Olive branch as driftwood

[Fballvera22]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if you could use a dried olive branch as drift wood, the kind that they sell at LFS for reptile enclosures. I don't believe they are treated with anything special. Not sure if it would rot or not. thanks.

 

[Newman]

should work, but it would likely float first. may take up to a year for it to fill up with water and sink. in the mean time floating DW has always looked cool to me lol.

 

[Fballvera22]

thanks newman, i went to a lfs and they said that it would not work b/c it would rot. I always take advice from my lfs with a grain of salt. just wondering if anyone else knows if it would rot or not? thanks everyone.

 

[Newman]

would rot faster than other types of driftwood if is has not been cured or treated.

Is that the only type of driftwood you've been able to find?
you can always find great deals online, and on aquabid

 

[Fballvera22]

i have one medium piece of driftwood from a previous tank. I also have a rather large piece of olive branch that i had used previously in a snake terrarium. I would rather use the olive wood if i can just to save money. there are many stores around me that sell driftwood at a decent price, but would rather use what i have on hand if it will work.

 

[Newman]

you can try it. its not like its going to fall apart in two days and dissolave all over your tank into DW soup. im guessing you wont see any rotting or falling apart for a long time, so try it out and see if it works It is safe, just sterilize it in the oven for a while at a 300F heat setting. obviously watch it, you dont want it catching on fire especially if its really dry.

 

[Fballvera22]

thank you very much. I'll give it a try. I'll sterilize it and get it soaking while i wait to setup my tank.

 

[Doomhed]

i would be careful, since lizard tanks are ment to be dry, many times the " wood" product for them have sealer to keep them from splintering. Also, they many times have anti-fungal agents that while completely harmless to lizards, could kill even the toughest Oscar.

breathing in lotrimin AF is not my idea of a fun time in the fish tank!

 

[brian1973]

I would also watch "baking" it.. this can release toxins like that which doomhed mentioned and can also speed up the decaying process.

Prep Driftwood by placing it in a bucket with water and allow it to soak, the water should turn a tea like color, this is the tannins being released. change the water daily until the water stays clear for a couple days then add it to your tank.

Instead of olive possible look into Mopani wood, petsmart sells it in the reptile section but it has directions for aquarium use as well.