How to prepare wood for your tank?

[genitor]

I've recently obtained a piece of wood that would look great in my 15 gal, but i'm not too sure how to prepare it before putting it in. Does anyone know the procedure to ready the wood for your tank?

I'm not too sure what type of wood it is.

[blue fin]

soak it for a minimum of a week, I would change the water two times or more and test the water to see if it is causing any imbalances before putting it in with your fish.

[Drumachine09]

couldnt have said it better my self.

[blue fin]

couldnt have said it better my self.

Why... thanks! and congrats on the 3 pins!

[Drumachine09]

Well thank you!....you're next.....just kidding...... jeff is next

[blue fin]

You'll have to find me first......

[Drumachine09]

ok, well start in new jersy...... ok i give up

[blue fin]

You can't give up that easy...... no fun

[jeffs99dime]

hello. boil the wood for a few hours and then soak it like bluefin stated. keep in mind, certain types of wood cannot be used. do you have pics of it?

[genitor]

The piece is too latre to boil. Here is a pic

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[blue fin]

Looks like a nice piece of wood... good luck

[AuroraAustralis]

Hi & that is a nice piece of wood. Nice shape for an aquarium :o)
jeffs99dime is right that not all wood can be used though so as long as your certain the wood is a hardwood it should be fine after boiling for a day and soaking overnight (if you have anything big enough to boil it in) or just a good long soak (hot water will speed things up). As I understand it conifers and softwoods, like pines, shouldn't be used. The only other thing is to make sure it isn't freshly cut wood or green wood, as that can leach resins into your aquarium water... not good for the fish I would think lol :thumb:

[genitor]

Thanks for the info. everyone. i don't have anything big enough to boil it in so i will soak it in hot water and change the water frequently for about a week. the wood is quite old and weathered so it has no sap or resins. After that i plan to test a small piece i had to cut off in a small container with a single guppy, if the guppy lives after a few days then i would risk the large piece in my tank.

[Ivana]

I just put mine in the tub with hot hot water. When the water cooled, I drained and repeated until I got tired of it. :) A scrub with a stiff brush doesn't hurt either. Depending on the wood it might still turn the water slightly brown, but it looks like you've got driftwood, so it shouldn't be a problem.