ChicagoDiscus.com     Cafepress Store

Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Driftwood

  1. #1
    Registered Member Cosmo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    3,889
    Real Name
    Jim

    Default Driftwood

    I just got two nice big pieces of driftwood from Jehmco and I'm wondering if there is a good way to prep them for the tank short of boiling them? I don't have anything big enough to boil these bad boys in I tried bleach once, but ended up with white driftwood which was too funcky to use anyone ever try baking it in the oven? I'm thinking keeping the temp below 225 should emulate boiling pretty will without starting a fire.. but sure don't want to burn the house down over driftwood
    ... Born under a Bad Sign ...

  2. #2
    Registered Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Northern Ontario
    Posts
    1,201
    Real Name
    Kyla

    Default Re: Driftwood

    If u think u need to boil it, I've known ppl who did theirs in a metal bin over an outside fire pit.

  3. #3
    Registered Member ssevasta's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Suffern, New York
    Posts
    371
    Real Name
    Sean

    Default Re: Driftwood

    You could also use an aluminum garbage can over a fire pit.

  4. #4
    Silver Member
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Nassau County, Long Island, NY
    Posts
    572

    Default Re: Driftwood

    Quote Originally Posted by Kyla View Post
    If u think u need to boil it, I've known ppl who did theirs in a metal bin over an outside fire pit.
    +1

  5. #5
    Registered Member pastry's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Charleston, SC
    Posts
    2,694

    Default Re: Driftwood

    Quote Originally Posted by jim LI View Post
    +1
    +2...
    -Elliot

  6. #6
    Registered Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    145

    Default Re: Driftwood

    I don't think you need to boil it Jim, all I have ever done is soak in tap water for three days to a week and never had a problem.

    Rick

  7. #7
    Registered Member Jack L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    PA, USA
    Posts
    1,943

    Default Re: Driftwood

    good idea with the can.

    but i've never boiled wood, just soaked it.

  8. #8
    Registered Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    central Illinois
    Posts
    1,420

    Default Re: Driftwood

    I just hose it off and sit it out in the sun. I do not mind the tannins and with the water changes it stayed light.

  9. #9
    Registered Member Ryan925's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    SF bay area
    Posts
    2,917

    Default Re: Driftwood

    I've done the same just soak in a large Rubbermaid tote. Do water changes occasionally. If you do have unwanted tannins in the water purigen makes quick work of it
    Im not illiterate...only my phone's auto correct is

  10. #10
    Registered Member Cosmo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    3,889
    Real Name
    Jim

    Default Re: Driftwood

    don't have a fire pit Don't mind the tanins, I just don't want anything growing after it's in the tank. Maybe some time in tap water will kill off anything inside
    ... Born under a Bad Sign ...

  11. #11
    Registered Member Jack L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    PA, USA
    Posts
    1,943

    Default Re: Driftwood

    well tap is just going to have very mild amount of chlorine or chloramine in it, right? adding a little clorox to the water, the little bit that people add to dip new plants, i wouldn't expect that to ruin the wood.
    but i've never tried to sanitize wood ift it was dry. if from another tank, i've just bleach dipped it like a new plant.

  12. #12
    Registered Member Cosmo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    3,889
    Real Name
    Jim

    Default Re: Driftwood

    Last time bleached driftwood it came out white :P obviously I used too much bleach or left it in too long lol
    ... Born under a Bad Sign ...

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Cafepress