Sycamore Branches

[Hannibal]

Has anyone ever used sycamore branches in their aquarium? There is one at my buddies house that lost a bunch of branches in the previous ice storms so I was wondering how they would do in one of my tanks. I know it is not exactly a soft wood so it should be ok. Any thoughts or concerns from anyone?

 

[mchambers]

I've never tried it, but a web search makes me think it would be fine:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Beware-of-Poisonous-Trees-Near-Fish-Ponds&id=2220031

http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/sycamore/

 

[JasonC]

Yes I do, and I love them... the branches can get really twisty and well shaped. I honestly don't even take the bark off on them as the blotchy colors look good. I had a large limb of a tree come down in the doratio, and it got cut into pieces that I put in my backyard to dry and I have been slowly using it ever since... been thinking about taking some of the larger diameter stuff and boring it out to make pleco caves...

 

[Becca]

I'd wondered about it. Sycamores naturally don't have tons of bark and they have nice branches.

I've long wanted a "branchy" look in the 150 and the 55, but manzanita is sooooo expensive.

 

[Hannibal]

Thanks good to know someone on here has tried it and all was well! I did research on the web and found some information but hearing that someone in the club has done it makes me feel better about trying it. Sounds like I will gather some up! I will see how much I can gather up, I am sure I will end up with extra.

I also have access to Bamboo. One of my summer projects is going to be cutting some down, drying it out and making caves out of it.

 

[spazmattik]

I have been wanting to get outside and collect wood since seeing Drew's tanks. It really looks great and more natural than store bought driftwood.

Good articles Matt. Here is another one to help identify trees (which I need!)
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/420/420-070/420-070_pdf.pdf