Question about bleach and driftwood

[scottracy]

A friend gave me 2 real nice pieces of driftwood from his tank. The tank is well maintained but the driftwood has a small amount of algae growth on it. Should I do a bleach dip before placing them in my tank? I have read some related threads and its my understanding that a 25:1 ratio is recommended for approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute. Is this right? Following the dip you should soak the wood in dechlorinated water. How long do you soak the wood after the bleach dip?

Scott

 

[johnnyxxl]

I would dip but not because of the algae but he may have a nasty that could get in your tank. If you know his tank is well cared for and disease free you could just clean the driftwood but the algae will grow on it in your tank also to some degree. thats why algae eaters love rocks, and driftwood to feed off of

 

[RTR]

It is really difficult to rid something pourous and absorbent such a wood of bleach. I would never do that. Peroxide or boiling perhaps, but not bleach.

 

[djlen]

I routinely dip my anubia while attached to their wood in a 25:1 bath and have had no ill affects at all.
45 secs. to 1 minute will do the trick. Then rinse well under the tap and right into a fresh tub of water dosed with double or even triple the normal amount of tap water conditioner. I have a 2 gal. bucket that I dose with 10 - 15 drops of conditioner. I let them soak for 1/2 hr or so, then re-introduce to the tank.
Never had a problem when doing this.
Boiling for wood that has no plants attached would have the same affect and kill hitch-hikers as well.

Len

 

[scottracy]

No plants attached yet so I think I will boil the driftwood. I do have some algae on my annubias so I will bleach dip them at the 25:1 ratio. Thanks for the feedback!

Scott