Hardwood in water, yes or no

walluby · 10-29-2008, 07:34 AM

Hey ya'all!

Try looking this one up. I did a search on
this site and Aquatic Plant Central, ( the other guy ),
and even googled "uses of birch tree limbs in an
aquarium". NOTHING! I can't believe it! It's just
a simple little question. Can it be used? Or does
it have to age for 10 years along the side of a river?
If it is hardwood, can it be put into an aquarium to be
used as driftwood. What I find interesting is that
it is a fairly common tree and I don't see uses of it
in planted tanks! Can I please see the
light of day? Somebody shed some light!

Thank You,

Jeff

**plakat** · 10-29-2008, 08:04 AM

I believe hardwoods are generally good. After about 5 minutes of looking it seems that some species of birch produce Methyl salicylate which probably isn't something you want in your tank. Also plywood made form birch is unsuitable for outdoor use so maybe that says something about how it will fair in your tank.

If you do decide to use it strip the bark and let it dry then soak/boil for a while to remove any resins in the wood.

Maybe someone else has tried it and can comment when they wake up.

James From Cali · 10-29-2008, 10:39 PM

Most hardwoods are fine for aquariums(such as manzanita). Some safe woods you can use are Ash, Cherry, Apple(which includes crabapples), Oak, and Maple. I would stay away from Birch as it will decompose quicker than most other hardwoods. Cedars are also bad due to they are a coniferous tree and contain resins. Walnut contains toxins that will kill off plants and fish in the aquarium.

**eyebeatbadgers** · 10-29-2008, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James From Cali

Cedars are also bad due to they are a coniferous tree and contain resins.

Cedars are fine. Tom Barr's 180 uses northern cedar, which is ideal. My 29 has southern cedar, and it's fine too. Southern cedar is a bit softer, and will rot sooner.

Whoops!

CL · 10-29-2008, 11:01 PM

I have used oak before:

talontsiawd · 10-30-2008, 12:03 AM

I used what i believe is maple. I boiled it for 8 hours, put in in my tank. I only had it in for 2 weeks as i didn't like it but from what I read else where, it would be fine, if i find a place for it, i'm confident i will have no issues.

10-29-2008, 07:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
walluby Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: LA Mirada, Ca. USA Posts: 42	Hardwood in water, yes or no Hey ya'all! Try looking this one up. I did a search on this site and Aquatic Plant Central, ( the other guy ), and even googled "uses of birch tree limbs in an aquarium". NOTHING! I can't believe it! It's just a simple little question. Can it be used? Or does it have to age for 10 years along the side of a river? If it is hardwood, can it be put into an aquarium to be used as driftwood. What I find interesting is that it is a fairly common tree and I don't see uses of it in planted tanks! Can I please see the light of day? Somebody shed some light! Thank You, Jeff

10-29-2008, 08:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
plakat Sleepy (View User Tanks) PTrader: (8/100%) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 777	I believe hardwoods are generally good. After about 5 minutes of looking it seems that some species of birch produce Methyl salicylate which probably isn't something you want in your tank. Also plywood made form birch is unsuitable for outdoor use so maybe that says something about how it will fair in your tank. If you do decide to use it strip the bark and let it dry then soak/boil for a while to remove any resins in the wood. Maybe someone else has tried it and can comment when they wake up. __________________

10-29-2008, 11:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
CL Aquascaper (View User Tanks) PTrader: (48/100%) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lexington, Ky Posts: 6,914	I have used oak before: __________________ GLA 48 Rimless \| 10 Reef \| 7.2 Rimless Cube \| 5.4 Rimless Nano \| Pimp→ GLA #1 - Victor #49 - Eheim #298

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-29-2008, 10:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
James From Cali Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (8/100%) Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 2,909	Most hardwoods are fine for aquariums(such as manzanita). Some safe woods you can use are Ash, Cherry, Apple(which includes crabapples), Oak, and Maple. I would stay away from Birch as it will decompose quicker than most other hardwoods. Cedars are also bad due to they are a coniferous tree and contain resins. Walnut contains toxins that will kill off plants and fish in the aquarium.

10-30-2008, 12:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
talontsiawd Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lafayette, CA Posts: 491	I used what i believe is maple. I boiled it for 8 hours, put in in my tank. I only had it in for 2 weeks as i didn't like it but from what I read else where, it would be fine, if i find a place for it, i'm confident i will have no issues.

Advertisements
Get Rid of Advertisements