Tree root question

[LilBabyEmma]

I was wondering if i could cut a big hunk of tree roots off of a tree that has its roots growing in a creek. The roots are under the water. I was wondering if they would work in my cichlid tank could i just cut them and add them right into my tank or should i do something to them

 

[schwarzi88]

that would work perfectly , but its gonna leach tannins and over time it will go away and the roots will deteriorate to about 1/2 their size in 3 years. I use then and get them from the canions where i live , be sure to power wash them before setting them in the tank and ull need to ziptie them to a larger rock for them to stay submersed cuz chances r slim that they will sink right off the bat!

 

[COG Commando]

It'll work fine unless it's a coniferous tree.

 

[LilBabyEmma]

One thing i forgot to say is the tree is still alive will it still work

 

[anarchir]

You might possibly kill the tree, so dont take it from a nice one you enjoy seeing.

 

[joe jaskot]

You don't want to put fresh cut (recently live) wood in an aquarium.

 

[LilBabyEmma]

What should i do to get it tank safe.

 

[Nate Dogg]

why not coniferous and why not recently live

 

[COG Commando]

Coniferous trees contain resin which can be toxic to your fish. Live wood works fine, I've used it. Oak tends to work best because it is a very hard wood (resisant to rot and more stable)

 

[joe jaskot]

Read: http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/wood