Treating Root Wood

[Nozebleed]

Hi..whats the best way to treat redmoor wood/rootwood for use in the aquarium? I bought a few pieces today,i have them soaking in a tub of cold water at the minute. the guy in the shop said they're more often used in reptile tanks. but i like the stuff so im gona give it a go see what happens.

I suppose i should leave them there for 4 weeks or maybe more? then boil them?

 

[DDFishPets]

Boil them with aquarium salt and they're good to go!
If you want extra insurance I've heard some people doing a diluted bleach dip after, although I wouldn't do that personally.

 

[Nozebleed]

any idea how long it takes for them to absorb enough water for them to sink?

 

[Toby_H]

Wood varies from piece to piece...

Boiling/bleaching is a good idea if you think there are bugs, fungus, mod, parasites, etc on them... but it is not necessary...

If they leach tannins (make water tea colored) the hotter the water the faster it will leach. Boiling water will leach it out the fastest...

The hotter the water the faster the water will soak into the wood. But how much of a difference would hot water make in this regard? I doubt very much...


If I were in your shoes, I'd soak it in hot water but not boil it.