Drift Wood

[Hynesy]

Hi All,

I have a piece of driftwood I've had sitting on my outside table for ages and decided I might put it in the tank. It's completely dried out and has been for months, is there anything I should do to it before adding it to the tank? I'm running a bare bottom tank with no plants atm so I wouldn't mind some organic matter in the tank.

Cheers,
Hynesy

 

[Kadoink]

I've heard of people baking driftwood. I personally scrub it to get any loose bits off. Then I put it in a big tub and pour boiled water over it and let it soak. Helps to get rid of tannins.

 

[Hynesy]

I've heard of people baking driftwood. I personally scrub it to get any loose bits off. Then I put it in a big tub and pour boiled water over it and let it soak. Helps to get rid of tannins.

Thanks for the replay Kadoink!!! I've soaked it for an hour in boiling hot water, and have sanded it back to remove all sharp edges. How long is long enough for the soaking?

Cheers,
Hynesy

 

[PatchworkClocks]

I've heard it can take up to a week to soak all of the tannins out of driftwood. I assume it depends on the kind it is, though. There are driftwood logs you can buy that come pre-soaked, also. I have a piece of mopani in my tank, and it was already soaked so it didn't give off any tannins.

 

[Kadoink]

Depends on type of wood and size. I have pieces that I soak for a month at times to make sure the driftwood sinks.

 

[SkollSunChaser]

I had asked about driftwood a while back for my rats to chew on on a different site. That person had told me how to bake it, though I don't remember the specifics or if that works for aquariums :lame:

 

[Kadoink]

I use to have mice and would have them chew on cholla wood logs. It seems like a type of wood that is sold for multiple animals use. I use it in my tanks for shrimp to hide in, mice, plecos, hermit crabs, haven't had a problem yet with it. Plus I like the look of it being hollow with holes.

 

[AeonMapa]

Caudata Culture Articles - Wood in Vivaria read this first and make sure that your wood is safe for aquarium use. It will probably answer most of your questions about preparing it for tank use as well.

You'll probably have to soak it for 1 week or more. Weigh it down with rocks as it should be completely submerged. Once it stops floating, boil it to disinfect. Now you can continue to soak till the tannins are all gone, or put it in your tank anyway. The tannins are actually quite beneficial to your animals and I actually enjoy a little bit of stain rather than crystal clear water. But it's up to you.