Safe Driftwood?

[i'm _neon_some_help]

I was wondering if driftwood of any type was safe. I found a great piece on a river bank - it has amazing character and would be perfect size for my tank [I haven't seen anything in my LFS that I felt was worth the outrageous amount they charge].

If this is safe, what should I do to go about getting it ready to put in my tank. I've read that you should soak and boil driftwood that you buy. Should I do it with this one too?

 

[pica_nuttalli]

you should definitely boil anything found in the wild outdoors before adding it to your tank. there's no telling what horrible little creepy-crawlies you could introduce otherwise.

 

[b.c.f.c]

all i was told at my lfs when i got mine was to soak it in water for at least 2 days then give it a clean and you your ready to put it in your tank, but im sure theres lots of ways to do it.

 

[Nauplii]

Well at fish shops its more treated before it gets to you, all the creepy crawlies are gone before they get to the shop. WhereAs in the wild obviously its not been treated, so they need a good boiling first

 

[Fish Buddy]

It's probably safe. Just make sure that there is no noticable pollutants in the water (foam, garbage on shore, dead fish near by) as they are incredibly hard, if not impossible, to get out of the wood. Also, make sure the wood is firm-not spongy or loose pieces falling off.

What I do with the pieces I find is scrub them with a nail brush until all the dirt is off, then place the piece in a pot and boil for 30 mins. Then I let is soak in a pail with vinegar for a few hours and finaly rince and place in the tank. I have done this to over 10 pieces and have had no problems in any of the tanks what so ever.

 

[i'm _neon_some_help]

Thanks.

How do you get it weighed down so it doesn't float to the top of the tank? I boiled it earlier and I now have it soaking in a pail but it's floating......

 

[Teelie]

Rocks or plant weights intially. After a while the wood will naturally sink as it becomes totally water logged.

 

[LoachLover]

I'd boil it and scrumb it down with a tooth brush.