Colecting Wood From The Woods?

[SBL]

I want to know if ts a good idea to get and use wood from a wooded area. I live in south Alabama, Theres pine, oak, aspen, and few trees I don't know what they are. Any of these trees make good woods for a tank?
If so, when collecting wood, what do i look for to tell if its tank safe or not? An what method of cleaning the wood for safe use in a tank?

 

[alex1319]

Dont use soap to clean it because the wood will ubsorb it possibly kill your fish. I heard that you have to boil wood in salt and freshwater to kill any harmful bacteria

 

[Scott MacAdam]

Hey SBL!

I get all my wood from "natural sources". lol
beaches, bogs, ponds, in the woods... you name it.
I just wrote a bit of a guide (my method at least) of adding wood over in another threat I have going.

This SHOULD link you there, but its on the 1st page of this forum anyway.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/369823-found-an-awesome-new-piece-of-wood/

if you have any questions just reply to either topic and I'll get right back to you.

~Scott

 

[This Old Spouse]

DON'T boil the wood or it will break down the fibers and disintegrate. You can pour boiling water over it to kill any nasties, but don't boil the wood itself.

Hardwoods are best. Pines and spruce are a bit too sappy. I know lots of other folks here use wood from the forest, so I think you're okay if you clean it well. Oh, and use a scrub brush to get it good and clean and smooth off the rough bits.