What Exactly Is Bogwood And Where To Get It?

[fI$H_FaCe]

like topic says....maybe i am just beign dumb, but where do you get bog wood?....from an actual pond or something?...or do you make it by soaking it?

i obviously have no idea...so a little heads up would be nice guys since i love the loook it gives a large tank, and i want to have some in mine

thanks

 

[Clairel]

You buy it at the Lfs, thats where i got mine from its (mopani) Bogwood, just remember to soak it in hot water for an hour or so first to clean it, and get rid of some of the colouring...

C x

 

[Durbkat]

You can get it at garden centers or lfs and once you get it, it is a good idea to put it in a pan and boil it for awhile to help it sink faster and after you boil it you should let it set in water for a couple days and change the water daily to get all the brown coloring off it so it won't turn your tank brown.

 

[Bloo]

Without repeating myself I'll just cut and paste an old reply

Bogwood is wood that has been preserved in a peat bog for many years - mostly hundreds to thousands of years. So the term "bogwood" merely refers to the "process" the wood has undergone.

"The real definition of bogwood is wood that has stood for years in an acidic peat bog and has consequently leached out its tannins and has acquired a dark color. Bogwood hasn't rotted, because the low pH of a bog discourages fungal spores and most bacteria." - see reference below

There are three types of Bogwood - (mostly) Oak,Yew,and also Pine.

More interesting info on wood at the Skeptical Aquarist

 

[!Gina]

You can buy it from pretty much all pet stores (or search for it online). I generally soak mine in boiling water for atleast 24hrs first. As it does have a tendancy to make the water murky otherwise, and its better for your fish if its clean when its added to the tank.

hope this helps.

 

[Bloo]

and its better for your fish if its clean when its added to the tank.

Not at all. All it really needs is a rinse to get rid of any potential muddy / sandy bits and other superficial debris. It will stain the water but it's said to be benificial for the fish, if anything.
If you don't want it to stain the water as much, then boil it very shortly (not too long otherwise it will start to turn into a mess) or soak in warm water for a few days. Adding carbon to the filter also helps to remove the brown tinge to the water.

 

[!Gina]

and its better for your fish if its clean when its added to the tank.

Not at all. All it really needs is a rinse to get rid of any potential muddy / sandy bits and other superficial debris. It will stain the water but it's said to be benificial for the fish, if anything.
If you don't want it to stain the water as much, then boil it very shortly (not too long otherwise it will start to turn into a mess) or soak in warm water for a few days. Adding carbon to the filter also helps to remove the brown tinge to the water.

I meant clean as in, there's no dust on the bogwood, dirt, or any insects it may have picked up at the pet store. By soaking it in water for a few days, you are in a way cleaning it. Your making sure theres nothing on it that could harm or spread bacteria to the fish in any way.
I understand what your saying though.

 

[Luke_e]

I bought a small piece of it today, its currently soaking in warm water in a tub, i'll change the water in the morning and replace it with more hot water, and then the same night time, and then the following morning. I'm doing it so its clean, so it sinks, and so it removes some of the dye.
But if i put it into the tank, would the colour difference be noticeable, as the tank is 27ukgallon/32us gallon so it would be dilute, i also have a carbon sponge which is supposed to remove some of the colour.

 

[kimbowee]

I added a piece of Mopani Bogwood to my 33 US gal about a month ago. I boiled it for 2hours then let it soak over night. My water still has a yellowish tint to it today. Right after a water change you can barely nitoce but by the next day its the same yellow color. I do not use carbon in my filter though either so the only way its really being removed is by my filter sponge and water changes. There tannins are supposedly beneficial to the fish. Here is a link on the subject http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=111218&hl=

Hope that helps!