[appleandpebble]

So I just bought this little piece of wood (Mopani wood). I read in different threads that its always better to boil the wood before putting it in a tank.
My tank already has shrimps so I would not like to risk anything..
so what should I do.. ? the guy at store said that I did not need to boil it..

here's a picture of the piece of wood.

 

[haveyouhadyourteayet]

I think the boiling helps waterlog it too... Elsewise they float.

 

[TacoZA]

Definitely boil it. You never know! better safe than sorry.

Nice wood by the way ;-)

 

[appleandpebble]

thank you! I just boiled it btw.

 

[haveyouhadyourteayet]

Delicious tree soup.

 

[appleandpebble]

uhu

 

[AmbiantNight]

Always boil wood before using it for many reasons. There are several microscopic organisms that can survive in dry wood that would kill your fish. Boiling to a core temp of 150 degrees kills them. Also as others have stated it will water log your wood so you can sink it and have it placed properly.

There are also a couple species of aquatic plants that could come with your wood if you don't boil it. Then you have air born chemicals and illnesses that could be on it that you would not know about.

Always boil wood before putting it in your tank.

 

[Micherie]

I never boiled mine and it never floated. However.... I did soak it in the sink for 2 weeks, changing the water every day, before I put it in the tank. My Betta loves it and there have been no adverse effects

 

[Blue Fish]

I had never heard about boiling it to remove nastiness...but it does make sense. I have done what Micherie described though with soaking and water changes, but I did that to get the tannins out. I've also heard that boiling takes the tannins out much, much more quickly than traditional soaking, but I've also heard that the tannins can also ruin pots. Just an FYI.

I've not had issues with the Mopani wood floating, but I've got some other, "leggier" driftwood that DEFINITELY floats until it gets fully waterlogged!

 

[Hallyx]

Even after boiling, driftwood can lower you pH some. Not enough to make a difference for your fish. But your shrimp won't like it.