What to look for when drift wood hunting

Sake · 01-14-2013, 03:11 PM

Soft wood will break down quicker, that's why you shouldn't use them.

talontsiawd · 01-14-2013, 04:31 PM

I have used softwoods without issue. The longest I have had a piece in was maybe 1 year though. It didn't look different cosmetically but it was way softer than when I put it in and wouldn't easily be reusable if I was moving it around as it would likely break up into smaller pieces.

I don't really hunt for driftwood, but I don't hesitate to use something I find on a hike. Like many, I only take dead pieces of wood, I normally will be in Berkeley and don't want to upset the Hippies, among other reasons. I boil all my wood, no matter if it's from the wild or store bought. I just don't like a ton of tannins in my tank, or waiting for wood to sink. Boiling make any bark really easy to get off as well.

moneymark · 01-14-2013, 05:21 PM

what about roots? anyone try those?

panda.lover · 01-14-2013, 06:11 PM

what about wood from by the ocean side?

laqu · 01-14-2013, 07:24 PM

i am so NEVER looking for drift wood...

Sajacobs · 01-14-2013, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laqu

i am so NEVER looking for drift wood...

I'm with ya. The idea of spiders and snakes....yuck. Especially big spiders.

had one in my shoe last year, I completely freaked out. I won't be adding driftwood hunting to my hobbies. Good luck stick pokers.

lochaber · 01-14-2013, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panda.lover

what about wood from by the ocean side?

Most of what I've collected recently, and used in the past (a long time ago) was driftwood gathered off a beach.

I think the only real concern would be to get the salt out of it, but the normal soaking procedure should take care of that.

FlyingGiraffes · 01-17-2013, 05:42 AM

I would recommend going up in altitude as much as possible. Wind sculpts wonderful pieces for you. Great example is Tom Barr's wood. Not sure if you have mountains nearby in your area though.

panda.lover · 01-27-2013, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingGiraffes

I would recommend going up in altitude as much as possible. Wind sculpts wonderful pieces for you. Great example is Tom Barr's wood. Not sure if you have mountains nearby in your area though.

I am in Vancouver There are mountains in all directions.

JonnVanBC · 01-31-2013, 08:49 AM

I live in Vancouver and really the only wildlife to be aware of when you leave the city are bears and the occasional cougar.
You don't have to go far from the city before you are in bear country.
Never wander around in the woods alone and always make noise. If there are bears in the area, you want them to know you are coming. They will try to avoid you. Even bring bear spray.
If you are in a provicial park there will sometimes be signs posted if there is a bear in the area.
Cougars are a different story. Another good reason to take a friend or two with you.

01-14-2013, 03:11 PM	#16
Sake Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: st louis missouri Posts: 228	Soft wood will break down quicker, that's why you shouldn't use them. __________________ You shouldn't take life to seriously. You'll never get out alive.

01-14-2013, 04:31 PM	#17
talontsiawd Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 2,408	I have used softwoods without issue. The longest I have had a piece in was maybe 1 year though. It didn't look different cosmetically but it was way softer than when I put it in and wouldn't easily be reusable if I was moving it around as it would likely break up into smaller pieces. I don't really hunt for driftwood, but I don't hesitate to use something I find on a hike. Like many, I only take dead pieces of wood, I normally will be in Berkeley and don't want to upset the Hippies, among other reasons. I boil all my wood, no matter if it's from the wild or store bought. I just don't like a ton of tannins in my tank, or waiting for wood to sink. Boiling make any bark really easy to get off as well. __________________ -Matt Eheim Pimp Club # 382 The Fraternity of Dirt #53 13 Stones Journal 6 Gallon Betta Tank

01-14-2013, 07:24 PM	#20
laqu Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 483	i am so NEVER looking for drift wood... __________________ 1 6 gallon 4 2 gallon 8" cubes Here they are http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/al...p?albumid=9625 6 gallon journal http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...208&highlight= you can see more photos here the 4 8" cubes are on flicker... will get to their journal at some point (they are fun as they change often) http://www.flickr.com/photos/laq/

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

01-14-2013, 05:21 PM	#18
moneymark Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Harlem Valley, NY Posts: 20	what about roots? anyone try those?

01-14-2013, 06:11 PM	#19
panda.lover Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Vancouver B.C. Posts: 5	what about wood from by the ocean side?

01-17-2013, 05:42 AM	#23
FlyingGiraffes Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA Posts: 217	I would recommend going up in altitude as much as possible. Wind sculpts wonderful pieces for you. Great example is Tom Barr's wood. Not sure if you have mountains nearby in your area though.

01-31-2013, 08:49 AM	#25
JonnVanBC Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Vancouver Canada Posts: 5	I live in Vancouver and really the only wildlife to be aware of when you leave the city are bears and the occasional cougar. You don't have to go far from the city before you are in bear country. Never wander around in the woods alone and always make noise. If there are bears in the area, you want them to know you are coming. They will try to avoid you. Even bring bear spray. If you are in a provicial park there will sometimes be signs posted if there is a bear in the area. Cougars are a different story. Another good reason to take a friend or two with you.