Random Dead Branches safe in tank?

[ethnics]

a huge bush out front of my house died a few months ago, its kinda jus been sittin there. so yesterday i went through it and ripped out some nice branches and i wanna use them in my tank. its basically freakin dead haha, im jus wondering if its safe to stick it in the tank or will it let out some kinda checmicals that are harmful to the fish? thanks

 

[Oddball]

It's always better to use cured driftwood. Yard branches may have insecticides/herbicides on them. Also, if there's still any green left in the branches, it'll cause a massive bacterial bloom from the simple sugars released from the plant's cells. If the yard waste wood was left out too long, it'll be brittle and break down quickly in an aquarium. You also have to know exactly what type of bush you're taking the branches from. Many decorative landscaping bushes are toxic to humans and pets. All of those big colorful bushes along the main highways, in CA, are extremely poisonous to animal life.

 

[ethnics]

thank god i asked, thanks oddball

 

[big train]

dont do it dude it will at very least discolor your water plus all that real bad stuff oddball said.

 

[ethnics]

i did have them in but for only 5 mins, i asked right after i put them in, and took them out right after he answered them. my fish seemed to like the branches. i'm gonna try to find some fake plants that replicate what i had. i can't stop spending money on my fish haha, every day i find something new i wanna get for them

 

[CHOMPERS]

How about setting up a plastic tub with the branches in it and add some feeder goldfish. If the goldfish live, they you know you are ok. However, you must do regular water changes to prevent any build up of ______. Pines emit turpentine, cedars are very resinous, etc. If you are relaxed on the water changes then do not add the branches.