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Wood for aquascaping ^^

4K views 17 replies 9 participants last post by  edenn1423 
#1 ·
I have a 10 gallon tank that ive been aquascaping for about a month now. Its a low light tank (15 watts) and so far the tank is doing well, the plants so far are java fern and java moss, red lotus, crypt parva, crypt spiralis, anacharis. (bottom pic)

i was searching the web for some nice looking aquarium tanks and found this picture (on top). does anyone know the name of the wood used in this pick? i want to put christmas moss along the top. what should i know about using this kind of wood? i think it may be called malaysion drift wood or something
 

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#13 ·
or you can buy from sources that already tested for you? If you are just getting sticks from your yard, just get a bucket and fill it halfway. toss this sticks in and see what happens. Unless its a really long stick... im sure there is a list somewhere on the internet with data on it.
 
#14 ·
There is a real risk using wood/braches from outside. But it can be done.

First, use only hardwood, like oak. Never, never use conifers (pine, spruce, cedar...), their "sap" is toxic and they will very quickly rot.

The wood must be completely dry and dead. Never cut branches from a tree unless you plan on drying them totally. Natural drying is best but it takes time; I suppose oven drying may work, but I've no idea how long it requires. The point is that the wood must have absolutely no sap in it.

Collect it from a site where it would not have been exposed to toxins--chemicals, oils, fertilizers, insecticides, etc.

Remove all bark.

Once completely dry, it can be boiled and waterlogged, or it will require holding down somehow until it is waterlogged. Using wood from a stream or lake that is waterlogged solves the drying/waterlogging problem, but this must be thoroughly boiled to kill any pathogens, etc.

I have lost fish from toxic substances leeching out of wood. There is always a risk.

Byron.
 
#16 ·
Just to jump in and add my 2 cents.. :)
Malaysian driftwood doesn't have the long skinny branchy "structure" like you are looking for. Manzanita is a hard wood and looks very similiar in structure to the first pic you posted.
Try googling Manzanita, there are many places to buy it online. It's what I would use if I was going to set up the type of tank you are looking to do.
 
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