View Full Version : Wood chips in tank?
ejmeier
08-24-2003, 7:32 PM
I was just wondering why everyone always says they use "cork bark" in their tank? I have seen some wood chips sold at hardware/landscaping type stores, and I was thinking about attaching them to the back wall of a tank with silicone.
Do you guys think that this is safe? Is there a way to "prepare" the wood chips for aquarium use? Maybe the old boil method?
ChilDawg
08-24-2003, 7:40 PM
Boiling them seems to be the best bet.
ejmeier
08-24-2003, 7:58 PM
What if they float? I think the chips would probably float - being wood.
Just get it hot enough to kill everything in the wood right? If I put them in boiling water and they're floating half out of the water, that should still be good enough, right?
ChilDawg
08-24-2003, 8:03 PM
Probably...but I'd suggest soaking them beforehand in order to keep them weighed down in the boiling pot.
PumaWard
08-24-2003, 8:11 PM
I would be carefull about using chips... They may have lubrication oil and such on them from the debarking equipment or from the sawmill.
CHINABOY1021
08-24-2003, 9:02 PM
wood chips will break down and rot over time wont it?
if you want to try, you can go with reptile substrate. its cleaner.
ChilDawg
08-25-2003, 7:52 AM
Is reptile substrate ideal for using in an aquarium?
ejmeier
08-25-2003, 8:03 AM
Originally posted by CHINABOY1021
wood chips will break down and rot over time wont it?
This is exactly what I was wondering. The chips are for landscaping and stuff, so they are meant to be outside and get wet, but continuous submersion is a whole different thing...
This may be why people use driftwood - its pretty much dead and dried out already. Don't know about the stuff sold in the store though - they have a bunch of different kinds.
OrionGirl
08-25-2003, 8:14 AM
I wouldn't do it. Not only because they will probably float, and will eventually break down, but bark frequently contains contaminants--pesticides, for example, as well as frequently having an excess amount of sap.
Dragon_Lord_Tia
08-26-2003, 3:57 AM
listen to orion of she will hurt you trust me lol
i wouldnt do it for a few reasons that already have been mentioned
OrionGirl
08-26-2003, 8:13 AM
Originally posted by Dragon_Lord_Tia
listen to orion of she will hurt you trust me lol
Normally people have at least met me before they say that...:D Am I as intimidating online, even without my height?