Recently replaced an old tank and junked a bunch of items. Looking for good sized driftwood, manzanita preferred but not necessary. Also looking for large plants and an abundance of anubias.
WTB Large driftwood & plants
- Thread starter ShortyKiloGyrl
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Ive ordered from these guys in the past:
http://www.manzanita.com/aqwood.htm
They have a section where you can see what your buying but they havent had very much as of late.
http://www.manzanita.com/aqwood.htm
They have a section where you can see what your buying but they havent had very much as of late.
Is this stuff just normal driftwood, like I would find whilst out in my boat, or washed up on the beach? If so, I can keep my eye out for nice-looking pieces. I don't have wood in any of my tanks because it is contrary to where I want to be in terms of water chemistry,
fishguy1978
Legendary Member
Unfortunately, most of the wood we find floating around here could be coniferous.
Yes, of course; I hadn't thought of that. But if you found a piece that looked like the one in the pic, is there a way to tell whether it's coniferous or not?
fishguy1978
Legendary Member
Bark is the easiest. I know some people can look at wood grain. I am not that skilled.
FishBeast
Well-Known Member
Oh no, @fishguy1978 what’s the issue with coniferous wood? I’m gonna hold off on using this. 
@Jared Payne if I remember right you use driftwood from rivers right?
@Jared Payne if I remember right you use driftwood from rivers right?
fishguy1978
Legendary Member
It is because of the toxins contained in the sap.
It's full of water-soluble resins that contain compounds that are toxic to fishes. It is also a soft wood that decomposes in water.
https://aquaplantscare.uk/everything-about-wood-and-roots-in-the-aquarium/
https://aquaplantscare.uk/everything-about-wood-and-roots-in-the-aquarium/
fishguy1978
Legendary Member
I can tell you it came from a tree
Smart ***ery aside, I'm not sure. Did the person who sold it to you have it in an aquarium?
fishguy1978
Legendary Member
... hard wood tends to sink sooner, and soft wood tends to float forever long time.
Michael_1970
Member
One way to tell would be to cut away or sand a small section of it and see what color it is and to check if it has a cedar or a pine scent . From what I can see in this picture it looks like cedar .
FishBeast
Well-Known Member
Haha he fished it out of a river.I can tell you it came from a tree
Smart ***ery aside, I'm not sure. Did the person who sold it to you have it in an aquarium?
Modest_Man
Well-Known Member
I have used river drift wood for well over a decade and have never had any issues. I've got wood right now that I pulled out of the Wynoochee reservoir. All the talk of conifers poisoning the water - it's amazing we have any fish in our local lakes and streams.
It looks like the article linked above was written by someone in Poland and is specific to species of tress found there. He mentions near the bottom that coniferous firs don't contain resin but doesn't mention any actual species. Most of what I find and use is from Douglas Fir (which isn't even a true fir). I have also used Alder and maple.
My only caveat being that the wood I use has been submerged for years and already sinks - I would not use fresh cut wood.
The photo above looks to be a softer wood, and I would expect it to take a very long time to sink.
It looks like the article linked above was written by someone in Poland and is specific to species of tress found there. He mentions near the bottom that coniferous firs don't contain resin but doesn't mention any actual species. Most of what I find and use is from Douglas Fir (which isn't even a true fir). I have also used Alder and maple.
My only caveat being that the wood I use has been submerged for years and already sinks - I would not use fresh cut wood.
The photo above looks to be a softer wood, and I would expect it to take a very long time to sink.
FishBeast
Well-Known Member
Interesting point! Thanks man
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