Baking Branches

LEScott · #1 (**permalink**) 10-23-2008, 05:17 PM

I'm trying to put together a new viv for my RETFs and I collected several branches and vines that I think would look nice in there. After reading for a bit, I've come to the conclusion that grapevines = mold, so those will find a new home...maybe in my cornsnake's tank, but for the rest of the branches, I would like to bake them so that I can sterilize anything that might have come in with them.

The question is, what would be the best way to bake them? The only thing I could find was that if you're not careful, they can catch on fire pretty quickly. What is the best temperature and length that you have found works the best?

Thanks!

Shane · #2 (**permalink**) 10-23-2008, 07:20 PM

I put mine in for about 15 minutes. At a temperature right around 130 degrees F.

froggsong · #3 (**permalink**) 10-23-2008, 11:56 PM

I get mine thoroughly wet, and bake them until they are dry at 300 degrees. I have found that by doing this, even soft woods such as grapevine can be used in a high humidity setting. The only time I have had mold on my grapevine that is in the CWD tank since I began baking this way is when it fell under the outflow from the filter and was constantly soaked for a couple of days. After baking it this way again, it has still been mold free.

I no longer use bleach on any of my wood pieces because I have one wonderful piece that was ruined because it absorbed so much bleach that I cannot get it out. Someone has made a suggestion to me to on how to get it out, but I haven't done it yet. I know you didn't ask about bleach, but I thought I would caution you against it. Baking will be enough to kill anything that might be on the wood. Plus, if it is soaking wet, you are basically boiling and baking. It is also a way to reduce the risk of fire.

mh32 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 11:36 AM

I usually do 200 degrees for 20-30 minutes. You shouldn't really have to worry about fire as long as you wood isn't touching the elements. Wood won't catch fire until around 300 degrees.

Shane · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 01:52 PM

I dont like using bleach I use vinegar

RagE · #6 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009, 12:27 PM

What is the best way to sterilize wood if it is to big for the oven ?

sparks4stp · #7 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009, 12:39 PM

Has anybody ever autoclaved their wood? We have a huge one at work and I was wondering about that...not sure if my boss would be thrilled about me using our surgery instrument autoclave to sterilize wood...but what he doesn't know can't hurt him right? haha Any downsides or things to watch out for when doing this?