stupid wood question that i"m not sure of the answer

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
the big kahuna

the big kahuna

Aimara
MFK Member
Oct 13, 2007
785
678
130
new york city
would it be a problem getting regular wood branches from a tree stripping the bark off then boiling the wood, baking and scrubbing it and then soaking it for a couple of weeks then placing it in a tank? if not why?
 
depends on the wood...pine and other soft wood is not so good...

hardwoods, if you actually do all of that thoroughly, I don't see why not.
 
Also, depending of course on where you live, it depends on where the branches come from. Trees along streets and roads where I live are sprayed each year with pesticides, so that is a concern.

When in doubt, grab a small piece, prep it and stick it in an aquarium with a couple (not too hardy) fish for 2 weeks.
 
Boiling is OK for a short run since boiling green wood or driftwood causes the wood to break down much more quickly than it would naturally. For all that work, you're better off collecting or buying actual driftwood than to try conditioning green wood yourself.
 
I like to find old, dried branches, then follow the steps you outlined. If it's already dry, it just seems like there's less chance of poison and such. I've never had any problems at all.

Sent from my LG-P509 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
If the bark of the tree has black stains, don't put it in the tank. It has soaked up toxins from the ground and is poisonous. If its an evergreen, it has sap that will make a human sick just by using it as cooking wood. If its a hardwood, it's not actually "dry" until it's been dead for 5 years. Best bet is to get driftwood from an ungroomed beach.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom