Help with driftwood

[quikv6]

Hello all, 

I found two lovely large pieces of wood while walking the beach.  Both look to be very weathered. 

I'm less concerned with how to clean/sterilize like most threads cover.  I am concerned with the types of wood,  and if they are safe for an aquarium. 

Any help is appreciated.  Thank you. 

[Tlindsey]

On 3/1/2024 at 3:02 PM, quikv6 said:

Hello all, 

I found two lovely large pieces of wood while walking the beach.  Both look to be very weathered. 

I'm less concerned with how to clean/sterilize like most threads cover.  I am concerned with the types of wood,  and if they are safe for an aquarium. 

Any help is appreciated.  Thank you. 

If you know that the area is fertilizer or contaminate free wood ok to use. Also the wood could possibly be from a softwood tree and will break down faster than hardwood such as Oak.

Give it a good rinse and if it comes apart easily don't use.

[quikv6]

Thanks Tlindsay. I appreciate it. Just curious...is the "softwood" bad simply because it will break apart/decay faster? Or is there some sort of other issue with things that can be released from softwood?

Edited March 1 by quikv6

[doktor zhivago]

It's just wood don't over think it. Give it a boil if you can

[Tlindsey]

On 3/1/2024 at 5:55 PM, quikv6 said:

Thanks Tlindsay. I appreciate it. Just curious...is the "softwood" bad simply because it will break apart/decay faster? Or is there some sort of other issue with things that can be released from softwood?

Softwood like pine release resins that can potentially be harmful to fish.

Yes if aged it's probably good but I personally wouldn't use it.

I have branches and small hollowed out hardwood in a couple of my aquariums. They have been in the aquarium for a few years now.