Apple Tree Driftwood?

Ok, from what I've been reading I think this will be okay but I definitely want to double and triple check before I even think about putting it in my tank. We have an apple tree that was damaged in a storm and died a little over a year ago. Will this wood be okay? Obviously I will be very careful with removing what bark is left and curing it. I'm probably going to boil and bake it, just to be extra careful. I included a couple pictures of the exact tree I plan to use.

 

The wood looks very cool. I like it. You might want to give it a good soaking in a salt or mild bleach solution as well.

 

If the trees were no dose with chemicals for pest control, it should be safe. Definitely boil and soak. I would avoid using chemicals as it can soak into the wood and be released later in your tank.

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I have had apple wood in my tanks for over a decade with no problems.

 

Forget the salt....just soak, more than likely there are no bad water thingies on old dry wood that hasn't seen a creek or pond in it's life.

 

I agree, a good soaking will do the trick. If you're a little touchy then just run boiling water over it... No need to go overboard. As TedsTank said, it has never seen a large body of water so it couldnt have any serious danger within it.

Overall - will be fine. Please include pics when you're done!

 

Yay! Thank you all for the advice! I can't wait to get started on it! Just gotta find a saw of some kind so I can cut it down to size. And no worries, there will definitely be lots of pictures!

Do I need to sand down the ends to make them less jagged and rough or will they be okay?

 

Filing or sanding the end would be the way to go.

 

Definetely... Look to get them as "not-rough" as possible. Also make sure that there aren't any things that can "crumble: or disintegrate into the tank. Make sure it is well brushed. I use a toothbrush for this, just to be sure that it would cause a minI wood chip explosion in the water!