PlanetCatfish.com

Evening all,

We're setting up our new 55 gallon here. Our "local" pet store (its about 45 minutes away, and the next is 2.5 hours away) has a very limited drift wood selection. We picked a piece, brought it home, soaked it, and it absolutely reeks now of cigarette smoke (we don't smoke).

I'm feeling like it really shouldn't go into the water. Is there anything we can do to "fix" it?

Can't wait to talk to ya'll about stocking the new tank, first things first.

Thanks!
Erin

Throw a bag of activated carbon into the water it is soaking in and see if that would help. Replace the carbon as necessary.

Can I boil it (for the quicker preparation as opposed to soaking) with the carbon?

And thank you for the suggestion!

Erin

I don't think you would have to use the carbon if you boiled it. You would probably have to boil it a couple of time though. Just an opinion, not an answer.

I always wanted to try to boil mine but the wood I buy is too big to fit in a pot on the stove.

Thanks for the tip. I think I'll do exactly what you said (boil it a few times) and see how it smells.

I always wanted to try to boil mine but the wood I buy is too big to fit in a pot on the stove.

LOL - we borrowed a crab-cooking pot from my in-laws - works like a charm.

Erin

Just as an update - we boiled the drift wood for about 10 hours (with many water changes) and by the end - not the slightest trace of cig-scent remained.

Our new 55 gallon is now all set up, planted, and as of tonight, "fished" - five cardinals and one small common pleco, who are very happy to be out of their little tank.

Now - we need to plan who we're going to get to keep them company.

The driftwood in question is in the far right corner.

<img src="http://www.lythastudios.com/temp/tank.jpg">

Erin

Erin,
I have added some suggestions as to stocking in your other post. It looks, from the photo, like you have some kind of bubble producing devices. These need to go as they will drive off the CO2 that the plants need to "breath." Tank looks nice but I would suggest adding a backing soon as fish never settle in well to a tank that is open on all sides. Check out your local Home Depot for an array of backing ideas (such as drawer liners). You might also try using brown cardboard as a back. I like the textured natural feel it gives of a dirt riverbank. It can also be spray painted any color you wish and is free!
-Shane

You do know there are plenty of websites you can buy driftwood from? I have even bought driftwood off of Ebay and was pleased.

I recently experienced this same thing. I was given a couple of nice pcs. of driftwood from a co-worker who had left the hobby but still had his tank sitting there. I placed them in a turtle tank to soak, and within a couple of hours the whole fishroom reaked of smoke. Lazy old me did nothing and within 24 hours the smell was gone. The tank did contain a large breeding colony of guppies and I never noticed any reaction.

Scott