Wood decor

[Localzoo]

So walking with the dogs and saw awesome piece of wood in the creek...anyone know if I boil it will it make it safe + also help it sink?
Are there any woods from our area that would be toxic or harmful to our fish?
Better question is it worth the risk?



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[mchambers]

I very much doubt that any wood you find in a local creek is toxic. If it's been in the water long enough to be waterlogged, I'd think any toxins would be gone.

I wouldn't boil it. I think that would just degrade the wood fiber. I'd throw it in a bucket with tap water. If it sinks, I'd wait a few days before using. If it floats, you may need to wait a while.

 

[AquaStudent]

I picked up some manzanita when I was out hiking in California. I just poured some boiling water over the top of it a few times. I doubt it did anything but on the off chance there was something harmful growing it may have knocked it out.

I then just soaked it in a plastic tub for a few days. It was dry though so I wanted to get the soaking started.

If the wood doesn't sink I suggest attaching rocks to it using rubber bands. They're easy to put on and take off later but sturdy enough to last.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1-_UnFyKdQ

 

[Localzoo]

Thanks awesome video
Was reading boil then to add salt when soaking. then rinse soak with clean unsalted water?


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[AquaStudent]

I haven't used salt but have heard of the method too. There's usually not much that's going to harm your system as long as it's coming from a relatively clean environment. Presoaking in a tub also allows you to watch it to see if it changes the water chemistry at all.

 

[Localzoo]

Good point about checking water thnx


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[zackcrack00]

I do this with rocks from my creek. I boil, then bleach, then rinse in warm water, then dry. It has worked out so far and the rocks have been in my tank over 3 months. So I'm sure there was nothing harmful on/in them.

 

[Localzoo]

Cool...it's a lot cheaper and way more variety.


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[daninmd]

I do this with rocks from my creek. I boil, then bleach, then rinse in warm water, then dry. It has worked out so far and the rocks have been in my tank over 3 months. So I'm sure there was nothing harmful on/in them.

Don't boil rocks, only bad things can happen (like explosions). Not sure how likely it really is for a rock to explode from boiling but 1) why risk it, and 2) its a lot of work that isn't needed.

I just give them a quick scrub and soak them in some water with bleach then rinse them off and put in a bucket with clean water and extra dechlor.

 

[cichlidaddicted]

Don't boil rocks, only bad things can happen (like explosions). Not sure how likely it really is for a rock to explode from boiling but 1) why risk it, and 2) its a lot of work that isn't needed.

I just give them a quick scrub and soak them in some water with bleach then rinse them off and put in a bucket with clean water and extra dechlor.

I have seen rocks explode from heat....very violent, not pretty! Never from boiling but it is very possible. One air pocket is all it takes

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[Localzoo]

I've seen rocks explode...outdoor wood oven. It that was heated too fast the key is to up the temp very slowly.
Ask any pizza shop that uses a brick or stone oven they will say the same rapidly cooling does the same too.

But good point Dan


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