Collecting wood (no euphemisms!)

[Kogre]

I'm thinking about going to Sherwood Forest in a few weeks to see what kind of wood I can find to use in a few months time.

How would I go about treating/drying the wood I collect? I doubt it would be safe to put straight into an aquarium as I imagine it'll leech sap and other stuff into the water column.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Wallace]

The wood in my 60l at the moment is just a bit of a branch from the tree in my neighbours garden, I've got no clue what the tree is so no clue as to what wood I have.

I completely stripped it of it's bark, and then popped it in the oven at 150°for 45 mins and left it to cool. I've had no problems with it, it's not gone soft or rotted away yet and my shrimp are more than happy with it. I've also got another piece that I done the same to waiting to be used in the future.

If the pieces you will be collecting are small enough to fit in your oven then I see no problem with you doing the same as I have done.

 

[Kogre]

Quick response!

If they're too big I'll cut them down to size then screw them together later. A bit of moss can cover up the screw.

Many thanks for the helpful advice!

How long has the wood been in the aquarium?

 

[Wallace]

It's been in there for about 6 or 7 months.

 

[greenink]

I think if it's long dead and dried out it should be fine. Happened to be on a walk in a wood near me today. Here's some bits that were just lying around. The one at the bottom is about 3 feet long, the longer thin ones about 4 feet. If I'm ever brave enough to do a proper wood and stone tank, I know where I'm going to collect it!

 

[Kogre]

Brave enough? Just do it mate!

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

I'm thinking about going to Sherwood Forest in a few weeks to see what kind of wood I can find to use in a few months

Sherwood Forest should be good. Dead Oak and heather are ideal, like the bits of Oak "mikeappleby" posted, are good to go straight in the tank.

cheers Darrel

 

[roadmaster]

You mean there really is a Sherwood forrest?

 

[biffster]

( robin hood robin hood riding through the glen robin hood with his merry men ) hi an it looks like some one as had it away
with a load of wood as well lol 😉