Log for tank?

[Mojorisin138]

I was wondering where people find large logs for their tanks? I see tons of setups with large intricate stumps and root systems branching off, I want that. I'm in the process of setting up a 125 mammon tank and would love a large log with branching right in the middle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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[pops]

if you happen to live some ware that has a large lake or river, Take a stroll, other wise there a few sites that sell wood for aquatics. Malaysian good choice as is manzanita (sp).

 

[Mojorisin138]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely do that. When I look through websites I rarely see huge one piece logs, and they're very expensive.

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[pops]

ya can be a bit costly, stuff from local water ways or ponds/lakes is fine, just need to treat it before putting in your tank.

 

[pops]

I have a large piece i got at the good will, was a fake flower arrangement anchor in a large basket. pulled off the fake plants and soaked in bleach water for 3 weeks then another week in regular water before putting in the 180 with a coral anchor to Finnish sinking it. 2 bucks, great piece of wood. its all pleco food!, lol

 

[Mojorisin138]

Haha that's awesome, great idea. Maybe I will visit my local Goodwill.

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[Gill Blue]

have you checked ebay? aquabid?

 

[Mojorisin138]

I did check them, I found a couple options that may work. I've never had a large piece of wood like that, what would be some suggestions on pre-soaking to release tannins and preventing the log from floating?

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[coonass]

If you collect wood yourself stay away from live green wood, soft rotting wood, and resinous wood. If it came out of the water you may want to hit it with a pressure washer to knock off the loose bits. I have never boiled or bleached any of the wood that I collected. If it floats, soak it in a garbage can and weigh it down so that it stays submerged.

When I kept panaques I went out to an old dead oak and cut a big branch off with a sawsall. All that was left was the hard, dense heartwood. It leached tannin forever, but my setup was a Rio Negro biotope. Wood will always leach some tannin, if water changes don't keep the color down enough just put activated carbon in the filter system.

If you have access to natural areas you should be able to find something nice.

 

[duanes]

I also collect wood from my nearest lake (Michigan).
Because parasites can be present or other undesirable animals or plants can be present , cleaning thoroughly, a short bleach soak are always a good idea. After those, I usually soak large pieces in a rain barrel for up to a few months to release tannins and prohibit parasites a fish to continue their life cycle.
Note the zebra mussels imbedded in the log to the left.