Drift Wood

[Pittylova]

What is the best way to make drift wood suitable for vivariums? Should it be boiled prior to use?

[Green Ghost]

Using Wood in Aquarium with Tropical Fish

Here's some info for you. Basically, yeah you boil it for a long time.

[froggsong]

Either boiling or baking. If baking, make sure it is saturated with water first, so the heat doesn't catch the wood on fire. I don't do bleach anymore, because I have had trouble getting all of the bleach out, and the high temp of baking or boiling kills everything anyway.

[BigPaul]

Im new to vavariums, why does it seen so important to boil your wood? Ive been using mopani wood in aquariums for years and just soak it for a couple days changing the water everyday just to get some of the tannins out

[Pittylova]

From what I understand its to get rid of any parasites that may be living in the wood.

[froggsong]

Yup, Pittylova is right, it is to get rid of any parasites, bugs, or bacteria that may be in the wood. If one is worried about tannins, then after baking or boiling, the wood can be soaked, changing the water regularly until the water stays clear.