How long should it soak?

[LukeHawk]

I picked up some really great looking pieces of wood from my garden this morning. They have been nowhere near salt, and were often hit by fresh water rain. I've been soaking them in Rainwater for over 2 hours now. They are not floating, and most of the gunk is off them, including a ton of ants...

Surely it doesnt need to soak for much longer?

 

[pwrmacG4]

you might want to boil the pieces of wood prior to adding them to the tank. You don't know what type of parasites or other bacteria that could be on it. I would wait for more replies from other more experienced members though.

 

[LukeHawk]

crud, I just put them in...oh well, I'll see if my fish start acting weird. I didnt biol these other pieces of wood I had before, but I left them in water longer because they were floating, I haven't had problems with them, so I hope these are fine.

 

[ishar]

.... if there were ants on it my guess is there is sap in the wood, in which case it is a VERY bad idea to put it in your tank. The reason people go out and pay money for wood rather than go out and gather it up is because this way we are sure the wood is dry and aquarium safe. It is a very risky idea to go out and get some wood, clean it, then put it in your tank.

 

[TabMorte]

I wouldn't use wood from the garden at all. Too many risks of exposure to way too many things.

ROCKS from the garden you can soak and boil and scrub clean (make sure to test with vineger though). But wood should buy at a fish shop.

 

[d3sc3n7]

I sure wish I had some rocks around here. I may go on a hunt this weekend!

 

[LukeHawk]

I had lots of rocks, but replaced a few with wood. wood just looks so kwl!..hope nothing happens

 

[punkrockfish]

for future reference: if it can be boiled, boil it. especially if it comes from nature.

 

[LukeHawk]

The pieces couldnt fit in a pot, so I just let them soak. I hope its gonna be okay.

 

[tom91970]

I bought nearly 70 pieces of Pacific Coast driftwood recently. I boiled it for about 8 hours. It has since been soaking in a bucket for about three weeks. I might even boil it again just to be sure.

 

[LukeHawk]

oh well, if my fish start acting strange I'll remove the wood and treat the tank immediately.

 

[pwrmacG4]

for future reference: if it can be boiled, boil it. especially if it comes from nature.

wow.. I got something right!! what did I win?*BOUNCINGS

 

[pwrmacG4]

oh well, if my fish start acting strange I'll remove the wood and treat the tank immediately.

if it were me.. I would take it out. by the time your fish start showing signs of something wrong it will probably be too late. I would remove it and do a water change as well.

 

[TabMorte]

I gotta side with Dwarf. I'd take it out too.

Like I said, rocks are okay. Wood comes from a pet store when it comes to fish tanks.

 

[pwrmacG4]

LukeHawk... no offense or anything.. I know you are asking for advice and some replies for help making an informed descision. So that being said.. why are you asking a ? about if you should do something if you are going to do it anyway? You have done this in a few of the threads that you started. I am not trying to bash you. I just want you to make sure you are doing the right thing. You must be questioning your own judgement with what to do or you wouldn't be asking some of those questions. I would take some of the advice you have been give here. Most of these members have been in the hobby for years with much success. Just be patient and give some time for replies. Again.. no offense... just trying to help.

 

[LukeHawk]

ha ha, no I understand what you are saying. Its because I live in a different timezone to most of you guys. I had already started fixing up me tank, then had a few Q's, but you guys only replied when it was already the evening for me, and I couldnt wait that long.

 

[LukeHawk]

Unfortunately for me the pieces were to big to boil, in Heinze sight I probobly should have let it soak more..

I previously added wood from my garden before and let it soak for a few days, so I could get it to actually sink. These pieces sunk immediately so I only soaked them for +/-5 hours. They are very often hit with fresh water rain, so I dont think there will be much of a problem. Also the previous pieces I used from the same place weren't boiled either, and I haven't had any problems. They have been in for over a year

 

[ishar]

The problem does not get fixed by rainwater- disease, sap, bacteria, and worst of all, pesticides and garden fertilizers could very ell still be on the wood. If you think it is fine then keep it, but personally I would ditch it as well.

 

[pwrmacG4]

Unfortunately for me the pieces were to big to boil, in Heinze sight I probobly should have let it soak more..

I previously added wood from my garden before and let it soak for a few days, so I could get it to actually sink. These pieces sunk immediately so I only soaked them for +/-5 hours. They are very often hit with fresh water rain, so I dont think there will be much of a problem. Also the previous pieces I used from the same place weren't boiled either, and I haven't had any problems. They have been in for over a year

well.... what you can do (if you have a big enough sink in the future) is to place the items in the sink and boil enough water to fill the sink or tub ect.. being extremely careful of course. after the water had cooled.. rinse and repeat to make sure it is sterilized.

But I would take it out immediately and do this and also change the water..