Putting Branches In An Aquarium

[famous]

i was thinking about setting up a british lake biotope, similar to that featured in PFK back in november.

i want to use branches from trees but not sure if it is a good idea or how to prepare them

at the moment i have cut several small branches from a tree and have them soaking in some water. i will probably boil them before i use them in the tank.

they do it in PFK so i cant see a reason not to try. i will probably have to replace the branches occasionally because they will rot.

any thoughts?

 

[ellena]

I'm fairly sure branches have to be dead, dried out wood, not 'greenwood' cut fresh from a tree. I have read that beech is one tree that's safe to use.

 

[famous]

ok thanks.

i have got some more wood, dead this time and put it in the airing cupboard so throughly dry it out.

if i boil it before i put it in i guess it should be ok

 

[mattlee]

ok thanks.

i have got some more wood, dead this time and put it in the airing cupboard so throughly dry it out.

if i boil it before i put it in i guess it should be ok

boiling it will remove any trapped air, dirt and critters on/in the wood. but i wouldnt use live wood as it will contain sap etc which will pollute the water. in a river/stream the flow of water washes these things away giving constant water changes if you like but in a tank it has no where to escape....

there are certain woods that are advised and ones that are not so best to check out what you have before throwing it in