Tree Roots?

[phaedrus]

Not sure if this is the right place to post but I found these tree roots yesterday in the woods and was wondering if I could use them? They're a little withered but look amazing.

Has anyone else used tree roots in their aquarium?

[Axelrodi202]

It depends on what type of tree they are from.

[phaedrus]

Yeah that's the problem. When I found it, it was already dug up and in this bundle of roots. We mainly have oaks around here but this could be anything. =/

[phaedrus]

bump...? so no one who has used oak can confirm whether or not that this stuff is safe?

[aquasal]

I think u can use it, but it would be wise to let it soak in water for a couple of days (or weeks), boil it or even bake it in your oven that you kill any bugs, bacteria etc... that they might have. I have used different kinds of tree parts and most of them work nice, some of them don't last as long as i wanted but that tree root you have there seems really nice.

[gmccreedy]

I agree. You need to disinfect it somehow. I believe any hardwood is acceptable for an aquarium. So if its Oak, your ok.

[phaedrus]

Thanks for the replies. Is there a certain temp. or duration I need to bake it for?

[Hoppy]

I would gladly use that root in my aquarium! I would wash it well with pressurized water, possibly with a pressure washer. Then put it in a big container and pour boiling hot water over it until it is submerged, and let it sit for a few days. Then I would consider it safe for the tank. If necessary I would attach some pieces of granite or slate to the bottom to hold it down in the tank, but root wood tends to be denser than limb wood, so it might sink anyway.

[bradac56]

If it's an oak then be prepared for tannin city I'd boil and bake it for twice the duration that Hoppy recommended. Unless you like the brown'ish tinted water.

- Brad

[Dojo]

I have some nice roots that I dug up and want to use too. the problem is that I have no idea what tree they came from. Is there any sealant I could cover them in to make sure they won't poison my fish? Right now they are just sitting in the back yard.

[Hoppy]

Originally Posted by Dojo

I have some nice roots that I dug up and want to use too. the problem is that I have no idea what tree they came from. Is there any sealant I could cover them in to make sure they won't poison my fish? Right now they are just sitting in the back yard.

It is highly unlikely that any tree or shrub roots would poison the fish. However, some sealants would be very bad for the fish. The risk of using an old root you find in a forest is extremely small, so relax, clean it very well, and enjoy it. At worst you will get yellowish water from tannins in the wood, but weekly water changes will take care of that. Or, use activated charcoal in the filter to remove the color.

[mistergreen]

I'd soak it for a month or 2. make it completely water logged. Throw salt in the water so nothing bad grows in there like mosquito larvae or fungus.

[cold__blooded]

Originally Posted by mistergreen

I'd soak it for a month or 2. make it completely water logged. Throw salt in the water so nothing bad grows in there like mosquito larvae or fungus.

I agree a good long soak. change the water every now and then.

[BG1772]

I found a root in the woods yesterday. From the look of it, it looks like it may be from honeysuckle. The root structure is very cool looking. Does anybody have any experience with honeysuckle?