Treating Driftwood

[timbo08]

Bottom line:
When I harvest driftwood, I first hose it down with a high-pressure cleaner (carwash). Then, I soak it in saturated salt solution (in the bath tub) for three days (daily fresh). That disinfects it all the way. Then I soak it for a couple of days in daily fresh water to de-salt it.

And off it goes into my tank. Generally, you have to weigh it down. I tie it to a rock with fishing line.

HarleyK

You guys are great. Harley, I power washed the wood. Here is a pic. I have a big box of Aquarium Salt, should i pour a whole bunch in to soak with the wood?

It is not water logged yet i just have it in tight agaisnt the glass and it doesnt float anymore.

 

[HarleyK]

It is not water logged yet i just have it in tight agaisnt the glass and it doesnt float anymore.

Wood that is not water-logged, yet, still expands when it takes up water. Make sure it doesn't burst your tank!

 

[timbo08]

How much expansion are we talking about here. I cut it down somemore but i am having a very hard time getting it submerised without using the tank to brace it under. Any ideas?

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

expansion greatly depends on the type of wood, thickness, age, condition etc. Thus, it cannot be quantified.

I always tie driftwood to a rock using fishing line. Just don't put the rock on top, or it can shatter your tank bottom or sides if it falls down.

HarleyK