The Planted Tank Forum banner
Cancel

local drift wood safe?

793 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Redneck tenner, 
P
I have some wood collected from a local river that i was using for herps but as i cant find any wood at LFS i was thinking of using some in my tanks. I have used it for reptiles before but not in any of my aquariums in the past, there are a lot of pine/fir maybe cedar trees in the area and the wood has no bark etc left to tell what type of tree it is from, is there anyway to know if it is safe for fish or not? I know it needs to be baked or boiled to clean it as well.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
D
I'd be a bit worried about using pine or cedar due to all the resins in the wood. I don't think I'd trust that. However, I don't think you would have too much of a problem with some of the hardwoods.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Redneck tenner
Aged dead cedar is ok. Pine never ok

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Reply
Save
Like
Bananableps
I use old cedar and arbor vitae (often mistaken for cedar) in pretty much all of my tanks. Most of it is true driftwood that's been soaking and sun bleaching in the ocean for awhile before it makes it into my tank, but some I've just pulled right out of the woods. No problem at all.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Redneck tenner
I use alot of parsoni

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Reply
Save
Like
P
If it does not smell like cedar/pine and has no sap still would it be safe? I don't know what types of trees it is from as they are well aged, or is there any other way to tell what tree it came from?
Reply
Save
Like
Redneck tenner
Majority of wood is safe. Aged hardwood is best. No pine as you stated. Most cedar is ok. Cedar, cypress, and oak is what I typically use. Just do good prep work on the wood. Use common sense and if you have doubts find a different piece.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
The Planted Tank Forum
A forum community dedicated to Aquatic tank owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about flora, fauna, health, housing, filters, care, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Tank Journals General Planted Tank Discussion Equipment Fish Shrimp & Other Invertebrates
Top