making caves out of bamboo poles?

[MotionInSilver]

I'm looking for other options other than slate caves for breeding plecos and clay products...

I also am looking for some awesome looking decor and I found some bamboo shelters made with bamboo...

the problem the only available bamboo shelters are from China and i have had bad experience dealing with the shipping from China.

So I thought maybe getting bamboo from local source and its gonna be untreated but what other process do I have to do before its safe to put in the fish tank? My plan is to cut it in sections and have the pleco pick whatever diameter they want. I'm planning to place them around the tank and just let nature take its course.

What do you think?

What is the consquence/impact of using untreated bamboo with the water or the fish?

[lilim10]

Don't put untreated bamboo into the tank, it will soon rot and create nastiness. But if you really want bamboo cave, buy some wood finish and coat that onto the bamboo, make sure every spot is covered and that the finish is waterproof.

[Captain Kitty]

If you can get it dried, it should be fine. I made mine from one I bought at a craft store and I've had it with no ill effects for years now.

[MotionInSilver]

So treated bamboo would be better if I had that option also? I do not really want to play around with paint at this time of the year when its too cold.