Wood Question.....

[Ricker]

I have a Crepe Myrtle tree that I trimmed a year ago and want to put a nice section in my viv. If I put the wood in the oven @ 375-400 degrees for around 15 minutes, would that be considered safe for the tank??
Thanks,
Rick

[Kyle The Toad]

It should be fine. Let it soak in hot water until waterlogged and then bake it dry.

[beckdg]

i would keep the temps below 350. 350 is an approximate known flash point for many woods, and the more degraded/old/dry they are the lower that number is. given that and the fact that ovens aren't highly calibrated, well oiled machines that receive constant calibration/upkeep... i would personally stay below 300-325*F. a core temp of 170*F should be more than enough to kill 99 point whatever percent of all applicable nasties. drying a waterlogged piece should be more than enough to reach such temps and more.

keep an eye on things if the wood is thin ANYWHERE and when nearing dry. fibrous cellulose can and will ignite on a hot, dry, sunny day... and in certain areas forest fires are common every summer due to this. DISCLAIMER; sometimes there's a lit cigarette butt involved... but we know that already.