Using wild Manzanita

[spunjin]

Has anyone ever used Manzanita that they have found in their aquarium? I see that BK828 used some in a 55g but it was unclear to me if it was bought or found. If one does use wood that was collected from the wild how does it need to be treated before being placed into the aquarium?

 

[Ozymandias]

if it's small enought then boil it, this will kill any parasites or bugs on the wood help water log it and relies any extra tannis. if it's too big you scrub it down, some people sugest washing it with a bit of bleach but i'm wary of this. and lett it soke out side in a big tub till it is water loged (this could take a while). also if you still woried about parasites you could bake it for a while.

 

[Rbishop]

Boiling or soaking does it for me.

 

[spunjin]

In this case I would probably have to scrub it down and soak it in a very large bucket for most of the pieces. I would not want to use bleach either...any other suggestion on a scrubbing solution?

 

[Rbishop]

I don't see a problem with a mild bleach solution then soak in warm wate with dechlor added.

 

[spunjin]

Mild solution meaning a few drops per gallon of water? same as what you would use for purifying water for drinking or just a little more?

 

[Bk718]

The person whom i got it from I think power washes it. But i soak it in boiling water for a few days either way just to get it to sink, remove tannins and kill w/e might be on it.

 

[spunjin]

Thanks, BK. Love the 55g setup you have going. I'd do the same thing if I had a larger tank.

 

[Bk718]

thanks spun, if you want ill pm you where i got the wood.