how do i go about making wood and rocks safe for my aquarium?

Question

i have some of the really expensive malasian wood and some wood from africa....how about some wood from a stream, river or a wood pile....what about something from a lumber store that has not been treated? the color or tannen from the wood is supposed to be good for the fish but is it necessary and how would i take it out?

Answer 1

Rocks are fairly easy; any really solid rock that you can scrub with bleach and wash clean should be ok. Avoid sandstone and limestone if you have a salt water aquarium

Wood is trickier. Never put pressure treated wood in an aquarium. If you don't know the exact species of the malasian or african wood, don't put it in. There may be resins and oils in the wood which will poison your fish or plants.
Wood in water works in nature because the water in a stream or lake is flowing and the fish can move away from the chemicals and oils leaching out of the wood. However, in a closed environment like an aquarium your fish have nowhere to escape to.
There are diatomaceous earth and foam filters which polish the water and remove tannins/oils/chemicals, but you should consult fresh or salt water aquarium specialists.

Answer 2

I read somewhere that you can boil them. I don't remember where but it makes sense. I would suggest that you also post this question in the "Fish" section of Answers because there are extremely knowledgeable people in that forum. I've used their help on many occasions. Also, unless you know exactly what kind and where the wood came from I wouldn't even attempt it. If you really want wood in your tank you can purchase drift wood from most aquarium stores.
Good Luck