Would it be safe?

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Eric A

Polypterus
MFK Member
Nov 28, 2008
5,003
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Australia
Hi guys.

I relise this is probably in the wrong section, but it is an idea so I guess i'll just put the thread here.

I have been looking for a nice piece of bogwood for my larger tank. Just a minute ago it jumped to my mind the we have a pine branch that has been off the tree for quite a while. It is just normal pine tree, the type they use for timber, with bark.

Would you say it is safe to place it in the tank?

Cheers everyone, Eric.
 
remove the bark and let it dry out. then boil it, then you're good to go.
 
Where can I boil a 5x3x1.5' tree branch? LOL, I was thinking of stripping the brak as thats what others have done with pine. The branch has been off the tree a good 4 months so I would imagine it to be fairly well dried out.
 
Eric A;2932303; said:
Where can I boil a 5x3x1.5' tree branch? LOL, I was thinking of stripping the brak as thats what others have done with pine. The branch has been off the tree a good 4 months so I would imagine it to be fairly well dried out.
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Let it soak then. fill your bath tub or some thing. I want see this branch.
 
i put water from the hot tap into the bath to boil any wood i get
 
Nah, don't use pine. Even if you get all the sap out, it's just not a decay-resistant wood. It will decompose rapidly and wreck your water quality. Have you ever seen a pine branch that's been in a wet place? You can usually tear it apart with your fingers after only a few weeks.

Weathered pieces of decay-resistant conifers, such as red and white cedars, baldcypress, and redwood, can be used in tanks, but as a general rule conifers are no good. Most hardwoods are OK.

*Edit* I just saw that you are in Australia. Your timber pines are in a different group than US timber pines and may have somewhat different properties. Still, I would avoid them unless a local expert says otherwise. Consider contacting a local zoo or public aquarium; they are likely to have some experience with using wood in aquatic displays.

Also, ignore what I said about cedars. "Cedar" in AU refers to an entirely different tree than it does in the US.
 
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