Can I Use Wood From Flood?

READ!!! I picked up a piece of wood right after the Hurricane Harvey Flood, that I found on the side of a building so it obviously was carried by the flood water. That was like 5 months ago. I used it in my small lizard tank but they payed no attention to it. It hasnt been used in a maybe a month and a half or more and has just sat outside. I don't know what kind of wood it is, so ID would be appreciated. As well, do you think after I water logged it I could put it in my 10 gal or 20 gal fountain? I do not have bleach or anything like that so do not suggest dipping it in their. Any thing I should be worried about. Some pieces of it seemed to come off, meaning a strip of wood/ bark after I was stuffing it down in water. Anything that could be dangerous or something? PS, I don't know if you can tell but in the first pic, on the left side you can see some green. I suppose its algae, but its almost as if it is stained on there. It can't be growth as I'm pretty sure its been there the whole time. THANKS!

 

I can't remember the name of the tree, but I had the same kind of stump in one of my tanks. They say you're not supposed to use this wood in aquariums, but I found mine already waterlogged in a body of water, and used it in a tank for many months without issues. However, finding it in the floodwaters of Harvey would make me anxious - the flood water weren't clean, and I'd be worried it's contaminated.

 

Give it a good boil. That should kill any bacteria.

 

Give it a good boil. That should kill any bacteria.

Maybe, but there are things other than bacteria that could have contaminated it too. Harvey did a lot of damage and had a lot of contamination in floodwaters.

 

I wouldn't use it, even with heavy treating. No idea how deep anything could have sunk into it- take it from someone who lives where it floods every year, just because you treat it won't mean it's safe, or that the water didn't have sewage or worse in it especially. Even a 3 day bleach dip and a good long bake in the oven wouldn't be enough for anything around here- floodwaters come from the ocean, sewers, pesticides, weed killers, chemical spills during floods e.t.c... Really all around bad.

 

To fully know it’s clean you’d have to boil it and leave it to weather for probably a year or 2, even then it might not be okay to use

 

Maybe, but there are things other than bacteria that could have contaminated it too. Harvey did a lot of damage and had a lot of contamination in floodwaters.

Awww, come on Tex. A little feces in the water never hurt anyone. I was in that water! Today, I’m at the Houston Livestock Show and stepping in all kinds of stuff. Hasn’t killed me yet! And I work in healthcare! Lol

 

Ha! Livestock feces weren't what I was worried about (or I'd be in trouble too!). Just some natural fertilizers for you!

 

Ha! Livestock feces weren't what I was worried about (or I'd be in trouble too!). Just some natural fertilizers for you!

so I guss moral of the story, don't use it. I wanted to use it because it would be a cool centerpiece for my 10 gallon, but I guess not. The other wood I put in my tank I have to take out because of too many problems. Driftwood is just too expensive to buy, so I was finding some stuff I had. I do have a big lava rock that has just sat on the patio and hasnt been used for anything in a while. What about that?

 

Lava rock should be fine! You could always go out and find more wood now - woods should be safer now than during the flood.

 

Lava rock should be fine! You could always go out and find more wood now - woods should be safer now than during the flood.

There is no lava rock or any type that could be dangerous? As far as finding wood, I can't really go check creeks or anything as either they are hard to get too, or its not an option. The sticks in my backyard, they are nice, but skinny. I think its oak, so I don't even think I can use that. I do have bamboo, the huge kind that grows outside, but I don't think I can use that either but I don't know( cut up some pieces, not grow it in the tank). I guess my only other option without having to buy anything is the lava rock. I can post a pic later today, if I remember.

 

If it's lava rock, it should be safe.

I use bamboo stems that I cut from large bamboo poles. It took a few days for them to sink, but no issues with the fish in the tank. Make sure you don't get them from anywhere where pesticides are used.

You can also go to a landscaping store and get large rocks there, usually for very cheap. There are a few LFS in Houston that sell decently priced wood and rock too, and sometimes they have good sales. I also have ordered manzanita wood online from a decor place, and I've been very happy with it.

 

If it's lava rock, it should be safe.

I use bamboo stems that I cut from large bamboo poles. It took a few days for them to sink, but no issues with the fish in the tank. Make sure you don't get them from anywhere where pesticides are used.

You can also go to a landscaping store and get large rocks there, usually for very cheap. There are a few LFS in Houston that sell decently priced wood and rock too, and sometimes they have good sales. I also have ordered manzanita wood online from a decor place, and I've been very happy with it.

Wait, you use bamboo??? What color is it? The stuff that grows in the front yard is yellow stalks with long and narrow leaves. It doesn't rot or anything after a while? So I can just cut a stem off, water log it and bam .. ? Also, could I please see pictures, lol??

 

I'll get pics later when the lights come back on in the tanks.

The stalks were big and green when I got them - the bamboo stand is old, so they're thicker than my wrist. I cut and boiled them (which I don't normally do for wood, but since these weren't already dead or water logged, I wanted to be extra safe since they were going into my Hara tank). I'm sure it will rot (all wood does, slowly), but how quickly, I have no idea.

 

I'll get pics later when the lights come back on in the tanks.

The stalks were big and green when I got them - the bamboo stand is old, so they're thicker than my wrist. I cut and boiled them (which I don't normally do for wood, but since these weren't already dead or water logged, I wanted to be extra safe since they were going into my Hara tank). I'm sure it will rot (all wood does, slowly), but how quickly, I have no idea.

Ok thanks! How long has it been in the tank? And how long did they take to water log?

Cant wait to see the picture, but just curious as to why your lights are off, as its day time correct? Sorry for so many questions LOL

 

It only took a few days to sink, and it's been in there about 2 weeks now.

I have a siesta in my lighting to help with algae and to help me enjoy the tanks when I'm home without the lights being on too long. I usually work during the day (home sick today though), and I like the lights to be on when I can enjoy them. So they come on in the morning when I'm getting ready, off around late morning, and back on before I get back from work so I can enjoy the tanks in the evening.

 

It only took a few days to sink, and it's been in there about 2 weeks now.

I have a siesta in my lighting to help with algae and to help me enjoy the tanks when I'm home without the lights being on too long. I usually work during the day (home sick today though), and I like the lights to be on when I can enjoy them. So they come on in the morning when I'm getting ready, off around late morning, and back on before I get back from work so I can enjoy the tanks in the evening.

Oh, okay makes since. Will be waiting for the pictures! I can send a pic later of what the bamboo we have looks like.

 

I don't trust it because flood waters have garbage and chemicals. I don't know if boiling it would kill it all. hmmm

 

Gang, we use bleach and water in hospitals. It’s the best anti-bacterial in the world. It kills everything, including MRSA. We autoclave surgical instruments, much like boiling. We had no incidents of flesh eating bacteria after the storm. Ya’ll are cracking me up. You have a much bigger chance of touching a door knob and contracting MRSA or the deadly flu this year then those fish have of picking up something in cured driftwood. Cooties...oh my!

 

Gang, we use bleach and water in hospitals. It’s the best anti-bacterial in the world. It kills everything, including MRSA. We autoclave surgical instruments, much like boiling. We had no incidents of flesh eating bacteria after the storm. Ya’ll are cracking me up. You have a much bigger chance of touching a door knob and contracting MRSA or the deadly flu this year then those fish have of picking up something in cured driftwood. Cooties...oh my!

I was thinking more along the lines of pesticides and other chemicals, not bacteria...

 

Gang, we use bleach and water in hospitals. It’s the best anti-bacterial in the world. It kills everything, including MRSA. We autoclave surgical instruments, much like boiling. We had no incidents of flesh eating bacteria after the storm. Ya’ll are cracking me up. You have a much bigger chance of touching a door knob and contracting MRSA or the deadly flu this year then those fish have of picking up something in cured driftwood. Cooties...oh my!

Are you saying that if I boil the wood and then waterlogged it, it might be fine?

 

I already said that earlier but everyone disagreed with me so Don’t take my advice. I just put a piece from the Pacific Icean in mine after soaking it in 1:10 bleach, then soaking it in Prime and water, then boiling it. That piece of wood could have floated up from a hurricane also. If my fish die of cooties, then I’ll let you guys know you were right. What about seashells? Better not use them either.

 

No point trying to be sarcastic or anything, we're saying bleach won't take out things like harmful chemicals from things like weed killers, or even if the tree was poisoned that'll stay. Very different to natural driftwood or seashells, especially since seashells aren't exactly porus things that soak up everything like wood can. In larger cities, pesticides and other harsh chemicals are very common, which bleach won't remove, nor will heat or boiling. We're not worried about the fact that it's from hurricane floodwaters, more that the wood has come from a big puddle, that could easily have runoff, sewage or other artificial chemicals. I mean in my area my backyard keeps getting flooded with sewage and greywater every time it rains, we can't even eat the fruit off our trees anymore, all because a neighbor won't clean the drain running through their property. Yes, bleach kills living things. No, pesticides, the main worry, are not living nor removed by bleach.

 

No point trying to be sarcastic or anything, we're saying bleach won't take out things like harmful chemicals from things like weed killers, or even if the tree was poisoned that'll stay. Very different to natural driftwood or seashells, especially since seashells aren't exactly porus things that soak up everything like wood can. In larger cities, pesticides and other harsh chemicals are very common, which bleach won't remove, nor will heat or boiling. We're not worried about the fact that it's from hurricane floodwaters, more that the wood has come from a big puddle, that could easily have runoff, sewage or other artificial chemicals. I mean in my area my backyard keeps getting flooded with sewage and greywater every time it rains, we can't even eat the fruit off our trees anymore, all because a neighbor won't clean the drain running through their property. Yes, bleach kills living things. No, pesticides, the main worry, are not living nor removed by bleach.

Thank you very much for the response. Yeah I am not keen anymore on using it. If you could please check out my other forum, called Dead/Dry bamboo stalks

 

InsanityShard, I know TexasDomer knows I was just funnin’ with you guys but want you to know too. My sarcasm is much stronger than that.

 

See, being in the floodwaters was my main concern InsanityShard - there was a lot of contamination during the flooding.

 

IMO, using anything found outside in the wild in your aquarium is asking for trouble. I mean even a piece of granite rock can have small cracks that will hold chemicals and pollutants. Bleach will not remove gas and oil byproducts, or other chemicals. Agreed it does a great job on germs and organisms. But it won't remove everything, your fish tank is a very small ecosystem just the smallest amount of a chemical can destroy it. Look at it this way, if you would not put the same object whether a rock or piece of wood or a plant in a cup of water and drink it yourself, don't put it in a tank.

Side note, and soap box lecture to follow.
I don't mean to sound pompous, but if you can't afford the hobby don't get in it, so many people get themselves in trouble and end up killing their fish because they could not afford to do it the right way. What this leads to is disappointment, which ultimately leads to the person giving up on the hobby, which ends up with the loss of a potentially valuable member of the community who maybe later on down the road would have a good fix for a problem your having.

So long story short don't risk your fish and your aquarium, just because you can't afford something right now, wait till you can afford it and get it from a trusted source, Just do it but but do it right!

Trust me, I get it, I hate paying for rocks or wood at the LFS its stupidly expensive, but in most cases it is safe.

Just as a disclaimer, I am not affiliated with the aquatics industry in any way.

 

He’s just a young teen. Lay off of him. He asked first and didn’t do it. Personally, I’m glad to see him into this hobby instead of some of the dirt out on the street. He isn’t even old enough to have a job yet. Encourage the young, don’t discourage them, please. Besides, no one has commented on this post in 2 weeks.

 

IMO, using anything found outside in the wild in your aquarium is asking for trouble. I mean even a piece of granite rock can have small cracks that will hold chemicals and pollutants. Bleach will not remove gas and oil byproducts, or other chemicals. Agreed it does a great job on germs and organisms. But it won't remove everything, your fish tank is a very small ecosystem just the smallest amount of a chemical can destroy it. Look at it this way, if you would not put the same object whether a rock or piece of wood or a plant in a cup of water and drink it yourself, don't put it in a tank.

Side note, and soap box lecture to follow.
I don't mean to sound pompous, but if you can't afford the hobby don't get in it, so many people get themselves in trouble and end up killing their fish because they could not afford to do it the right way. What this leads to is disappointment, which ultimately leads to the person giving up on the hobby, which ends up with the loss of a potentially valuable member of the community who maybe later on down the road would have a good fix for a problem your having.

So long story short don't risk your fish and your aquarium, just because you can't afford something right now, wait till you can afford it and get it from a trusted source, Just do it but but do it right!

Trust me, I get it, I hate paying for rocks or wood at the LFS its stupidly expensive, but in most cases it is safe.

Just as a disclaimer, I am not affiliated with the aquatics industry in any way.

Thanks for the response. Although, this post was a while ago. I listened to what everyone else said, and didn't do it. As far as me quitting the hobby... I strongly disagree with your opinion of me quitting. I have yet to kill a single fish, because of my own fault. I have put so much research and time in this hobby and I'm not just going to give it all away. I do have some money, but I'm not going to go out and waste it on overly priced wood and other things. I have put more than 200$ into this hobby. It's not all about money when it comes to fish keeping. You have to have the mindset, and knowledge to keep them alive. Sorry for sounding rude or anything but I just don't think you should discourage someone from doing something they love, especially if I'm only 15. Thanks for the input though.

 

You are extremely bright and wise beyond your age. You do research everything and I encourage you to keep up the hobby.

 

@OP So maybe you misunderstood me. My point was that people in general do a lot of thing in this hobby to save a buck, so work some don’t. But what happens a lot is people do something that kills there entire tank and the throw up their hands in defeat and quite the hobby. My sole point beyond the don’t put wood from outside in your tank, was to wait and do it right, because if you screw up your likely going to quite the hobby. I don’t want to see anyone quite the hobby.
@ Goldiemom- I am not going to get into a war of words with you. But IMO, maybe you should think twice before you start offering advise on what is and what is not going to work. Consider not only the OP but others who read your comments, I do agree Bleach will kill most bacteria but it’s not always bacteria that is the problem.
Not only, did I call you out on this but other very seasoned and well respected people commented that bleach is not going to make everything safe. I am sure you had good intentions, but your advise had a high probability of destroying a young person hard work and effort. That is the my point.
Let’s leave it at that and fish on.

 

Again, this post is 2 weeks old. It’s already been handled but thank you for your advice. Triston and I have spoken a number of times through Inbox and all is good. I would never intentionally steer him or anyone else wrong. I care about people even more than fish. God bless!

 

Well that was a good read

 

It’s about to get even better, I hope. I evidently offended a lot of people with my prior opinions and I want to apologize for that. I was obviously ignorant regarding the potential hazards of drift wood. Yes, I have a number of pieces from special vacation spots that I have and will continue to use. That is beside the point though. I am a strong Christian woman and my religion teaches to do unto others as you’d have them do unto you. This is not a religious discussion but simply my rules to live by. For that reason, I ask for each of you to forgive me and allow us to move past this discussion. Thank you in advance and may my God pour His blessings over each one of us. Have a restful Sunday!