Petrified wood as decor

[cj5_dude]

I've read a few threads and I realize that it's safe to use since it's pretty much just rock. I've got two large chunks that I'd like to put into a 29 gallon tank that I'm starting up. I scrubbed the rocks pretty good in the sink and when they're wet they have a very distinct odor. Is that abnormal or just part of what it does? I don't want to fill the tank and put fish in and have my rock kill all the new fish. Do I need to worry? Does anybody else have petrified wood that smells?

[Cory Catfish]

Should be very safe, and normal.

[cj5_dude]

So since it smells when it's wet do I have anything to worry about when I fill the tank? Who else has petrified wood that can lend an answer?

[homemadepopcorn]

What does it smell like?

[cj5_dude]

I don't know how to describe it, but maybe kinda musty.

[homemadepopcorn]

It is a wet rock after all... and was probably sitting in some bin at your LFS for quite a while.

Just let it dry out in the sun for a day and you should be more than okay putting it in your tank.

[CyberFish]

Hello CJ5, I'm in the process of setting a (kinda) rivertank for my Hill Stream Loaches, white clouds n red cherry shrimp. The loaches n cherry shrimp in particular need v clean water to survive. I've been cheerfully rinsing and chucking in pretty rocks and wood found in my yard to no ill effect. I did give a good scrub to those particularly caked in soil. I even rinsed and used a rock I found in my local dog park (!)

When I was researching the subject, I did find this piece of advice which cropped up several times: some types of rocks may affect pH of water, so, if you drop any old white vinegar on a rock, and it fizzes, it may affect pH, if it duzn't ur safe.

PS: I'm very happy with the progress of my "river tank", and especially pleased that most of it was stuff I'd found myself. Cool cool feeling.

PS: I also have a nice big chunk of petrified wood, looks great and has caused no probs. Good Luck!

[CyberFish]

PPS: the borneos n shrimp have been living with their rocks n wood for months with as I said, no probs at all, and they suck away on said rocks n wood for the aufwuchs (little organisms that grow in algae) to no ill effect. Again, good luck dude.