Burnt Driftwood?

**ijankrom** · 03-03-2013, 05:04 AM

So I picked up some driftwood from a river to place in my aquarium and noticed after I got home the two pieces appear to have some areas of fire damage.

Curious if those areas exposed to fire will harm the fish if not cleaned. I've been able to get some of the surface areas clean, but really don't want to spend any further time cleaning not knowing how the fire damage effects the piece as a whole. What do you guys think, should I keep and clean or just forget them? Forrest fires in the area are probably to blame, its natural, though my aquarium is no river.

**talldutchie** · 03-03-2013, 05:27 AM

If it bothers you, dump it. Peace of mind is worth something. It wouldn't put me of, after all, what do you think filter carbon is?

**Limming** · 03-03-2013, 06:13 AM

I agree with Talldutchie its just carbon. I think would add a interesting look and you should use like you planned.

**~firefly~** · 03-03-2013, 12:37 PM

I'd probably use it after some hot water soaks. Good advice given so far.
Would love to see a photo of it.

**Lady Hobbs** · 03-03-2013, 01:01 PM

scrape off the burned area with some sand paper or a wire brush. If you're down at the river, look for wood that is underwater and already water logged and you'll have no problem with it sinking. If the burned area is more than just a wee bit, dump it and get new stuff.

Hardwoods only. Don't bother dragging home fir or pine.

**Indian Woods Angels** · 03-03-2013, 03:39 PM

I cook all of mine over a camp fire so it's all a bit toasted. It won't hurt anything.

**ijankrom** · 03-03-2013, 05:14 PM

I'll take a picture of one of the pieces later today and post. Thank you all for your input.

**talldutchie** · 03-03-2013, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Indian Woods Angels

I cook all of mine over a camp fire so it's all a bit toasted. It won't hurt anything.

Why's that then?

**mrramsey** · 03-03-2013, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by Indian Woods Angels

I cook all of mine over a camp fire so it's all a bit toasted. It won't hurt anything.

- That's funny! do your fish fancy a nice bit of smokey oak?

I agree... wont hurt anything but I thought this was funny.

**KingFisher** · 03-03-2013, 10:08 PM

I would be more worried that the people that burned it used some kind of accelerant on it(gasoline etc..) than I would be about the burned spots. It could have soaked into the wood.