Does the drift wood for my fish have to be from the fish section or can you use some from the reptile section?

Question

Its for my sucker fish, so does it matter? Or is there a certain kind of each type of animal? Or can I use some that I find in a creek or something?

Answer 1

You need to purchase your driftwood or any other products that you wish to place in your fish tank from an authorized fish dealer. The fish accessories that they carry are cleaned, sanitized and approved of for use in your fishes' environment. Wood, rocks and other things that you find in the wild could be contaminated with pesticides, parasites, animal waste or other pollutants. These things could poison or infect your fish making it sick and even causing death.

It's worth the investment to buy these items at your pet store. Though sometimes spendy, some of the stuff they carry is really cool! However, do consult the fish store attendant if you plan to purchase items for your tank that are not specifically from the fish department.

If you are considering purchasing fish items that are previously owned, asked questions of the seller such as, "Where did you get this?" and "Have your fish ever been sick?" Even if they say everything was hunky dory, I would consult your fish people at the store to find out how to sanitize any accessories or equipment, including tanks, so they are safe for your fish.

Answer 2

You can use the ones from the reptiles as long as you boil it first to get out all the dirt particles not to mention whatever else can squeeze in the cracks and crevasses. I worked at Petco for 3 1/2 years and you can use the reptile wood for fresh water and salt water. Just clean it well with boiled water. Remember too, Never use any kind of chemicals in the fish tank.

Answer 3

Anything from the pet store should be safe for animals. Be careful though, as there are different types of driftwood. Some sink. Some don't. I found that out the hard way. Safest bet is to buy wood specifically meant for fishtanks.

Answer 4

The advantage of wood for fish it that it sinks, and isn't treated with something that will kill your fish. In general it you boil it for a 1/2 hour it should be fine. Note that some woods have lots of tannins with will discolor your water if you don't boil it for hours.

Answer 5

If it is fake/plastic - yes.

If it is real, no you cannot. It's nearly impossible to throughly clean them. Your water will prob get extremely dirty, also you risk exposing your fish to disease.

If you place the driftwood from a reptile section in the water, your water will get really dirty. They are not normally made for wet tanks.

It is best to buy it from a fish store, where it has been properly prepared and cleaned for a fish tank.

This is a nice store that sells fake driftwood that looks real:
http://www.aquariumguys.com/banyon.html

And real driftwood for fish tanks (nice prices):
http://www.aquariumguys.com/driftwood1.html
http://www.aquariumguys.com/driftwood10.html

You won't find real driftwood for fish tanks at Petsmart, and I don't think at Petco either.

Answer 6

i think it'd be best if you asked the petshop owner. but i think it'd be fine to use one for reptiles just if your fish starts acting wierd maybe consult a vet or something. but if you get the wood from a creek probably wash it well with soap and water before using it.

Answer 7

It doesn't matter because where ever you get it you should boil it in hot water on your stove to insure there are no harmful chemicals or mits that can harm and kill your fish or reptile. ")
Take care and enjoy your new friend!
Please visit the site I left a link for below it explaines it all. :)

Answer 8

if you read the tag on the ornament for reptiles it will say not for aquarium use ,so stick to fish department and do not wash anything for your aquarium with soap (especially wood) the tiniest trace amount of soap or unapproved aquarium chemical will kill your fish.play it smart if your not sure dont do it

Answer 9

call the pet store they will know!