Driftwood

[DaMenace]

I'm not sure if this is where I should be asking this as far as in the general freshwater topic. If it's not then my bad. Anyways... My question is if driftwood is suppose to float. I bought three pieces from someone on here and it floats... Won't stay under water. First time having driftwood so I'm not sure what is going on.

[Carg]

Most will float, some will eventually sink but some will require 'help'. I've got a few larger pieces that have been strategically paired with some large stones for upwards of 6 months and still float when not weighed down.

[DaMenace]

Oh ok... I have 3 large pieces and it takes force to sink them in but I don't see how I would get it to stay under?

[Carg]

Here are a few pics of how I 'sunk' drift wood in the past. I've attached pieces of slate tile to one as well. (using stainless steel screws).

Currently the log looking one with the holes drilled in it has the big rock inside it rather than sitting on it.


http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j114/Carg23/175%20bowfront/5110whitesand1756.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j114/Carg23/driftwood/birdhole11.jpg


http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j114/Carg23/100gal%20tank/100galfullofdriftwood2.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j114/Carg23/175%20bowfront/17561811.jpg

[DaMenace]

Damn I'm not such of a handy man but I'll see what I can come up with. Thanks though... :)

[spacefish34]

Do you know what type of wood it was?Some of the common types are Malaysian(I've never seen it float),Mopani(rarely floats),"Texas"driftwood(notoriously floats),etc.If your not sure you could attach a picture.A permanent way is to silicone what branch you pick for the base to slate(like Carg mentioned).However,since you may use the piece again in a different position,this isn't always the best.Another way is to zip-tie(I use black ties to blend in better)the base to pieces of rock where needed.Then you can cover the rock with substrate.Good luck...

[DaMenace]

Im thinking it might be Texas Driftwood... They kinda look like tree branches. I'll attach a pic later this evening. Thanks guys... I'll see what I can come up with the ideas y'all have given me. I hope something works... Lol

[cichlidkeeper]

When I had those pieces soaking I used a large trash bin and changed the water out whenever it got to be almost coffee colored. You could also use slate/large rocks.

[DaMenace]

What will that do if I put them in a trash bin?

[cichlidkeeper]

a trash bin with water, to soak them

[DaMenace]

Oh ok... So leaving them soaking my give it the possibility of them finally just submerging by themselves?

[WRabbit]

Im thinking it might be Texas Driftwood... They kinda look like tree branches.If a piece of driftwood fits in my lobster pot, I boil it 2-3 times (20-30mins each) to leach tannins, kill unwanted bugs/bacteria/parasites, and to increase absorbency of the wood itself.

If you bought it at a LFS, it is probably Manzanita. If so, do as others have suggested; either weight it down or attach to a submerged object. I have pieces of Manzanita that have eventually sunk, but it's hit and miss. I currently have 2 pieces on my patio that have been soaking since last fall and they're still floating (barely).

If it's "Texas" wood or wood of unknown origin, make sure it's dried out/dead and does not have bark. Hardwood works best and boiling before use is strongly recommended, as there might be poisons present (insecticides, herbicides, etc.).

HTH

[DaMenace]

Yeah the boiling part I did it twice cause of something I read. It was very very hard though! Each wood is about 3 ft long. My uncle works at a restaurant and I borrowed a huge pot. I'm thinking of selling it and seeing where I find drift wood that won't float. I am trying to put it for my Discus tank which I heard is good to make the water soft. Any other good things I could use for the discus tank instead of driftwood?

[WRabbit]

I use Malaysian driftwood and Indian almond leaves in my Discus tanks. Other than that, I don't play with PH or hardness, as my Discus are locally bred and acclimated.

[pam916]

I keep mine in Fort Worth city water and they do fine.