How long does it take for driftwood to waterlog?

[tinah]

okay, so I know that my driftwood should eventually saturate and stay down on it's own, but does anyone have any idea how long that should take? I've got it weighed down with rocks now, but i'm kinda worried one of the rocks will shift or something and BAM! i'll be replacing a hood and light fixture. . . . it's a big piece of wood.

 

[Kevin S.]

Usually depends on what kind of wood it is. Did u soak it to get rid of some of the tannins in the wood? If not your water will get discolored for a while. I just bought some today, boiled it to release tannins and kill whatever else was living in it and it sank right to the bottom.

 

[tinah]

it's true driftwood, probably oak, boiled for 2 hours then run through two dishwasher cycles with heater dry.

 

[petluvr]

With wood it's really hard to tell. Some takes days, other weeks or months and some never sinks. I have a small piece in one of my tens that has been there for almost a year now and it still floats.

 

[shawnhu]

Mine sinked first time I put it in. Malaysian.

 

[leeser28]

I boiled mine 3 times (I changed the water 3 times and reboiled - total boiling time about 1-2 hours) and then soaked it in the pan of cold water to cool it off for about 30 minutes and it sunk as soon as I put it in the tank. I don't remember what type of wood it was though.

 

[Blown 346]

I agree, it may never sink. Your best bet would be to buy a piece of slate, and screw the wood to it.

 

[THE V]

I agree, it may never sink. Your best bet would be to buy a piece of slate, and screw the wood to it.

I'm pretty sure all woody species will eventually sink. Some might just take a 100 years or so to do so.

 

[Blown 346]

I meant for the time he will have it.

 

[Kashta]

Haha.. looks like there's no definitive answer for you, tinah. If it's that big, it must be a gorgeous piece. Hope it sinks fast.