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Are there any precautions I should take for adding driftwood into a tank?

(Want to add a rather large piece to my 55g tank)

First thing would be to rinse it off real well, even if it was purchased in a store. Theres a possibility of just about anything being on it. Use warm water and a clean scrubby type brush.

If it was a piece of wood you found you'll need to sanatize it by boiling it or baking it for 20 minutes or so. An oven set to 200F if you cant fit it on your stovetop should work (just keep an eye on it, I used 150 because I was doing other things around the house).

Next you'll need to get it to sink, as well as remove tannins if you don't want them to color the water. Tannins arent' harmful but they will lower the ph of the tank as well as cause it to turn a slightly yellow color (darker depending on how much tannins are still in the wood). Use a large bucket or container and add hot water (not boiling) water, changing the water as it turns yellow until the wood sinks. This can take along time depending on the type of wood. Weighing it down in the container will help.

^_^
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Erm... its going in my 55 and its just a few inches shy of four foot... no way I'm getting it in my oven or on the stove top ^_^

I suppose I can scrub it with boiling water however. Its an old piece my grandmother bought a few years back, but its been sitting around a while.

Thanks!

sandy02

Get hold of a large plastic container (I use a new plastic rubbish bin I keep it for tank use only) and just soak it for about a month. Take it out weekly hose it clean, give it a good scrubbing (Preferably with a new brush) toss out the old water, replace the wood back and top up container again. If it will not sink sit a few clay bricks on top.

Good luck and be patient. I have never boiled or treated any driftwood other than the method I have just explained to you.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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Thank you! I'll definatly do that then ^_^

Only reason I suggest boiling or baking is that all my pieces have come from natural sources, since you bought the piece and it's been sitting around for a few years you'll be fine to just soak it . As warm of water as you can use will help it sink faster as, like with a facial, the temp will help open up the poures of the wood allowing it to absorb the water faster.

^_^
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I fully agree with Babelfish if the drift wood has not been fully air dried in the sun for some time yes treat it if possible. Some I my pieces have come from hot tropical unpoluted beaches and could have been exposed to all the elements for many years.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

I can take care of the drift wood, but what about some old coke bottles I've found under bridges?

I'm currently soaking them in vinegar to get rid of the calcium, anything else I should do?

sandy02

You can sterilize glass botles in a oven as done for preserving etc. If you do that do not take them out until they are cool or easy to handle.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW