Roots and branches from the garden

[Monk d'Wally de Honk]

Anyone know if it is safe to use shrub roots/branches from the garden in an aquascape?

I recently dug up two Hebe bushes that had outgrown their space and cut them down into a lovely sized twisty rootball that would look fantastic in an aquarium, just not sure if they can be used or not.

I'll try and photograph/upload them at the weekend.

 

[stemag]

i asked a simmliar question the other day and it led to this dont know if it helps british wood | UK Aquatic Plant Society

 

[Monk d'Wally de Honk]

Perfect thanks, doesn't mention hebe specifically but I may wait for it to dry out more for a few months, then go the boiling/oven/soaking route and see if it works.

cheers

 

[MirandaB]

I am a horticulturalist and to be honest I wouldn't use that type of thing in an aquarium.
While I'm uncertain as to whether it would have any toxicity issues,it would rot relatively quickly compared to hard woods.

 

[Michael W]

As Miranda comments on the roots/branches will rot pretty quickly. You should also watch out for any sap leaching out of the pieces as I believe they are potentially toxic (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

Michael.

 

[foxfish]

Sounds like nice bonsai material ....

 

[Kurono]

We used to have a saying, "When it doubt, Throw it out" But now adays the thing you throw out you'll miss!!! Well thankfully you got forum people to ask. Maybe some pictures btw would help ^_^ Though rooty pieces tend to rot away faster then barky pieces. Hope you the best though in your decision making.