View Full Version : Driftwood
jb-ny
02-07-2009, 10:43 PM
I live about 5 minutes from Lake Erie and thought about picking up some driftwood from a nearby beach.
I figured boiling the driftwood would make it safe for an aquarium?
After boiling should I let it completly dry out or can it go into the aquarium after it cools down?
petluvr
02-07-2009, 10:46 PM
After boiling I would think it would be ok.
Lupin
02-07-2009, 11:53 PM
My aunt picked one from the shore. I simply boiled it and then used it with no issues.
Rbishop
02-08-2009, 6:09 AM
Boil and use. If it was 25 yrs ago, I would tell you not to use wood from Lake Erie.
The great lakes did take some abuse...I remember going on a picnic with my family on the shore of lake ontario and finding a hypodermic needle. That was about 20 years ago.
Shierkahn
02-08-2009, 10:44 PM
I take DW fro the Maumee river. Then I just scrub it under some hot water and throw it in. I had CA & SA's though. I never had any problems that I could blame on the wood.
So, I think it should be fine:thm:
Hartman2287
02-09-2009, 7:16 PM
what about putting dw from salt water shoreline in a freshwater tank. Just boil then in the tank???
what about putting dw from salt water shoreline in a freshwater tank. Just boil then in the tank???
Yes, boil them.
Hartman2287
02-09-2009, 7:37 PM
what if it is too big to fit in a pot? Sorry to be difficult.
For those cases, I just pour them with hot water or boilig water in a tub and then rinse with salt and water.
Winged
02-09-2009, 8:28 PM
I use driftwood from the Ohio River all the time. I boil the pieces I find.
Boil and use. If it was 25 yrs ago, I would tell you not to use wood from Lake Erie.
:lol: Hehe...I still wouldn't trust Lake Erie. Last time I saw it, it was still pretty disgusting. I think after boiling it, though, it'd be okay.
Also, for larger pieces, if I remember right, you can cook it in the oven, after wrapping aluminium foil around it.
rocker92
02-09-2009, 8:30 PM
what about from the Mississippi river???
PumpkinPie
02-09-2009, 8:51 PM
Good info! I was planning to buy some driftwood for my 28 gallon eventually (beyond the small piece I bought last week), but I live right by a very large lake that constantly has smallish pieces of driftwood washing up. I think I will wait until spring and go down and scavenge a bunch and make a little driftwood maze in my tank! Woo Hoo!! Free decorations!
kreesdqban
02-09-2009, 10:34 PM
I put my driftwood in a turkey fryer (w/ water not oil). Worked great. I do recommend putting HOT water in the drum to reduce boiling time. Got my driftwood from Crystal River, FL.
thebrandon
02-09-2009, 10:41 PM
I give my driftwood a few spins in the dishwasher:)
I finally got to the "beach" today. There was more driftwood than I could imagine.
I got some nice pieces that I have to boil and I will post pics.