may have a problem

**ohmikeosh** · 06-30-2010, 07:35 PM

About a month in a half ago I put an established piece of driftwood in my tank because I was having issues cycling. Well it didnt help me cycle, so I drained my tank and started over. I never boiled the driftwood because I was using it as seeded material. Now that my tank is finally cycling I realized that I should of boiled the driftwood, but at the time I was desperate and was not thinking clearly. So is there anything I could do or put in the tank before I add fish to make sure nothing bad is in my tank from that wood, or is it too late and I have to just hope for the best. My tank is in the process of cycling nitrites have spiked so I am close, but not in a rush to add fish if there is something I can do. Newbie mistake...I know better but at the time it seemed like a good idea(If I had a dollar for every time I said that) I know the place takes really good care of there tanks, but that dont mean much......any suggestions....Thanks!!

**fins_n_fur** · 06-30-2010, 07:51 PM

Is there a reason why you can't take it out now and clean it and put it back in? Or have I missed something here? The driftwood is not doing much to cycle your tank. Whilst there may be some beneficial bacteria on the driftwood, most of it is going to be in your filter medium. What do you mean by established piece of driftwood?

**ohmikeosh** · 06-30-2010, 08:41 PM

Hi Fins, when I started the fishless cycle I had no readings for almost a month except for ammonia. People recommended that I get some gravel or some driftwood from an established tank to try to help speed things up. Since then and for probably almost two months it has sat in my tank with alot of ammonia. After drainng my tank and starting over I didnt really think about doing anything to the wood because it has been in my tank for a while. As I am nearing the end of my cycle it dawned on me, Would it even make a difference now taking it out. Its in contact with the gravel as well, so I just thought maybe there was something I could add to the tank to help. It is probably too late anyways. Would it be worth it to take it out?

**Spardas** · 06-30-2010, 08:44 PM

So you took a piece of wood from a running tank and put it in your tank and you're wondering if there may be any issues with pathogens?

Most pathogen will require a host to live on and if your tank is devoid of any life for over a month, there's a good chance that everything should be okay.

**ohmikeosh** · 06-30-2010, 08:49 PM

Basically thats it I should of just said it like that and saved all the typing....lol
Thanks spardas I was kind of thinking that may be possible, but I was just kind of guessing not really sure at all. Im glad you confirmed that I feel much better now....

**Lab_Rat** · 06-30-2010, 10:37 PM

I wouldn't worry about it. I don't boil my driftwood, I just deal with the tannins.

**Lady Hobbs** · 06-30-2010, 10:47 PM

I pulled mine right from the river without boiling it. I scrubbed it with a wire brush, dumped some hot water and it and DONE. Your wood was in an established tank. It is fine.

**domjd05** · 06-30-2010, 10:55 PM

Wouldn't worry about it, try some established filter media to get things moving on your new cycle. (make sure its not extremely old and nasty, then you'll have something to worry about when it comes to pathogens..)