Aquatic Wood Questions

[corinne]

Hello,

I just finished cycling my 20gal tank. I currently only have substrate in the tank and I am eager to begin adding wood and plants. I purchased a good sized piece of drift wood from my local fish store and noticed there is bird poop on it (the driftwood was outside). I tried scrubbing it off with a toothbrush with little success.

My question is will the bird poop harm the tank? Any suggestions on how I should clean, soak, boil etc.?

 

[mike455555]

you should soak it anyway for afew weeks or your water will go brown. dont boil it will just break the plant fibres and release more tannins. you could pour boiling water over it (or warm water) and leave it to soak. try adding salt to get the tannins out.

as for the poo... wire brush / knife?

 

[corinne]

Is there a way to speed up the leeching process? I'm getting impatient >.<

 

[mike455555]

salt in the water might speed it up abit or you can put it in your tank (after getting the poo off) and add carbon to your filter (i think that gets rid of tannins ) dont quote me on it though.

 

[This Old Spouse]

Do NOT add salt as this will leach into the water, and unless you're trying to add salt this could be very bad, particularly if you're planning to add corydoras or other salt sensitive fish. Just soak the wood after pouring boiling water on it. You may have to change the water more often because of the tannin stain, but it actually makes the water look more natural IMO.

 

[corinne]

Do NOT add salt as this will leach into the water, and unless you're trying to add salt this could be very bad, particularly if you're planning to add corydoras or other salt sensitive fish. Just soak the wood after pouring boiling water on it. You may have to change the water more often because of the tannin stain, but it actually makes the water look more natural IMO.

Thanks, I will try the boiling water tomorrow

 

[mike455555]

Do NOT add salt as this will leach into the water, and unless you're trying to add salt this could be very bad, particularly if you're planning to add corydoras or other salt sensitive fish. Just soak the wood after pouring boiling water on it. You may have to change the water more often because of the tannin stain, but it actually makes the water look more natural IMO.

you can add salt then leave it to soak without salt for awhile. so all the salt washes off