Treating Driftwood

[AfricanCichlidOwner]

I found some driftwood down by the river and I want it in my tank what's the process of treating it?

 

[armymp327]

How to Treat Driftwood for Aquarium Use | eHow.com

 

[Fishanatic]

There's other ways using certain products, or boiling it. Though i don't have exact confirmation on how to do these methods, i recommend taking a look at it.

 

[Alyxx]

I always boil mine for at least a couple hours to kill any bacteria in the wood, then I soak it as long as it takes for it to sink and change the water it is soaking in every couple days.

 

[butterfly_koi]

Always try to identify the wood before attempting to put it into the tank. Some woods are not recommended for aquarium use.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/introduction-adding-decor-aquarium/

 

[Buckfins]

I boiled mine for about 4-5 hours a day for 3 days. You can boil it for about 2 hours minimum and it will be safe. Just make sure u scrub it good before the quick boil.

 

[AfricanCichlidOwner]

Thanks everyone. What about bark? I like this bog chunk I found but will it sink any ideas?

 

[butterfly_koi]

If you can remove the bark I would try, allot of unwanted organisms can harbor under the bark which could inturn infect the tank later plus this part of the wood is going to decompose the fastest. If you can't remove the bark try your best to clean under it. I've soaked pieces for weeks before only to find more dirt and such hidden under the bark of the wood

 

[AfricanCichlidOwner]

What about just a piece of bark? Would it sink?

 

[butterfly_koi]

Over time but bark isn't as dense as a solid piece of wood. You could try screwing it to a piece of slate to hold it down.