Grapevine

Monsterpony

I bought a huge piece of grapevine to be the centerpiece of my new tank. It is 2.5 ft long, 8 inches in diameter and has many caves and holes throughout. Because it is so large, I can't boil it. I have been soaking it in a scalding water, which I change at least 2 times a day. It is still releasing tannins, but at a lower level then initially. My problem is that it is starting to smell like it is fermenting and has developed a slimey, but clear coating that is easily wiped off. Is this normal when soaking grapevine? Is it because I haven't been able to boil it? What should I do to fix it?

Lupin

Grapevines are not suitable for aquarium use. Use mopani wood.

beetlebz

i read somewhere a while back that grapevine will eventually break down in the water :\

okiemavis

Yeah, I too have read that wood from fruit trees is not suitable for the aquarium. That slimy coat will never go away and will pollute your aquarium.

Monsterpony

Aargh, there goes $20 down the drain. Stupid lfs, 95% of the wood they are selling is grapevine. And the piece is so absolutely gorgeous and has the most perfect burrows and holes. Maybe I can make a replica out of ceramic.

okiemavis

Return it! LFS's get away with pulling too much crap like that. Get pissed, ask to speak to a manager! Don't just get your money back, but ask them why they continue to sell that wood for aquariums and keep pushing it!

Gump

I have 3 very large pieces of grapevine and two of which I have been using for about 5 years with out problem. The slimy coat will go away along with the tannins, and both are harmless to your tank and fish. Since my pieces are quite large (biggest being 5' long) I used a 55 gallon tank and soaked them for about a month changing the water every few days or so and as long as you take a medium brush to the wood you should be able to remove all the pieces that will fall off in your tank.