Will driftwood have permanent affects on my aquarium?

[MonsterGar]

There isn't really a clear answer on whether mesquite wood can safely be used in aquariums, so I think I will give it the benefit of the doubt and make an aquascape with it in my cycled 45 gal. There is currently no fish in it, but just a few plants. I will do many water changes once it is added to get as many harmful substances out of the aquarium as I can before I add fish. But if mesquite wood is toxic in some way, and I put it in my aquarium, will the tank be permanently ruined, or will the toxins be easy to clean out? Also not sure if the possible toxins will harm my plants and/or beneficial bacteria.

 

[FishBoy101]

There isn't really a clear answer on whether mesquite wood can safely be used in aquariums, so I think I will give it the benefit of the doubt and make an aquascape with it in my cycled 45 gal. There is currently no fish in it, but just a few plants. I will do many water changes once it is added to get as many harmful substances out of the aquarium as I can before I add fish. But if mesquite wood is toxic in some way, and I put it in my aquarium, will the tank be permanently ruined, or will the toxins be easy to clean out? Also not sure if the possible toxins will harm my plants and/or beneficial bacteria.

I doubt it would have toxins, just do the normal boil and soak. It will also lower ph. Good luck!

 

[ProudPapa]

It's commonly used as barbecue wood, so I very much doubt that it's toxic.

 

[PaulThaAsian]

Like it was said above, as long as you boil it you'll be fine. The only thing it would leak is the tannins

 

[MonsterGar]

How to you boil 2-3 ft pieces of wood?

 

[ProudPapa]

How to you boil 2-3 ft pieces of wood?

I've never boiled driftwood. I just rinse it with a hose and float it in the tank. It takes anywhere from two days to several weeks to sink, depending on the type of wood.

 

[PaulThaAsian]

How to you boil 2-3 ft pieces of wood?

Camp fire? Lol