Driftwood

[cmb1177]

I've bought a piece of driftwood that is screwed into a piece of slate. This seems like a very common way to anchor, to me, and I did buy it at a pet store, but I just want to ask about the screw to be sure it is safe to put in my tank, considering it is metal. Thanks!

Best,
Chris

 

[Snooks1!]

I've bought a piece of driftwood that is screwed into a piece of slate. This seems like a very common way to anchor, to me, and I did buy it at a pet store, but I just want to ask about the screw to be sure it is safe to put in my tank, considering it is metal. Thanks!

Best,
Chris

Unscrew it, boil and let the driftwood sit over-night or so. It will get water logged and sink without help. And then you have a nice piece of slate to use for riccia or java moss.

 

[Matt_northants]

I definately wouldnt put a metal screw into my tank, as you cant be sure what its composition is.

 

[benniebru]

if u put that driftwood in ur tank before soaking it for around a week ur tank will turn a yellow color, this is due to most driftwood when it first is soaked it gives off alot of linins i think thats what they are called any ways. u need to put ur driftwood in some type on container and let it soak for at least a few days, changing the water in the container as need be, because it will look like pee water for the most part and you dont want ur tanking looking like that when u can easily avoid it.

as far as the screw. take that and the slate off, u will be able to move the driftwood in different angles, and u could maybe use the slate to build a cave but do not put that screw in there

 

[Snooks1!]

Tannins....

 

[cmb1177]

Thanks, guys. After I got it home, I became suspect of the screw, probably because of all the reading I do on these forums. I'm glad I asked

Best,
Chris

 

[Chrispixx]

More than likely the screw is stainless steel. If the drift/slate is aquarium approved it should be ok.
After all they make aquarium thermo's out of stainless steel.

 

[JimShorts]

if u put that driftwood in ur tank before soaking it for around a week ur tank will turn a yellow color, this is due to most driftwood when it first is soaked it gives off alot of linins i think thats what they are called any ways. u need to put ur driftwood in some type on container and let it soak for at least a few days, changing the water in the container as need be, because it will look like pee water for the most part and you dont want ur tanking looking like that when u can easily avoid it.

Lignins. I'm a Paper Science Engineer, it's the same stuff that turns paper yellow as it ages.

 

[Darkstar]

u need to put ur driftwood in some type on container and let it soak for at least a few days, changing the water in the container as need be, because it will look like pee water for the most part and you dont want ur tanking looking like that when u can easily avoid it

No you don't need to soak it, that is purely a preference of the fishkeeper, nothing more. And for the record, some people do actually want it looking like that.

The fish more than likely prefer the water stained with tannins, and it has anti-bacterial qualities also.

 

[Losi]

Its not just the soaking that is a preference of the fishkeeper, is the soaking it in boiling water to get rid of bacteria thats the point, I would advis doing this to be safe. Most large pet stores that sell fish along with other live stock aren't known for their correct treatment of fish and so the tanks that the wood was in probably aren't the cleanest of places!

BOIL IT TO BE SAFE!