I would use the one on the bottom. The one on the top looks like it is still live and actively growing. I'd dry it out for a year then use it.

Thanks it definitely looked more freshly cut but the back half is grey like the others. The spots that look like growth I believe are lichen, it actually looks kinda cool if it wasn't fungus.

The bottom one felt soft and spongy after getting it wet, not hard like other manzanita I've had so not sure if it's still good.

 

[Oscar Mike]

Removed the lichen/bark with a brush and sponge

In tank shot after soaking in the bath with boiling water

 

[Chief Tom]

I'm interested to see if it becomes algae covered. I had sheets of white crap come off a mopani chunk nothing in the tank would eat. Cleared up in about a week.

 

[Oscar Mike]

I'm interested to see if it becomes algae covered. I had sheets of white crap come off a mopani chunk nothing in the tank would eat. Cleared up in about a week.

I had the same thing happen to the last manzanita branch I had, it's just bacteria colonizing and decomposing the organic matter. I'm hoping it starts growing green algae for my flagtail and mytennis to graze on.

 

[Chief Tom]

I had the same thing happen to the last manzanita branch I had, it's just bacteria colonizing and decomposing the organic matter. I'm hoping it starts growing green algae for my flagtail and mytennis to graze on.

Yup.I put 2 plecos and snails in there and they all ignored it. Must taste like crap!

 

[Oscar Mike]

Yup.I put 2 plecos and snails in there and they all ignored it. Must taste like crap!

Already covered in white slime lol

 

[Chief Tom]

Already covered in white slime lol
View attachment 1426010

That was quick!

 

[Oscar Mike]

That was quick!

Hopefully that doesn't mean it's too fresh like Rob was saying because it's only growing on the red parts so far.