jwokmuba2

just wondering how long that it takes to cure a piece of driftwood

Lucy

I've only boiled mine but I've read about people baking to for a few hours in the oven set at 200F.
To me, this seems very dangerous and a good way to start a fire.

cerianthus

I agree. Not a good way to sterilize.
Let it be kept dry in enclosed container then to soak in boiling hot water should do the trick, unless have big enough pot to boil for few hours.

jwokmuba2

so boiling for a few hours will do the trick, how long after do i have to wait before placing it in the tank

cerianthus

wait until cooled to similar temp as tank water, so wont affect the tank temp.

Lucy

The longer you boil it the more tannic acid will leech out.
I boiled and soaked mine for a few weeks. It still dicolored the tank water a bit but it's nothing that regualr water changes won't take care of.
Some people even like that look.

jwokmuba2

wow, a few weeks, that seems like it would hurt the wood, but what about a piece of wood thats 2 feet, i read in the tips forum that i could just poor boiling water over it but that seem like a very slow process, can i soak it in something

Lucy

Mine was no where that big, so I can't comment about pouring boiling water over it, think I['ve read that somewhere.
Navyscuba was soaking a very large peice in a kiddie pool.
What you guys think?

Beth1965

I boil the wood. Replace the water and boil again until I see no more stuff - debris - come from the wood. When it's at a decent temp - back to room temp I will put in the tank.
Beth

btate617

I wash mine outside with the hose to get all the debris off. Then I take it to the tub and give it a good wash with hot water. The only advantage I see to soaking it for a period of time would be to remove some of the tannins, that can be achieved with water changes.

Brian

jwokmuba2

what does tannis look like

Lucy

It leeches out of the wood and makes the water a yellowish color.
See post #6