Driftwood...how safe is polyurethane varnish?

[aquasox]

I'm considering coating some driftwood with polyurethane varnish.

Questions:

1. Is it safe for fish and plants?
2. If it waterproofs the wood, will I need to hold it down with an anchor (rocks)?
3. Which varnish should I buy?

Thanks

[epicfish]

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums...ood-62061.html

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/...%20bamboo.html

http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/habit...materials.html

Google is your friend.

[aquasox]

Thanks I did google and got a few of these links. Perhaps I should've asked if anyone here has actually tried it.

[chase127]

why do you want to coat the wood? it wont sink if youre blocking water from seeping into it. preserving it would b good for decorating around the house purposes but not for your fish tank.

[epicfish]

Originally Posted by chris127

why do you want to coat the wood? it wont sink if youre blocking water from seeping into it. preserving it would b good for decorating around the house purposes but not for your fish tank.

Unless it's a type of soft wood which rots inside the tank.

[chase127]

Originally Posted by epicfish

Unless it's a type of soft wood which rots inside the tank.

true

but if you ever have doubts about something, just dont put it in your tank

[aquasox]

Yeah I'm aware that it probably won't sink. I can simply bolt the wood to a slate base or tie to rocks.

The wood is grapewood (=softwood?), but I understand it rots quicker than most woods and is susceptible to fungus growth. I really want to use the piece though because it looks perfect for my aquarium...thats why I'm considering coating it.

[speakerguy]

Epoxy coatings should be perfectly fine.