Is This Aquarium Safe?

[buffalogal]

A friend offered me several dead branches of twisted willow that broke off the tree in the big storm we had out here last October. They are really interesting an I'd really like to add them to one of my tanks. You often see something like them in floral displays. Are they safe to use in an aquarium? I know that fresh live willow stems will induce roots on cuttings. These however are quite dried out. I would not want to add anything that would hurt the fish or other plants. What do you think? Thanks!

 

[jakeroberts]

i would think they would be ok

 

[DevUK]

I'm not sure if willow is a soft or a hardwood. Softwoods shouldn't be used really as they can leech chemicals into the water which aren't really too good for fish. I was reading a webpage the other day but can't find the link. I'll dig about

It may be ok, you would have to do the usual treatment - soaking/boiling if possible to kill off any nasties etc

 

[Dave Spencer]

My guess would be that it is a hard wood. Cricket bats and long bows are made from it. Practically all the wood I have ever used is what I have found in my wanderings.

I make sure the wood is well and truly dead, and completely dried out before considering it for use. Usually, all or most of the bark will have fallen off. If the pieces are small enough I bake them in the oven for a complete dry out and to kill any bugs. Failing that, I wash them in hot water with a scouring pad.

Dave.

 

[SuperColey1]

Isn't it willow branches that they use to help clear green water?

Andy

 

[DevUK]

I think thats barley/barley extract?