[PunkinOfSteel]

I know there are types that need to be avoided, what are they? I'm looking for new stuff to use that isn't just driftwood and I don't want to buy anything that shouldn't be in an aquarium.

What is Mopani wood exactly and is it actually okay for aquariums? I've been seeing it more frequently now in stores and it's from Zoo Med who I only sort of trust as a company. They have put out a ton of aquarium products that are not actually safe for aquariums.

 

[Romad]

I stick with the Malaysian driftwood because the one time I tried the Mopani, I had fungus issues even thought I boiled it for a few hours before putting it in the tank.

Having said that, if you do go with Mopani, you might never have an issue but it is something to be aware of. If you put Mopani in the search post feature, you'll see lots of conversations about it. Here's one of the links that might be helpful for you:

http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/beginner-freshwater-aquarium/mopani-wood-good-bad-107629/

 

[PunkinOfSteel]

Thank you very much

I figured that it was probably a type of wood that, depending on the actual pieces could either be good enough for an aquarium or actually only supposed to be used in a reptile or bird enclosure.

I like the idea of ZooMed, but they don't seem to think of their products being used for long periods of time, like with their floating Betta logs. I love those but the paint isn't aquarium safe and peels off, and if you happen to have a pelco, ottos or other sucker type fish in there, they'll suck the paint right off and die. Unfortunately we had that happen 3 times before we realized what was happening.

The link you provided me with actually provided me with another link for a place to buy Malaysian driftwood. I've looked for it in my local pet stores but they either were out every time I came in or they didn't carry them. So i'll be able to get some good stuffs.

Thank you!

 

[tankman12]

Also there is spider wood. It pretty dang cool wood.
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[PunkinOfSteel]

What about 'ghostwood' is that stuff okay?

Spiderwood does look awesome btw

 

[tankman12]

I think it is the same as the spider, just different curves.
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[PunkinOfSteel]

Okay cool, that's good to know.

I've found someone who is selling oak manzanita cottonwood and some white pine.. I'm pretty sure pine is one that shouldn't be used, is that right?

 

[tankman12]

Well you can. I made my own driftwood once. It was some pine a oak branches. All I did was scrap off the bark then boiled them. I had them in my discus tank. No issue.

 

[PunkinOfSteel]

Okay, I kinda thought that since it was pine there would be a sap issue or something like that.


Do you happen to know what type of driftwood Petco sells? They have them in their tanks and sell the 'naked' ones for about $7 and the ones with anubias on them for about $13. I've always just called them generic driftwood lol.

 

[tankman12]

This is how I think it. In the wild there is all sorts of stuff going im those ponds/lakes. Including a lot of sap. So even a little is not going to do anything. Some people make fish seem like they are so sensitive creatures. Yes some are but most arent. Plus boiling it took most of the sap out. The regular small/large dark driftwood that they have on there tanks is mopani. I think the whitish driftwood that they have plants on is spinder. But not sure. Im going there tomorrow so i will take a look and tell you what i think.

 

[PunkinOfSteel]

Thank you very much, you have been very helpful!

 

[tankman12]

No problem! That is what I'm here for.
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[tankman12]

Sorry to get back so late. But the driftwood at petco with the plants tied to it (the trees) is grapewood, I believe.
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