Old Piece Of Driftwood

[awilson360]

I've taken a liking to planted aquarium with a nice piece of driftwood in them.
We have some old driftwood that has been left in the garden for a few years after being taken out of a tropical community tank.
I was just wondering if it's still ok to be used in a coldwater tank?

It was a bit dirty but after a quick rinse it looks fine. I'm soaking it at the moment but what's the best way to sterilise it, boiling it?
And how can I tell if it's still structurely sound to go in the aquarium keeping in mind that it has been in the garden and has probably been rained on hundreds of times!

AW

 

[kizno1]

I've taken a liking to planted aquarium with a nice piece of driftwood in them.
We have some old driftwood that has been left in the garden for a few years after being taken out of a tropical community tank.
I was just wondering if it's still ok to be used in a coldwater tank?

It was a bit dirty but after a quick rinse it looks fine. I'm soaking it at the moment but what's the best way to sterilise it, boiling it?
And how can I tell if it's still structurely sound to go in the aquarium keeping in mind that it has been in the garden and has probably been rained on hundreds of times!

AW

It sound be fine but it will need a good scrub and to be soaked in boiling water.

 

[Embrace]

A good way to scrub it is with a nail brush

 

[awilson360]

A good way to scrub it is with a nail brush

Thanks guys, I've given it a good scrub and rinsed it several times and I'm now about to boil it. Apparently it's good to boil it for an hour and repeat until the boiled water remains clear?

I'll do this until the water is clear and then leave it over night in hot water.

Would it be ok to introduce it to the aquarium tomorrow?

Another thing I give it a hard scrub the water turns a pinkish/brown? I don't think this is the tannins leaching is it the dead fungus and bacteria from boiling it?

Cheers.
AW