05-30-2012, 11:44 AM
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#11 | | | Quote:
Originally Posted by stevenjohn21  do as the above posters say but add some white vinegar, this will not only kill any nasties instantly, it will also release any unwanted tannins faster. Give it a quick rinse after and hey presto ! | 10-4 on the vinegar, thanks.
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05-30-2012, 11:58 AM
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#12 | | |
Not sure I'd use vinegar- it can affect water chemistry. I've used driftwood straight from a river, but if you really were worried, I'd actually endorse ammonia (cheap ammonia from the store), bleach, or hydrogen peroxide over vinegar.
If you use ammonia, then soak the wood in a water-filled container outside for several days, and add some established gravel to the container. The ammonia will kill nasties, and then just run a 'cycle' in the outdoor container.
If you use bleach, then use 1 part bleach to 10 parts water- Soak for 24 hours, then bring to a rolling boil. Boiling will break down the bleach into chlorine gas.
Hydrogen Peroxide from a drug store would also work, and probably be safer, but you'll want to use pure peroxide (no water), so depending on the size of wood, it may not be economically viable. Just soak the wood in peroxide, and leave in a dark room for a day or two.
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05-30-2012, 12:30 PM
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#14 | | | Quote:
Originally Posted by redchigh Not sure I'd use vinegar- it can affect water chemistry. I've used driftwood straight from a river, but if you really were worried, I'd actually endorse ammonia (cheap ammonia from the store), bleach, or hydrogen peroxide over vinegar.
If you use ammonia, then soak the wood in a water-filled container outside for several days, and add some established gravel to the container. The ammonia will kill nasties, and then just run a 'cycle' in the outdoor container.
If you use bleach, then use 1 part bleach to 10 parts water- Soak for 24 hours, then bring to a rolling boil. Boiling will break down the bleach into chlorine gas.
Hydrogen Peroxide from a drug store would also work, and probably be safer, but you'll want to use pure peroxide (no water), so depending on the size of wood, it may not be economically viable. Just soak the wood in peroxide, and leave in a dark room for a day or two. | thanks for the info
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05-30-2012, 12:31 PM
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#15 | | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Stormfish Just as a side note here, I bought a small piece of Mopani driftwood from the aquarium shop for my new betta's tank and boiling it made it release lots of sap. I was surprised since I figured driftwood bought from a specialty shop would have already been treated in some way. Also, a week later of daily boiling water treatments, and it's still releasing a lot of tannins.
I've also read that boiling driftwood with aquarium salt added to the water will also help kill off anything nasty lurking within. | thanks . so sap doesnt go away with age of wood?
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05-30-2012, 12:34 PM
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#16 | | |
I don't know. I've never used Mopani driftwood before. It didn't leech out any sap until I boiled it, and it was a PITA to get off my fingers. I guess it solidifies inside the wood over time?
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05-30-2012, 12:42 PM
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#17 | | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Stormfish I don't know. I've never used Mopani driftwood before. It didn't leech out any sap until I boiled it, and it was a PITA to get off my fingers. I guess it solidifies inside the wood over time? | we'll see ill try pieces that look to be of diff ages.thanks. now i see why its so expensive for wood
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05-30-2012, 02:01 PM
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#19 | | | Quote:
Originally Posted by GwenInNM
Mopani wood is not recommended by most here. I've never heard of it leaking sap, however. Seems to get a strange fungus, though some don't have problems with it. Not worth changing it. I can find at my LFS pieces of Malaysian driftwood that is really nice, doesn't leak the tannis like the mopani. It's not that expensive, considering this entire hobby isn't cheap :)
Gwen
| after reading all above you may be right, it might be better to buy a piece. but ill go to river and look around before i decide. i might find the piece thats worth the trouble. i wanted to go today but rough weather hit so ill let the dust settle. thanks gwen.
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05-30-2012, 03:02 PM
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#20 | | | Quote:
Originally Posted by marshallsea after reading all above you may be right, it might be better to buy a piece. but ill go to river and look around before i decide. i might find the piece thats worth the trouble. i wanted to go today but rough weather hit so ill let the dust settle. thanks gwen. |
My opinion is boiling kills everything. If you boil long enough to sink deep into the wood, nothing will survive, so I wouldn't stress that much over it. Many people get their wood they use in aquariums from rivers etc. I wouldn't mess with anything but boiling it, IMO.
If you're worried, buy a piece of wood, but like you said, you may find a very interesting piece. You know what is down by your river, more than we do :) Best of luck!
Gwen
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