The Editor, I have to thank you for this thread, and the great questions you asked.
I'm glad you've enjoyed it!
I used to post very regularly on the forums for an IT shop I use, and from having seen the other side of how forums work I know how frustrating it can be when people don't give enough details or make assumptions etc..
So I'll saturate you with everything I know, and ask everything I dont
I managed a little pasta related accident yesterday in the kitchen (left it boiling and forgot to check, 30 mins later I've filled the downstairs with smoke), so I think I'll avoid boiling for the moment... should I be concerned that the wood will become logged with tap water, hence logged with the chlorine and chloramines that we don't like? Or could I just splash a little extra Aquasafe in when the wood makes its way to the tank?
The wood is living in a bucket in the bathroom, getting a bi-daily water change, always topping up with hot water... I'll leave it like this until either the cycle completes or the wood stops leaching, whichever comes first...
I would run a carbon filter, apart from two issues I have. Firstly there are no active carbon inserts for my filter (Fluval U1) only foam pads, secondly I read that the carbon needs to be changed fairly regularly as it becomes saturated and ineffective.. I'd rather avoid this cost for now..
Though some people have funny methods or speeding up the leaching process... Some say add salt to the water the wood is sat in, makes sense but will result in salty wood... Others say add baking soda to the water.... I even read someone swearing by soaking the wood in chlorine based bleach?!?!?!
I think I'll ignore the last option entirely, and avoid the previous two unless you lot advise me otherwise... Warm water is working for the moment..
Has anyone else used the Fluval U1? Im thinking it would be possible to modify the filter... Maybe keep a thin section of the filter pad at the bottom to stop particles clogging the impeller, then pile up active carbon and filter floss on top...
I know this may be a long shot.. But if anyone on these forums just happens to be in the UK in the Bath/Bristol area, I'd love to steal a handfull of gravel to kick start things....