How do you get the driftwood to sink? I've boiled for HOURS, weighted it in the tank for WEEKS, and still...it floats. I have some slate that I'd like to bolt to the driftwood but want to be sure I'm using the right materials. I was told that I need to avoid using galvanized steel bolts as they would poison the tank. What DO I need to use? Any pointers? I'm going to the hardware store this evening to get a mason's bit to drill the hole in the slate. Any other tricks I need to know before I tackle this one?
TIA!
securing driftwood
Nothing? Has anybody ever done this or is it just such a basic question that it's not worth answering? I understand (and have treated) animals with heavy metal toxicity so I REALLY want to be sure that I'm using the right materials (bolts, screws, etc) before I do this. Maybe I'll use a non-metallic alternative like plastic. Won't last as long but I'll feel safer re:toxicity.
I was having a lot of trouble finding any slate at the LFS. Lots of limestone and holey rock, but no slate or the pieces were too small. I did track down some slate tile used for flooring, natural slate with no additives. I was warned that it may flake/splinter as I drill but it was less than a dollar a tile, no big expenditure if it doesn't work.
Oh, well. I'll let you know how it turns out in case anyone else is wondering.
I was having a lot of trouble finding any slate at the LFS. Lots of limestone and holey rock, but no slate or the pieces were too small. I did track down some slate tile used for flooring, natural slate with no additives. I was warned that it may flake/splinter as I drill but it was less than a dollar a tile, no big expenditure if it doesn't work.
Oh, well. I'll let you know how it turns out in case anyone else is wondering.
-
Shane
- Expert
- Posts: 4621
- Joined: 30 Dec 2002, 22:12
- My articles: 69
- My images: 161
- My catfish: 75
- My cats species list: 4 (i:75, k:0)
- My aquaria list: 4 (i:4)
- Spotted: 99
- Location 1: Tysons
- Location 2: Virginia
- Contact:
Did you try suction cups? I use them mainly to mount driftwood pieces to the back and sides of tanks, but they will work fine anywhere. Just buy a couple of big suction cups, attach them with screws, and "poof" you have what you want. Most commercial driftwood is attached to slate via metal screws and I have never seen them cause a problem. If you could find plastic screws they certainly could not hurt.
-Shane
-Shane
"My journey is at an end and the tale is told. The reader who has followed so faithfully and so far, they have the right to ask, what do I bring back? It can be summed up in three words. Concentrate upon Uganda."
Winston Churchill, My African Journey
Winston Churchill, My African Journey