Are you supposed to wash bogwood???

[Saphira101]

Hello guys.

For Christmas I received some African bogwood, but as I have no idea if I'm supposed to wash/rinse it or not, it has been lying unused in a box. I need to use it, because I have a java fern that needs something to cling to.

Thank you, ~Saphira

[efg321]

I tend to soak all of my driftwood, I have even boiled some that I felt was just a little bit too icky? Yes I know it may be excessive but.........better safe!

[Sparrowhawk]

I soak mine for as long as possible prior to use. As I type, I've got a whole big bucketful waiting to be used, hehe. It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to soak all the tannins out, so patience is great when dealing with the stuff.

[Saphira101]

how do I know when it's finished soaking? does the water turn clear?

[Sparrowhawk]

Yep, the water should go clear eventually (with you changing it every so often of course).