jwokmuba2

how do i tell the difference between hard and soft wood. i know that hard woods are the best for fish tanks, i found some drift wood today and i need to tell them apart

TedsTank

you really only need to be concerned about the evergreens and their sap...in softwoods....all others are fine.

All evergreens are pungent...smelling of pine, cedar, etc.

scratch deeply, if possible, the surface of your wood...where it wont be seen in your tank, and smell it...you will know if it is an evergreen.

jwokmuba2

ok thanks, any advice on how to clean drift wood

Butterfly

Remove all loose pieces of wood, bark etc. Soak for a few hours then scrub down with a brush if possible. then If you have a pot big enough boil, boil, boil. Boil long enough for the heat to penetrate to the middle. This will kill any nasties that may be lurking in the crevasses. Things like insect eggs, algae or certain types of fungus.
OR
You can put it in the oven on low 150-200 for a couple of hours.
OR
if too big for all of those scrub with water hose and scrub brus and take your chances. I have done all three and so far so good
Carol