Ocean driftwood ok in tank?

saylaveev · Post by **saylaveev** » 14 Jun 2003, 02:45

Hi there,
I can tell most people that wood from rivers etc will be ok in a tank after proper treatment. but I live on the ocean and can get great looking wood off the beach. But since it comes from the ocean is there going to be any problems with it? What about salt in the wood? Most of it bleaches out on the beach after a while, but I"d still have to treat it.
How do you suggest I treat it?

Post by **Silurus** » 14 Jun 2003, 04:26

You can soak it in freshwater to leach out all the salt. Depending on the size of the wood, this may take several weeks.

saylaveev · Post by **saylaveev** » 14 Jun 2003, 23:23

do you think I should bleach the wood also to remove any toxins?

Post by **Silurus** » 15 Jun 2003, 00:35

I don't think bleaching is really necessary, but if it gives you peace of mind, go ahead and do it.

saylaveev · Post by **saylaveev** » 16 Jun 2003, 20:54

So just a lot of water changes should do the trick and soak it for a few weeks to get rid of the salt? Any other suggestions? I dont want any contaniments to get into the tanks.

Post by **Silurus** » 16 Jun 2003, 21:16

I think that should be enough. Your main enemy is salt, since there are very few pathogens in common between fresh- and saltwater organisms.