Wood - Can I Use This?

[SamUK]

Ok so i kno your not supposed to use wood from the rivers because it could of absorbed something nasty but ive read people doing it without any problems.


the thing is i want a whole branch in my tank and you cant buy them in normal aquarium bog wood so im thinkin of trying some wood ive dragged back from an island in the river behind my house.


i kno ill have to weight it down and all that and it is risky but i jus want to kno if the wood ive got so far is suitable.. eg. not softwood.

cos i dont have a clue.

these are actually pics of stuff my mum bought back for firewood but its basically whats down there.

 

[The-Wolf]

provided the wood is not still green (IE has sap still in it)
them it should be fine to use.

 

[SamUK]

i was waitin for you.


thanx.

 

[excaliborg]

i have a large section of wood that looks similar in my tank, was too large to boil but i poured numerous kettles over it.

water is slightly brown from the wood though, but this is getting less over water changes.

Cut the wood down today and weighed it down by using a brass screw to attatch a thin sheet of plastic at the lowest point of the log, then covering this in the tank substrate

 

[Stone Warior]

If you cant boil it this is what did put it in your tub till about 10 gallons is in it put the wood in it. Put 1 gallon of clorine and let it sit for 5 minutes. Wash the wood for a long time. Then drown the wood underwater for an hour or so repeat this. Boom, nice clean wood. Some steps you can skip if you want just for safty =)

 

[SamUK]

thanx for the tip guys.

jus gonna hunt the perfect branch now.

 

[trout750]

You could always seal the wood with pond sealant or a non toxic yaught varnish, that should put your mind at ease.
hope you find the piece your looking for.