Wood ok for aquarium?

So I found this really cool piece of wood. It was cut off a lilac tree a couple months ago, and seems to be in good condition after laying in this beautiful weather. There were no chemicals used on it. So I was wondering what I would have to do to make it usable for a tank, or if it's even possible?

 

Good morning,

The links below will give you some tips on Driftwood. Not sure I've ever seen Lilac Trees mentioned to use for driftwood though.

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/driftwood-notes.41945/

Driftwood

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/softwood-vs-hardwood.52827/

Hold on for more responses.

Ken

 

Thanks for the articles! Yeah, I have been doing some research and I haven't found anything really about lilac trees

 

Still have no idea whether lilac branches are good are not. I tried to find out, but there is no info whatsoever. If I put it in water, how would I tell if it was negatively effecting the tank or not?

 

Good morning,

Is there any kind of sap oozing from the wood? If so, I would say no, don't use it.

Ken

 

Nope, no sap. I shaved off the bark and stuff with it and haven't found anything of the sort. Doesn't seem to be any rotting either.

 

I would advise sourcing wood that has been soaked for some considerable time. The banks of a reservoir would be a good place to search.

I was able to pick up a great selection when I needed some.

The advantage of sourcing wood in this way is that all the quickly rotting material will have gone so won't pollute the aquarium.

I would not advise using your lilac wood, even if it's captivating shape is seductive (!). Although I believe it is not likely to be particularly toxic to animals fresh wood like yours will decay rapidly. I think that there is very little hard wood in lilac so it may all rot away. Harder woods have much structure left after this initial rotting period.

You should be able to find lots of choice in the natural environment. Get your wellies on! It's fun to find your own free driftwood.

 

I have used many woods over the years but never lilac.
Sorry not to be able to add anything.