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I've just collected some nice driftwood that I found washed up on the beach (freshwater). If I boil it can I put it in my freshwater tank? How long for boiling?

120 GAL. Community Freshwater (2 huge mated angles, 2 German rams, Red tail shark, 2 Pearl Grammies, 3 Bushynose Plecos, Swordtails

110 Gal. (3 Koi Angles, 3 black marble viel tail Angles) 20 Neon tetras, 1 red tail shark, 3 clown loaches, Platys

Personally, I wouldn't boil it as it has a tendency to break down the wood fibers. The best way to treat it is to place it in a large, clean container and fill with fresh water. If possible change the water out daily until the driftwood is waterlogged and most of the tannins have leached out.

You may also want to scrub it several times during this process with a stiff brush to remove debris and softened surface layers.

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Since it was collected from the wild I would suggest boiling it, but only for a few moments. 10-15 minutes should be long enough to kill off most critters, without as oldtimer did mention breaking down the wood. If it's too large for a pot you can try baking it in the oven (careful it will smell up the house!).
You can also use a mild bleach and water solution although you need to be EXTREAMLY careful thta it gets fully rinsed and a good long dechlor soak (some time in the sun too) afterwards to break down the chlorine.

Scrub and soak as was suggested too though, also you'll want to consider where you found it from. A polluted river or near agricultural fields will absorb chemicals into the wood and you may not want that in your tank .

^_^

I picked it up on the beach not a dirty river or near a field. But you got me thinking...where did it come from before the beach? I think I'm not going to take any chances and buy some at the store instead.

120 GAL. Community Freshwater (2 huge mated angles, 2 German rams, Red tail shark, 2 Pearl Grammies, 3 Bushynose Plecos, Swordtails

110 Gal. (3 Koi Angles, 3 black marble viel tail Angles) 20 Neon tetras, 1 red tail shark, 3 clown loaches, Platys

Umm, Barbie?

The store probably collected it from the beach...

If it is a nice piece, try it, it is probably fine.



__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright