Making tree like branches/driftwood question

[GrantA94]

Make sure the wood is dead. Do not use live branches. As the sap can often be poisonous to fish. Especially in small volumes of water.

If the branches are dead then go for it! I never boiled mine, instead poured boiling water over it. Then let it soak. Make sure there is no bark left then get it in. I always put stones on top or leaning against it and eventually soaks up the water (6 weeks).

 

[arowfan]

ok I was curious about using live branches-thanks for that man! Guess I'm on the hunt now for some dead wood!

 

[2pac]

beware of sappy wood. Use a turkey fryer from home depot (outdoor boiler). DONT use a bathtup or dishwasher

 

[toomanytoys]

if you have any rivers or creeks near you just go walk down the banks that is where i have gotten the stuff for my new tank. just remember to bring a saw.
3500 psi power washer works pretty good for removing top layer of whatever is on it

 

[fook]

if you have any rivers or creeks near you just go walk down the banks that is where i have gotten the stuff for my new tank.

That's what I did. I figured the wood had been under water for so long that it should be fine. But it just fell apart after a while. Maybe I got stuff that was just too dried/rotted to begin with.

 

[toomanytoys]

here is what i picked that is in my new tank now

 

[Gill Blue]

love that stump. good find.

 

[Redbellypiranha]

I have some trees in my parents backyard. I was planning on chopping some good sized branches...and then mounting them to the slate...am I correct in thinking that I shouldn't be concerned about parasites since it was never in water?

only use dead branches because the fluid in side the branch will seep out and kill your fish or go to your local lake or pond and you can find plenty of driftwood

 

[arowfan]

very nice find toomanytoys! thanks everyone for all the info!!!