Selecting proper driftwood

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Pyramid_Party

Pyramid_Party

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2008
4,916
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Monterey, CA
Hi,


What kinds of wood are safe for aquariums? I saw a nice piece of wood but it was Cedar, I didnt buy it because I heard its bad. Theres also someone who collected some wood on the banks of a river in Virginia, the wood looks nice but I am worried about it because I dont know if it is safe.

What kinds of wood should I stay away from? Also, if I find a piece of wood that was found/collected in the wild, what must I do to assure its aquarium safe.

Heres a piece I am interested in:

b17f_1.JPG


This was found by a river in Virginia. Dont know the type of wood though.
 
malayga(spelling?) I'd order it online, LFS jack-up the price for it really high.
 
Cedar is OK if it is weathered. Pines, firs, and spruces have toxic sap; avoid these unless they are very well-weathered. Look for wood that is gray and skeletal looking, and rock-hard all the way through; it should be fine no matter what kind of tree it is from. At that stage there's practically nothing left but lignin.

Most other trees (including practically all hardwoods) are OK but the wood still must be at least somewhat weathered; fresh-cut or green wood should not go in the tank, as it will foul the water. Also avoid wood that is decaying; if there are just a few rotten spots on an otherwise sound piece, use a drill or chisel to remove them.
 
I'm not sure what you want us to do. Are you asking for an ID on that particular piece of wood? I don't know what it is, other than that it appears to be roots. Is it hard and rigid, or soft and flexible?
 
I guess Im asking like what woods to trust. Could any wood be used? Like Cedar or something?

Is there soemthing I should look for to make sure the wood is safe for aquarium use?
 
i use malaysian driftwood from a seller on ebay.
 
Pyramid_Party;2626324; said:
I guess Im asking like what woods to trust. Could any wood be used? Like Cedar or something?

Is there soemthing I should look for to make sure the wood is safe for aquarium use?
Click to expand...

I think I covered that in my first response.
 
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