home driftwood

[TowBoater]

I know this has been a topic before but here it goes... I have a big old Pecan tree in my yard. Could I perhaps take a large piece and like de-bark it and use it? What kind of treatment should I use? I planned on using slate as a base weight.

[jbeining75]

boil the driftwood for 2-3 hours to get all the things out that will hurt the tank. You can drill the piece of slate and then screw it through into the driftwood. Makes sure the screws rust proof though....heres a pic....

[swales]

Do you drill the slate? If so, what kind of bit is required to drill through slate? Is there any risk of it cracking?

[jbeining75]

I just used a carbide tipped bit. You need something strong go very slow and keep it wet. Some people tie it down with fishing string also but I'm not sure how great of an idea that is.... maybe it works. be careful not to put to much pressure on the middle... keep the supports that the slate is on as close as possible to the hole your drilling so it doesn't shatter the piece in half.....

[TowBoater]

My slate is already drilled. Is it alright to like get a branch off the tree or is it best to go to my local lake and boil that?

[jbeining75]

just make sure you brush off all the big stuff then boil it really well..... boiling will remove any bacterial growth or parasitics on the log....
I've seen both used....... Just remember when you pull it outta the lake that was probably some small fishes hiding spot.....

[TowBoater]

This lake is fine, I fish it all the time and know where the fish are.:thumb:

[jbeining75]

yeah just boil it up it is already saturated so it will be good.... should sink pretty good....

[StarBelliedSneetch]

so (stupid question time) you can use any wood for drift wood

[TowBoater]

Evergreens are not a good idea from what I hear.

[jbeining75]

try not to use anything that secretes a sap or juices from the inside..... some trees secrete toxins that may harm or kill the fish.....

[AquaBANG]

any wood type that is recommended for use in the tank (post the heat treatment)??? And how do we identify that the wood is ready to be used?