Natural wood in freshwater tank?

Question

I think it's a hemlock piece
I've been soaking it in plain water

will it hurt my fish or plants

Answer 1

no problem

Answer 2

Hemlock! Isn't that a poison that was used back in the 1400's to commit suicide. I wouldn't advise using hemlock.

The best stuff is store bought, but it is pricey. Some of the African woods are self sinking (don't float).

Or, you could go down by the lake and pick up some pieces of driftwood. This stuff needs to be boiled for 15 minutes and drained 3 different times just to be safe. Drill a hole through a flat rock or piece of slate and use a stainless steel screw (doesn't rust) to fasten the wood to the rock or slate.

Answer 3

Normally I' say boil the wood for 5-6 hours, and you are good. But hemlock leaves are poisonous, and I'm not sure if the toxins are in the wood, and if boiling will help.

Answer 4

different woods will have different pH and can change the pH in the water same goes for rocks and your talking about hemlock that's a poison and i wouldn't even put my hands in the water it soaking in get rid of it immediately and only put wood and rocks in you tank that you buy in a fish store

Answer 5

No! Natural wood you find can carry pesticides and all sorts of yucky stuff on them, like fungus and molds. They wood pieces you can buy at your local pet store have been specially treated to be safe for fish. I know it's probably a really cool looking piece of wood, but the best thing for your fish is to get something for the pet store. Sorry if you're disappointed.

Answer 6

Don't do it. Wood starts getting bad. Water reacts with the wood.

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

You've got to clarify your quesiton. I don't know what you want to know?