Driftwood

[CanadaPleco]

Okay was out doing some kayaking yesterday, yep the spring and fall are my fav. times of they year when all the rivers flood and I can get out and do some good whitewater :)

Anyhow, I managed to snag a decent piece if drift wood, I am about 95% sure it is cedar. Never put wood I have found into the tank before though, what should be done to it to make sure its tank safe?

Thanks

Rich

[Bwhiskered]

Asuming the wood is old and hope fully water logged I just soak them in scalding hot water and then brush them clean of dirt before puting them in my tanks. If you don't use hot water you may find your tank full of leeches as I did one time.

[Canadiancray]

If it was cedar I would be VERY careful about putting it in one of my tanks. Cedar has a natural anti-fungal chemical that it leaches which is why it lasts so long on decks & fences. Would worry me about it leaching into the tank water.

[Zoban]

Would think if a very aged piece it should be okay though? wouldn't it?

[bob]

I often use wood I've found in Ontario lakes, some of which I'm sure has been cedar. First make sure it is from a fairly clean lake. My favourites are Lake Temagami where a friend has a cottage and other lakes in the north that are fairly clean. Second, brush off any loose material. If it is from a lake with zebra mussels, I would seriously consider soaking it in bleach before I used it in the aquarium. I then run it through the dishwasher on pot scrubber without soap. My wife isn't too crazy about that part but it provides the sterilization that avoids the other things you might bring into your aquariums. I enjoy watching some of the plecos reduce large pieces of wood into kindling over many months and years. I had a one inch thick plank in my ancistrus tank that they eventually reduced to being paper thin. This will increase the tannins in your water and cause yellowing. Bob