How To Prepare Freshly Cut Manzanita Driftwood For Tank

I kinda posted this before.

I live where there are huge stands of manzanita. It was recommended I cut dead stuff. That is few and far between. If I cut live, I can be very selective and cut what I really want which is big branches, not pencil thin ones.

So if I cut green, how do I prepare for my tank?

I have a couple of ideas. Cut and boil directly. Or let dry for a month in 100 degree heat, then boil.

Any advice?

If not, i’ll try both and see what works out.

I would love to keep the red bark on it but think that will boil off..

 

Maybe try baking it? I'm not sure where to set the temperature, I think there's guidance for driftwood on here. From what I understand, manzanita can be tough to cut, I recall someone complaining about it chewing through a few chainsaw chains. I suspect the person was using low quality chains, though.

 

Manzita wood is like ironwood and it will chew up chains

 

It has to dry completely first. No sap left. I like the 100 degree for a month start. Then boil. Maybe cure it in water too before adding to tank. I'm thinking that to get past phases like bark rotting or mold growing phase.

 

Thanks.

I didn’t cut any yet.

So if I leave in heat, outside for a while, then boil, will the bark come off?

I kinda want the red bark.