Stinky Wood

[linda1503]

I bought a lovely piece of sumartran bogwood a couple of weeks ago. I put it in my tank and it turned the water brown, forgot about leaking tannins. posted on here and got good advice about boiling and soaking. Anyway, its been soaking a while now and the water is nearly clear. My problem is that when I change the water (everyday) the wood stinks horribly! At first it was also slimy but that is clearing because evertime I changed the water I give it a good wash under a running tap but the smell is quite vile! Just wondering if its the slime thats making it smell and is it safe to put back in the tank? Thanks

 

[vic]

The strong odour would lead me to suspect decomposition. Decomposition could leach some real nasties into your tank and could ultimately adversely affect your livestock. I would be taking the bogwood back to the supplier and requesting a refund. The odour is NOT normal in my opinion.
Vic

 

[Danno]

Anything that smells bad in a tank that is composed of organic material is considered to be rotting and/or decomposing. If your wood is doing this I would have to say that it is not fish safe. Furthurmore, it might not be true "waterwood".

 

[linda1503]

Thanks for your replies. Was worried about the awful smell so I will be taking it back to the lfs. I definately wont be putting it in my tank now, don't want any nasties. yuch!