Wood Swelling - HELP!

[Nmidia]

Hi There,

I've just upgraded my tank and am in the process of the build. Its a fairly large tank, Aquaone 900, 175L. I have a large bit of wood that I would like to have as the main decorative piece. This wood is almost exactly the same width as the tank. I've had to cut it to get it in. Now that it is in, there is about 5mm spare at each end of the tank, between the wood and the glass. I am concerned that as the wood takes on water that it will swell and press on the glass. I intent to take the wood out and cut more off, however, how much should I cut? It is fairly dense wood, its a nightmare to cut! How much does it generally swell?I obvioulsy don't want it to swell and push the glass out!

[talldutchie]

The commonly sold aquarium woods don't swell all that much. For your peace of mind you can take another 2-3mm off but that really should be more than enough.

[Nmidia]

Thanks for your rapid reply!

went with an inch in case of having to remove it from the tank in an emergency! better safe than sorry.

[madagascariensis]

The density of aquarium wood is precisely a sign that it is highly unlikely to swell significantly.

[mrramsey]

Any swelling that may occur would happen across the grain of the wood and not along it. Just like eating a large dinner... your belly expands outward but you don't get any taller lol. So the wood would not get any longer just a bit wider / thicker.