Boiling driftwoods

[roydooms]

How long should I boil small pieces of driftwood? I don't want to boil it too long. Some pieces might break off. Thanks in advance.

 

[roydooms]

With the API test kit for size...

 

[fort384]

Until it stops smelling and turning the water brown. FYI if it is new it might smell REALLY bad as you boil it...

 

[roydooms]

Until it stops smelling and turning the water brown. FYI if it is new it might smell REALLY bad as you boil it...

Do you replace the water when it turns really brown then reboil it? And do you only add the driftwood when the water is already boiling?

 

[fort384]

Yeah replace the water a few times. It doesn't matter when you add it to the pot.

 

[roydooms]

(I took your advice, I bought a phosphate test kit. I'll test it when I get home tomorrow.)

 

[roydooms]

Yeah replace the water a few times. It doesn't matter when you add it to the pot.

Ok. Thank you.

 

[fort384]

Cool. Like i said it isn't a requirement for a planted tank but it is a good thing to test occasionally.

 

[roydooms]

Cool. Like i said it isn't a requirement for a planted tank but it is a good thing to test occasionally.

You said that high phosphate could result in algae bloom. I don't want that to happen. It's better to know the levels than guessing. Thanks again!

 

[uscamaro]

Don't forget to keep an eye on it. As simple as it sounds, there are stories of people who will boil it, watch TV, and completely forget about it. That's when the water evaporates and chars the wood (and it doesn't smell that good).