[KPainter]

I purchased some sandblasted manzanita wood for my tanks recently and am currently soaking it in one of our tubs in hopes of becoming waterlogged. So far...not so much. I know it takes time, but any idea how long? It's only been two days, but I was kind of hoping it would happen before next Thursday when my new fish arrive.

 

[ZivaD]

Waterlogging to the point of complete, stable sinkage takes a considerable amount of time and, for some pieces, never fully occurs. Given your time frame, I would suggest either anchoring the wood to a piece of rock that can be secreted in/under your substrate (ie flat shale) or constructing your scape so that you are using rocks on/around the wood in such a way as to hold it down. I have both appraoches in use in the tanks in our home. Don't panic at the idea of burying your nice wood under a pile of rock, placed correctly it actually takes very little contact/size of rock to do the job - it just takes some trial and error to get it just right.

 

[Byron]

I agree with ZivaD. I would also note that this wood can leech tannins more than some other types, which is not a problem for fish, but not everyone likes the appearance. But in time it will stop (mainly) and the water will clear. How long depends upon the size of the piece of wood.

Byron.

 

[KPainter]

It's been leaching a bit in the tub so I'm trying to change the water a few times a day.