How to prepare manzanita wood for aquarium?

I am blessed that it grows (and dies) wild all around me. I can walk in my backyard and pick and choose my pieces. I have plenty of dead manzanita bleached white and drying in the sun years old. Do all I have to do is soak it until it no longer floats or must I “purify” it more?

 

As long as you're sure the harvest area is pesticide, herbicide free, all that needs to be done is rinse it off and put the Manzanita in the tank. It took my Manzanita about a week in the tank before it finally became waterlogged. Lucky you, Manzanita in my area is very expensive.

 

As long as you're sure the harvest area is pesticide, herbicide free, all that needs to be done is rinse it off and put the Manzanita in the tank. It took my Manzanita about a week in the tank before it finally became waterlogged. Lucky you, Manzanita in my area is very expensive.[/QUOTE
Hmmm...I could make a business of it if people werent so picky! Next thing I’d be hearing is, “12 inches long! 1/2 diameter! Lots of branches! Lol! “. Thanks. No pesticides ect...soaking them in a bucket right now to be ready for my hardscape!

 

Wow! That's a gold mine right there! If the area isn't treated with any chems, just scrub it with a brush to remove debris, then keep it in water for about a month to get rid of tannins, and water log it. My pieces usually take a month or less to clear of tannins, and only a few days to get waterlogged

 

Thanks! I already have a few pieces soaking. By the time my tank, substrate, and filter arrive (all delayed due to the fires out here in NOCA), I'm hoping to have good choices. I must say, this is the first time I'm putting driftwood in a tank, so I was thrilled to learn Manzanita is safe. Now I'm wondering what else I can harvest around here! Haha

 

Thanks! I already have a few pieces soaking. By the time my tank, substrate, and filter arrive (all delayed due to the fires out here in NOCA), I'm hoping to have good choices. I must say, this is the first time I'm putting driftwood in a tank, so I was thrilled to learn Manzanita is safe. Now I'm wondering what else I can harvest around here! Haha

Yup, manzanita is my favorite DW, then malaysian. It has so much character in each piece, you can never go wrong with it. But yes, the tannins that it releases are significantly less than other DWs, so another plus of manzanita

 

Yup, manzanita is my favorite DW, then malaysian. It has so much character in each piece, you can never go wrong with it. But yes, the tannins that it releases are significantly less than other DWs, so another plus of manzanita

Theres a tree out here that has the coolest wood, and I soaked some dead stuff already for a few days and water turned yellow. But I'm not sure what the tree is. I'm keeping it soaking to see if the water clears up, I would love to put some of that stuff in the tank. Its even a bit weirder then manzanita IMO.



Heres the tree and some dead scraps I salvaged. Idk what the tree is tho. Guess I will ask the neighbors.

 

Never seen the tree before, but find out what it is before putting it in the tank, not all woods are safe for aquariums

 

Never seen the tree before, but find out what it is before putting it in the tank, not all woods are safe for aquariums

Exactly! Gonna go pester my neighbor later! Lol. Then get on the google machine! Hahaha!

 

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Send some my way!!

 

Send some my way!!

Oh yeah we all live in California huh? Send it on over!

 

Only kept fish a short time but tended grill more than 50 years. Looking at your picture, my first thoughts go to smoked fish.

 

Oh yeah we all live in California huh? Send it on over!

Haha! For you and bryangar, never know! It could happen someday!

Only kept fish a short time but tended grill more than 50 years. Looking at your picture, my first thoughts go to smoked fish.

Hmm....well I love to catfish- being a Louisiana girl- and I prefer fried with Zatarianns!

 

Hmm....well I love to catfish- being a Louisiana girl- and I prefer fried with Zatarianns!

Just a thought, but whilst you're sawing up pieces to put in your fish tank, consider saving a few sticks for your smoker, or just sweeping up the sawdust and using it in a commercial or homemade indoor smoker. You're a long way from Cajun & Creole country now darlin'.

 

Just a thought, but whilst you're sawing up pieces to put in your fish tank, consider saving a few sticks for your smoker, or just sweeping up the sawdust and using it in a commercial or homemade indoor smoker. You're a long way from Cajun & Creole country now darlin'.

Too true! Though I can still catch cats and buy my fav fries, but I never thought of grilling with manzanita! Great advice! I thank you! It will save me money. I usually smoke with the typical applewoods and mesquites.

 

I've lived in nearly every region of the 48 states. In my experience, the secret of eating well for the rest of your life is getting neighbors, friends, and co-workers to introduce you to their mawmaw, abuelita, etc.

 

I've lived in nearly every region of the 48 states. In my experience, the secret of eating well for the rest of your life is getting neighbors, friends, and co-workers to introduce you to their mawmaw, abueilita, etc.

Haha! Other way round for me. Ppl in my area flock to me for some good ole cajun food!

 

Haha! Other way round for me. Ppl in my area flock to me for some good ole cajun food!

Of course, I'm of an age that introductions to grandmothers are not uncommon; or unwelcome.

But if you invite me for dinner I'll bring sassafrass.

 

Of course, I'm of an age that introductions to grandmothers are not uncommon; or unwelcome.

But if you invite me for dinner I'll bring sassafrass.

Oooh! That stuff is expensive! Maybe Ill make you something in my Tagine!

 

... or cajun 'shine.

 

Not familiar with Tagine. But my international experience is mostly involves coming to in border towns.

 

Only kept fish a short time but tended grill more than 50 years. Looking at your picture, my first thoughts go to smoked fish.

Wanted to let you know, Skilletlicker, that yesterday I smoked chicken breasts with the manzanita and they came out great! Nice flavor! Its gonna save me soo much money and help clean up my back green space at the same time! Thanks so much!