Driftwood Question

[LiQuiD]

I found an awesome piece of driftwood but it has been stained and used as an art piece. Is it possible to soak it for a long duration to leach our the oils that could harm fish?

Thanks in advanced!

 

[cksubu]

Yes my suggestion is to soak the Drift wood in hot water and let t soak for a few days I have been doing the same with wood I have

 

[LiQuiD]

Yes my suggestion is to soak the Drift wood in hot water and let t soak for a few days I have been doing the same with wood I have

Thanks. You have soaked stained wood before? I've done this with many other types of wood, but never a piece that someone used stain on. Not sure how long I should soak it to make sure it's 100% safe and chemical free.

 

[Bubba643]

I found an awesome piece of driftwood but it has been stained and used as an art piece. Is it possible to soak it for a long duration to leach our the oils that could harm fish?

Thanks in advanced!

I wouldn't use it, and I would think even if you could soak and or boil it it would take more than a few days. Those stains and most paints are highly toxic as far as I know. It would have to be the worlds most perfect piece of driftwood for me to risk it. Even a hint toxic oil or paint would at the very least throw your tank into a tailspin. But maybe someone else can confirm...

 

[nirbhao]

What kind of stain? Oil based stains are a no go, but acid stains could work. At least they wouldn't necessarily be super toxic.