The Aquarium. => Aquarium Decor, DIY and Equipment. => Topic started by: clownman on September 21, 2010, 09:06:36 pm
Title: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: clownman on September 21, 2010, 09:06:36 pm
Well I thought I should do a bit of digging and see if I could try and build a list of what wood's safe and what's not. After hours of trawling Ive found a lot of differing species of wood from various sources. *fool* I have not yet tried any of these, so please don't think because theyre on the safe list they're totally safe.
So the concensus on the info on safe wood is: Sycamore... Apple, bark on ok Pear Cherry Fruit wood should be dried thoroughly because of the sugary sap
Heather wood, the twiggy bits great for nano tanks Oak, ok with bark Beech Hawthorn Birch must be totally dry (no sap) and free of bark because it contains pitch eucalyptus check this as some leach oil for a long time cork bark
Maybe's - probably avoid Maple is contentious… some say yes, some say no, so probably avoid it Hazel - mixed opinions on this one,
Definate no's are: PINE (that's where turps comes from) YEW, totally toxic. lilac, seeds are poisonous, ivy poisonous Grape rots very quickly Cedar Cypress Spruce (Avoid anything with a cone on it!) Sumac Walnut (has been known to kill cattle so a few tetra's aint gonna last long) Horse chestnut - conkers are poisonous when young and fresh
There are a huge amount of documented ways to prep it too. The safest is the old favourite… boil it for a few hours or more. What about bigger pieces that are impossible to boil…Some bake them in the oven, some strip the bark and give it a pour over with boiling water. Nothing definative really, so I would suggest, be safe where possible and boil it.
No mention of willow yet *crazy*
I'll keep looking, or if anyone has any experience with any of the ones mentioned please add to the list
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Catzilla on September 23, 2010, 12:40:16 pm
I know it's not technically a wood, but I have seen coconut shells used before. Lovely ones with mosses growing on them!
What thoughts do people have on those? Do they need to be boiled too?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: clownman on September 23, 2010, 12:49:06 pm
I use them, hair on… apisto's love them with an 'eye' knocked out of the top. yes I would recommend boiling them, you never know what could have got on them before they reach us.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Adam on September 23, 2010, 12:50:42 pm
Nice one Cman!
Catzilla - Coconut shells are perfectly fine, they're quite often used as spawning caves for kribensis. The bare minimum you should do to prepare is make sure its totally free of flesh and give it a quick boil. They will release tannins though and if you don't want them boil them until the waters clear.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Adam on September 23, 2010, 12:51:32 pm
Just thought I'll add, bamboo shoots are safe and you can get them in loads of sizes.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: clownman on September 23, 2010, 12:53:25 pm
Oh i forgot bamboo adam… and ive even used that *crazy*
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Catzilla on September 23, 2010, 01:03:29 pm
Oh, I'm going to get some coconuts! Better get the stewing pan out ;)
Bamboo sounds interesting. I like the idea of the straight lines it'll make...
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: ynotfish on September 23, 2010, 01:16:02 pm
One way of handling them is to let them dry out over a long time (finding them in the woods can shorten this process) and then remove any obviously dodgy bits, a quick boil and in the tank with 'em!
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Catzilla on September 23, 2010, 02:12:58 pm
I've just been to the local supermarket, and bought some coconuts. They're on offer! 2 for £1. The sawing them in 2, was hard. Very tough shells! and now I'm stuck with all this coconut flesh. It's harder to remove than I thought. Maybe if I leave it a day the flesh will dry out and come free from the shell easier? Or has anyone got a fool proof tip?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Wint3rz on September 23, 2010, 02:17:53 pm
A knife easily removes the flesh, push the knife under the flesh as far as you can go and then just push downwards (be careful) and the flesh will come off in big chunks.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Catzilla on September 23, 2010, 02:38:32 pm
Ah yes. Was easy really. I did crack a chunk of one of them but I don't mind so much, looks more natural than sawn lines.
I'm boiling them now. They're coming up filthy! Not sure if I should leave them boiling in the dirty water, or if I should change the water every so often? I think it'll take a long time for the water to be clear!
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: johnny70 on September 23, 2010, 03:18:34 pm
My plecs eat the coconut flesh *dude*
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Adam on September 23, 2010, 09:15:51 pm
Noticed another one grape (vine?) it's safe for the tank (alot of LFS's swll as mopani but develops a white fluff, safe but ugly.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on September 23, 2010, 10:20:41 pm
I think Grapevine rots quite quickly Adam.
Does no-one here eat coconut? I love it. *grin*
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: clownman on September 23, 2010, 10:25:07 pm
yep grape vine is reputedly fast rotter
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Adam on September 23, 2010, 10:41:50 pm
I withdraw then!
Coconut's aren't too good for you, I eat a bit - occasionally.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: johnny70 on September 24, 2010, 06:58:09 am
Yeap, grapevine can be toxic :( shame, such a nice looking wood
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Catzilla on September 24, 2010, 03:16:09 pm
After boiling my coconut shells for about 6 hours, the water was pretty much clear. Thanks for the information all! I now have another place for my shrimp to hid away :)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: scampi on September 27, 2010, 08:41:28 pm
I bet my crayfish like one of those then *applause*.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Hayley on September 28, 2010, 12:54:43 am
Great thread J, good idea to list woods :)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: johnny70 on September 28, 2010, 07:01:30 am
Willow is also referenced on a few sites as a 'cure' for green water, must be freshly cut though.( I don't have willow, so never tried this)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Humf on September 28, 2010, 07:42:44 am
Such a good thread I've stuck a sticky in it. Keep the suggestions coming... :)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: scampi on September 28, 2010, 12:37:54 pm
I have a huge willow tree on the green opposite my house. So if I chopped a bit, say a branch, do I boil it then chuck it in??
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: johnny70 on September 28, 2010, 12:46:40 pm
Quote
A new method is to use freshly cut 1-2 year old willow branches about 0.5-1cm in width. Place these in your tank vertically so they go from the substrate to a few centimetres above the water's surface. After a few days they will start to grow roots and the green water should start to clear. When cleared remove the branches from the water.
Taken from JamesC's website. I haven't done this, I can't imagine boiling would do much, a good wash should get rid of most nasties, as long as the tree is free from pesticides etc.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: clownman on September 28, 2010, 12:51:44 pm
i had read about that johnny, it makes sense as willow sucks up nutrients like mad. But I still cant find anything about dead willow. I'll keep looking though, this bit i have is too good to get rid of if it's safe.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: ynotfish on September 28, 2010, 01:38:17 pm
Hi! *2116*
I did some surfing through the German forums - the consensus seems to be that live willow grows like mad, that fish/shrimps like to nibble at the fresh growth and there is no problem with the fish. *fish2*
Dead willow also seems to be no problem - although suggestion is to boil / bake it for a while and then leave it soaking in a rain-butt for a few months to get it nicely waterlogged.
There was even a post which claimed that willow gives off an aspirin like substance which kills algae... *dontknow* *dontknow* *dontknow*
Not tried either personally though...
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Alan33 on September 28, 2010, 01:44:50 pm
really? so woudl thin willow branches survive ok? would you need part of it exposed to air?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: scampi on September 28, 2010, 09:08:26 pm
This is getting exciting *yahoo*
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: clownman on September 28, 2010, 09:10:52 pm
Really? that's awesome thanks Tony!
Yes Alan, they say leaves and part of the branch need to be emmersed for it to survive. I may set up a test in the conservatory, get a nice green tank and see how willow clears it.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: clownman on October 06, 2010, 01:11:36 pm
few to add… rhodedodron is toxic magnolia bark is toxic azalea is toxic
looks like laurel ash larch and poplar are all safe too… but i think some of these you should be wary of
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Catzilla on October 06, 2010, 01:53:56 pm
I saw a gorgeous bit of wood in a pet store a week or so ago. I was told that it was beech, but they were unsure if it was safe for an aquarium. The reason they gave was that it was actually wood for a terrarium, and they sterilize it with an unknown substance before it's put up for sale.
Any thoughts?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on October 06, 2010, 06:20:56 pm
Laurel and larch can be toxic to humans.
Plain beech is fine, it depends on what they spray it with.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Hayley on October 06, 2010, 11:59:53 pm
How about -Driftwood from the beach, will contain salts and potential toxins so shouldn't be used.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: joey on November 03, 2010, 12:20:46 am
to revive and old topic...
i live in ireland and am obviously surrounded by bog land
i know of people digging up wood for decor and trees being lifted from the lands they collect peat moss from
how is it possible to ID the wood that is preserved and dug out the ground? its a rip off here buyin wood for 20euro or more, when it takes half a day to dig a shed load up. i want to take a 5 minute drive to a disused bog i know there's wood in and dig some but too scared in case a toxic wood goes in. any advice?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Vale! on November 03, 2010, 12:51:35 am
I'm a little jealous : I've been trying to get to a bog for ages (if you see what I mean). None of the licenced peat-cutters I tried to contact over here ever replied.
Sigh.
Anyway, if it were me I'd just do it. I don't know of any method of identifying boggified wood - but then I haven't looked for one.
Roughly, I'd stick my choice(s) in a big container of dechlorinated water and dump some bloodworm in with it(them). If they survived, I'd graduate to some Daphnia ; then a couple of shrimp (may need to check and regulate pH, temperature etc.) ; then a couple of small fish ...
I lied in my first paragraph : I'm actually fuming with jealousy!
Good luck with it.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: joey on November 03, 2010, 12:57:13 am
well if the yield is any bit good, you never know i might post some over! only p&p costs to be covered (plus a small donation to my baby fund...) *giggle*
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: ynotfish on November 03, 2010, 06:49:58 am
Roughly, I'd stick my choice(s) in a big container of dechlorinated water and dump some bloodworm in with it(them). If they survived, I'd graduate to some Daphnia ; then a couple of shrimp (may need to check and regulate pH, temperature etc.) ; then a couple of small fish ...
Good idea Vale!
They actually use daphnia over here to "measure" water quality. Something like, "number of daphnia per thousand which die within one day"!
*good_luck*
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Groen on November 03, 2010, 11:14:32 am
I think this thread applies to leaf-matter for shrimps as well?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: john2708 on January 16, 2011, 09:59:03 pm
hi just to add abit about using willow in your tanks i have used dead and live willow in all my tanks live willow grows realy well as long as there is some left out of the water my plecs like it alot also dead willow doesnt take long to sink as i have used freshly cutt large sections of branch left them to dry then soaked in water for a few days they look pritty good plus plecs eat the bark this is just my personnel experience never had any problems with willow from any type of willow as we have forest of weeping willow and other types also willow leaves contain salicylic acid the precursor to aspirin all my farm animals and fish go mad for willow so i would say its worth a try
Title: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: fragglehair on February 13, 2011, 06:14:10 pm
Just wanted to say thanks for this thread as it has been great when setting up tanks at school. Bogwood costs small fortune but I love the natural look of wood with plants in tanks. Got some great pieces of applewood for tanks.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Scruffy on June 10, 2011, 05:43:21 pm
Hi, I have some apple and plum trees in the back garden and the wood is lovely. Could I check if it is definitely same for use in the aquarium please?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Shalmainia on June 10, 2011, 05:51:00 pm
You need to use seasoned wood, so I would imagine that any leaves would be long gone anyway?
Ah yes, I forgot about that. Shame on me. I don't even know how long it would take for the resins and toxins to leech from green wood so that it becomes safe to use. Perhaps it would be best to boil it for as long as physically possible then put it in a bucket of water outside for a couple of weeks, then reboil it for a day.
Someone surely has more information on this and could help.
Title: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: fragglehair on June 10, 2011, 10:29:53 pm
I'm afraid I don't know how long "seasoned" is but I'm sure someone with a knowledge of wood will be able to help in that.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on June 11, 2011, 04:03:05 pm
I wouldn't use wood less than a year old. Put it in your shed/greenhouse to dry out.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: jackiemcg34 on August 22, 2011, 01:57:28 pm
just seeing this post, excellen oh hang the halved coconuts out for the birds to clean out then when empty bring them in boil them then submerge for the fish to enjoy :) (keeping some back for pleco)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: ScubaTank on October 23, 2011, 05:04:19 pm
Just spotted this thread, very interested..... I have a dead apple tree in the back garden, and it is due to be cut down in a few weeks..... So should i get my clippers out??? It has been dead for about 4-6 months i would say, and apparently is over 100 years old. I would love to use some of the wood on that as im sure it would be very decorative, but don't wanna ruin my tank by putting in some unsafe tree..... Any advice on the situation? Many Thanks ST
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on October 24, 2011, 07:04:52 pm
As long as it's completely dry, with no sap, that's what's in the very first post :)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: ScubaTank on October 24, 2011, 07:06:24 pm
Does the bark need to come off??? Just cut some down and leaving it to dry out a bit, even tho its pretty dry already....
Thanks
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: ScubaTank on October 28, 2011, 06:43:34 pm
I realised it says bark on ok, but does that mean it has to stay on???
Maybe a stupid question but dont want to jeopardise my tank...
Thanks
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: jackiemcg34 on October 28, 2011, 09:24:38 pm
remove it if you don't like it :) your tank :)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Jenga on January 09, 2012, 07:25:40 pm
I've got some, what was sold to me, Cornish wood in my tank. when I took the lot out the other day, one bit smelt really bad, quite stagnent pondy earthy smell to it. Its my favourite piece! its been in there about a year, should I be taking it out? :(X fish seem to love it, water been consitently happy for a long time so i dont think its effected the water.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on January 10, 2012, 10:00:45 am
If you haven't had problems, then I would assume it's ok......
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: valefan1987 on January 19, 2012, 01:31:24 pm
Theres loads of old Hawthorn near me and I've noticed some great looking dead branches that would look good in my tank. Does it need to be stripped of bark or can I leave it on? It doesn't specify on the first page so I'm unsure.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on January 20, 2012, 01:23:00 pm
I don't know the answer to that unfortunately. If I was unsure I would strip it and leave the bark in a tank of water to see what happened.....
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: BillyLincs on February 23, 2012, 11:09:51 am
Hello everyone. Does anyone know if rhododendron is safe for aquaria? it grows in some interesting twisty shapes and i know i can get hold of as much of it as i need. First post! *2116*
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: jackiemcg34 on April 27, 2012, 01:53:26 pm
anyone any thoughts on dogwood? Cornus sanguinea
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on April 28, 2012, 10:48:08 am
Shrubs tend to have more sap, which may be more harmful, but I'm not at all certain.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: tim.heylings on November 17, 2012, 10:00:17 pm
I know it says leave eucaliptus for oils to dry for a long time but how long is long? Pruned the eucaliptus in my garden when moved in roughly 6 months ago, and have got a bit of that currently sat in the shed which had been sitting around in the garden and used as a gun by my 4yr old since being chopped.
Will 6months be long enough? Aiming to use it in my 70l which should be getting set up shortly after xmas
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: lexy99071 on November 17, 2012, 10:11:12 pm
if you look at the bottem of the page theres a bit of wood types in the aquarium :)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on November 18, 2012, 10:55:49 am
If it's not seeping, I would actually test it in a bucket of water to see what happens.
@Lexy - I think that was taken from this thread ;) :)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: lexy99071 on November 18, 2012, 08:34:58 pm
yup i think it was *face palm*
I think my stupid levels are going up. Although i did just read the last few comments withought noticing the page numbers....
Oh god i'm an idiot..........
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: blackghost on February 18, 2013, 12:26:13 pm
There's a hobby-wide confusion surrounding the use of wood. Basically any potential toxins are in the sap, which is in the 'greenwood' just under the bark. The interior wood beneath this, and the bark in most cases, are perfectly safe.
To make wood safe it's all about weathering, to remove the greenwood and sap. Boiling only helps dry wood sink more quickly, and it can release some of the tannins, but it's not neccessary. There are no pathogens on or in dry wood that can harm fish.
I stumble into nice pieces of wood quite often. I give them a quick scrub, remove any rotting/soft parts, then float them in the appropriate tank. Most wood only takes a few weeks to sink, but until then a large floating bit of wood can add a lot to the aesthetics of a tank, and the fish appreciate it I'm sure.
My latest piece was this, no idea what species it is but it was solid on the outside and rotten in the middle. After removing all the soft bits so there was only 'rock-hard' wood left, into the tank it went (this piece actually released a lot of tannins, which coloured up my (south american) fish even more and put half of them into breeding mode). A few waterchanges later and it's pretty clear again.
I've used grapevine (shop bought) for years. They last for a good 5-10 years which is long enough for me.
With known toxic species it's still theoretically just a case of sufficient weathering as the hardwood itself is safe, but this can take a very long time so they're best avoided.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: hello_there on February 23, 2013, 01:13:57 am
Hi. Olive tree? Is it safe?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Egon on February 25, 2013, 08:31:36 pm
With the first wood on page one, sycamore, i went out the garden with a bow saw and laid into the horrible thing that overhangs my garden. Now have lots of nice bits in the shed..:)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: selinas on March 22, 2013, 08:28:43 pm
Dead Sage branches ? They would be ideal for propagating on as twisty and gnarly. .
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: treeboa on March 31, 2013, 12:33:02 am
just to rekindle this thread, driving around ive seen some big old trunks that the heartwood totally rotted out of, most the barks missing, no idea what they are but at 28/30 inches diameter they wont be evergreens more especially as theres none in the general area, i need at least one big piece of wood for my big tank, obviously im not going to be able to boil it, i also dont have a bath only a shower, whats the best way to get the tannins out - if any actually still exist, ive seen these trunks over the last five years and even then the heartwood was totally gone
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on April 01, 2013, 11:05:22 am
You still need to id the wood before you use it in case it will rot with long-term exposure to water, with no opportunity to dry out......
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: selinas on April 17, 2013, 04:24:15 pm
Advice required...are Rosemary branches and roots ok. Long dead and dried all summer in greenhouse. Soaked and removed any/all lose bark. ?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Vale! on April 17, 2013, 04:54:24 pm
Hmm ... just had a quick Google. Nothing fish-specific was obvious and there were rather inconclusive indications concerning other animals.
Rosemary is apparently safe for birds.
Chelonia.org has a great long list of vegetation that may be toxic to tortoises etc. Under 'Rosemary' it says that the leaves of some types may be safe but that others are poisonous.
As a suggestion, try this: buy a bag of Daphnia and divide them into two jars of tankwater. Into one of the jars put a goodly amount of your rosemary wood (ideally chipped or ground for faster/more certain results). If after a time very many more Daphnia have perished in the jar containing the rosemary than in the other, it's a strong indication that putting the wood in with fish wouldn't be a good idea.
If there's not an obvious difference in mortality, then without more definite info all you could do (short of risking a test fish) would be to test the wood with snails or shrimp and then make a judgement call.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: selinas on April 17, 2013, 05:54:05 pm
Good thinking batman !
I will do that *applause*
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: lurch1000 on April 17, 2013, 05:59:36 pm
Vale! is legendary. Brilliant idea.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: selinas on April 17, 2013, 06:53:17 pm
isn't he just...testing it with snails until I pick up live bait tomorrow *grin* suckers!! or hopefully not ...
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: RichieWirral77 on June 28, 2013, 01:04:52 pm
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: RichieWirral77 on June 28, 2013, 01:06:39 pm
Seriously, though, this is great advice and I've often wondered which are good and bad woods. Didn't realise Pine was so vile *blink*
Think I'll stick with drift wood when I get some if I can't find anything on my travels in the local park
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: TropicalLisa on July 06, 2013, 08:36:44 pm
Hey, just wondering (not sure if in in the right forum?) we've got 2 pieces of bog wood in the tank and this week we've noticed a kind of growth on it? It looks a bit like mould/ fungus? Has anyone come across this before? And if you have how do we get rid of it?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: mfrance on July 06, 2013, 10:12:03 pm
That actually looks like the root system of a plant that was previously attached to the wood
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Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on July 07, 2013, 09:30:37 am
Yes, that can be scubbed off.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: TropicalLisa on July 08, 2013, 07:35:55 pm
well my wood has a life of its own? was watching the tank last night and no signs of anything but when id got home from work tonight this growth seems to have spread across the gravel like a web??? weird or what............
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: IDropChicken on July 15, 2013, 12:56:16 pm
Think ill be investing in some coconuts for a tasty drink in this heat and after they can brcome moss covered caves for my in the very near future shrimp tank. My question tho im assuming conifer would be an avoid due to its sap? Got loads of conifer logs dotted around after a fallen tree last year.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on July 15, 2013, 01:23:30 pm
I think conifers (like pine) are already on the no-no list :)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Bri on August 18, 2013, 08:48:19 pm
Hi there, very useful thread. I noticed pine is pretty much a no-no but I've noticed on eBay a seller selling bog wood for tanks which is oak and Scots pine. The root he's selling looks awesome. He says it's over 90 years old and has been soaked for over a year...... would this be a bad choice..?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: ApistoKrazy on March 29, 2014, 11:45:19 am
Really enjoyed this thread a world of information. Thank you all contributors *cheers* im due our annual family holiday to north west Ireland in the summer and intend on taking a walk over the bog to find some nice pieces of bog oak was recently asking my father inlaw about it he said they've burnt tons over the yrs just to keep warm in early spring when out every waking hour digging peat. (1st post) *2116*
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: MitchNichols on June 11, 2014, 12:55:41 pm
This might be a stupid question. I dug some roses out of my garden. And the roots would look immence in my tank. Just wondering if it is safe to use and what measures I should go to in terms of leaving the bark on or taking it off. Cheers
Thanks Mitch
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Vale! on June 11, 2014, 01:14:55 pm
This piqued my interest because I have some delinquent roses that are begging to be dislodged!
A search returned two lists of fish-safe woods that included rose roots (though the lists looked suspiciously similar!). I didn't see any result that excluded them.
As with all such materials, it's best to get them thoroughly dried out before using them in an aquarium (oven-dry if necessary) and then test them with some 'expendable' lifeforms - such as Daphnia, bloodworms, mosqito larvae etc.
Let me know how you get on!
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: MitchNichols on June 11, 2014, 01:39:48 pm
Well ive just found some apple tree remains at work so ive put them in the oven gonna leave em for a couple of hours should be welldry by then and ill be bringing the rose roots to work tomorrow to put them in the oven
Thanks Mitch
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: badtoofs on August 29, 2014, 11:06:29 pm
i had some bog wood in my tank at the start and got really bad test readings for ammonia, nitrate and nitrites. after removing it and starting again things seemed fine. my tank is now doing great and is decorated nice. the bog wood in question had been dry for a few years but originally came from a healthy koa pond. im thinking of breaking a small bit off and boiling it so i have some in the tank for my plec. any imput would be welcome. thanks
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on August 30, 2014, 11:32:58 am
I'd pop it in a container and measure what it does to the water over a couple of weeks. It sounds as though there was possibly something in/on it from the pond that was decaying in the water.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: badtoofs on August 30, 2014, 12:37:23 pm
are there any other woods that help with plec digestion or is bog wood the only one? *fish*
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on August 30, 2014, 01:33:45 pm
Anything they can get the lignum(?) from to aid digestion.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: badtoofs on August 30, 2014, 02:42:58 pm
so does that mean any safe wood?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: blackghost on August 30, 2014, 09:05:03 pm
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: AndyK on November 30, 2014, 08:08:00 pm
I've had a plan for using a small stump with root ball in my tank and was wondering if I seasoned it like you would fire wood, would it still be safe? I plan to use a piece that will be too big to boil or bake in the oven.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on December 01, 2014, 07:57:29 am
Of what?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: AndyK on December 01, 2014, 09:08:26 am
What kind of wood? Not sure yet, going to research it myself more. Depends what I can find from the "safe" list which is the perfect piece lol
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: JAX3000 on January 31, 2015, 12:13:31 pm
Hi, has anybody mentioned Java Wood...?
It's made from old coffee trees, sold for reptiles and a good supplier is ProRep. The piece I bought is as big as any wood I've seen for an aquarium, but only cost 27.99! It's dead, dry and has had no chemicals used in it's prep. I called the suppliers themselves and confirmed this and they assure me it is aquarium safe. They also contain fewer tannins than bog wood and are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes for peanuts. Google "ProRep Java Branch". Mine's Extra Large and about 2ft x 1ft x 1.5ft... For 28 quid!!
Here're some pics I took in the shop. Mine's the first one...
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: rcarter1991 on July 07, 2015, 11:07:16 am
Sorry to drag this up again :/ Couldnt seem to find anything about using maple? I know some say yes and some say no, but has anybody actually used it?
Also im amazed that there was another port vale fan on here, that must be the 2 of us! Haha
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Drunken horse on July 07, 2015, 11:31:04 am
Sorry to drag this up again :/ Couldnt seem to find anything about using maple? I know some say yes and some say no, but has anybody actually used it?
Also im amazed that there was another port vale fan on here, that must be the 2 of us! Haha
I'd say no. Way too much sugar in it.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on July 07, 2015, 11:59:12 am
Yes the sap on maple (or any acer tree) isn't good.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: libbylillith on August 30, 2015, 04:51:55 am
when you guys say bamboo do you mean dead and dried bamboo or living bamboo like the lucky bamboo sticks?
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on August 31, 2015, 09:48:38 am
Dried bamboo will rot slowly (sometimes taking years, the live bamboo (I believe) does quite well, a bit like live willow which removes nasties (including nitrates), but I can't find my references on that, and it may be a confused memory. ;)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: rcarter1991 on August 31, 2015, 09:52:02 am
I see quite a few tanks with live bamboo growing out of them, i have a plantpot type thing outside that is full of sand and water with bamboo growing out of it, i top it up with fish water, but ive never tested the water for nitrates
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Isy on July 12, 2016, 10:28:11 pm
I wanted to give my experiences on hazel and grapevine. The neighbours had cut their hazel (the curly hazel), the twigs looked great so I thought I´d give it a go. I let the branches/twigs dry for I think it was a week or two, peeled the bark off them and then I put them in the oven for a while, until they were nice and crunchy, yum! ...Just kidding, they just got a bit darker. roflmao Looked quite nice, with some darker bits here and there. But after "roasting" they become quite brittle, especially when dry, so be carefull arranging them! (I advise anyone trying to roast hazel to open the windows, it smelled quite a bit)
It looked great and I experienced no issues with it, just the mosses I tried to grow on it didn´t really attach. It took a very long time for them to attach to the wood and I´m not quite sure why.
I had the hazel in a arrangement with grape vine (shop bought, then washed and soaked, as it floated at first). The grapevine did have some bits of bark on it that were hard to remove beforehand (little holes were the branches had been). Those spots did develop some white fluff later on, which was quickly eaten by my snails. Unlike the hazel the moss on the grapevine did attach much easier. Seemed to me like that wood was much softer after soaking.
My setup didnt exist for that long, unfortunately, so I can´t say much to the longevity of grape vine or hazel in a tank. But from my experiences I can say both were (in my case) safe to use in a tank with Red Bee shrimp, snails and lots of plants.
(Although I feel I have to add that might not always the case with grape vine. There were a couple of people in my German forum that had experienced losses (specifically shrimp) after adding grape vine to their layout. It was argued that might not have been because of the wood itself, but remaining traces of pesticides.)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Seacrow on August 17, 2016, 10:25:42 pm
Any thoughts on buddleia or elderberry? I've stuck some bits in a bucket and will check water parameters in a week or so.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Briganti on August 17, 2016, 10:29:53 pm
Buddleia rots very quickly.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on August 18, 2016, 08:06:38 am
So does elder.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: jackiemcg34 on November 29, 2016, 05:41:54 pm
hiya, found this post now that I looked with my eyes open... wondering about feeding bramble leaves to my shrimp or fish for that matter? thnaks guys :)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Ru55ell on April 16, 2017, 10:54:11 pm
Great thread :) as bog wood can be pretty expensive and I was wondering what other woods I could use and how to prepare it. In the 'Safe' list of woods on the first page/post does anyone know which ones last the longest in your tank (ie. doesn't rot away) as the bits of bog wood I have bought in the past last for years.
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Ru55ell on April 16, 2017, 10:56:21 pm
oops . I also meant to ask which ones Rot away quickly , as didn't want to go through the process of cleaning and soaking it, for it to rot away 2 months later.. ,
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: plankton on April 17, 2017, 11:15:54 am
Hardwoods, like oak, would be the best to use. ;)
Title: Re: 'Safe' Woods and ones to avoid
Post by: Welsh neil on November 25, 2017, 07:10:48 am
Great thread,always wondering about safe wood to use,up the mountains where I live there are loads of Hawthorn and it look's pretty good,(shape wise)for tanks,I'll take the dogs up and have a look today for some nice pieces and boil um up *wales*