Natural Objects

[Joecatfish88]

Hey all

Excited to become a member. I have a native (MN) freshwater setup.

I like to keep the aquarium natural looking using objects that would be found in MN lakes and rivers.

I currently have pieces of local driftwood and even some deer antlers. I boiled the antlers before I put them in aquarium. I found a railroad spike (nail) near a river and think it would look good with my setup. I am wondering if it would be fine to Boil the spike and put in aquarium. There is some rust/discoloration on spike and I want to make sure it would be safe to add.

Also if any of you know of things that are found in the natural world that are unsafe to use please advise as it might be helpful for other members as well.

 

[Kittiee Katt]

Personally, I'd avoid anything that can rust, or has rusted. But I'm not an expert by any definition so I'll leave this one for the more experienced.

Edit: Pics please?

 

[Jsteckman]

If you use the railroad spike I would cover it in an aquarium safe epoxy first

 

[Oddball]

As stated, coat metallic objects with 2-part epoxy clear coating. The deer antlers are going to cause a rise in pH. If your fish would not appreciate a pH spike, I'd dry and coat the antlers, as well, with epoxy.