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I have had aquariums for near 50 years. I have had "driftwood" in many tanks.
Mostly purchased from LFS. I now live in the mountains of New Mexico and have abundant juniper and pinion pine. Lots of the dead branches are beautiful shapes. I am wondering if these two woods would be harmful when submerged as decor in my tanks ?

Thanks for your opinions

Mike

These are not woods i would use.

Oak & beech are my preferred choices but generally hard woods (deciduous) as opposed to soft woods (coniferous) are safe. Dead wood that is very aged &/or soaked over a long period in lakes or streams may prove ok?

Hi all,

Lots of the dead branches are beautiful shapes. I am wondering if these two woods would be harmful when submerged as decor in my tanks ?

Are we talking about very bleached dead branches? Like on this Juniperus osteosperma?

If we are? and they don't smell of turpentine at all? they should be fine. I might be tempted to try Juniper first, as I think it may contain less volatiles etc.

cheers Darrel

Yes the branches look like they have been dead for 10s of years...I live at 6700 feet above sea level in the high desert...13" or less rain per year...not much rots here. I use the cholla cactus skeletons as they are favorites of the plecos. I was thinking of some of the dead bigger branches.
I'll soak a couple of each in large containers and then sun dry one more time and place in a tank with some hardy fish and see what happens. I'll try and get some pics in the next couple days and post.

Thanks for your input

Mike

I just remembered...I'm retired...I can do as I wish, if my wife OKs it..HaHa...so I went out on our property and took some pics

The possible wood is very dead..

I'm back on the porch enjoying the view ...

Hi all,
All the wood looks fine to use, nice view as well.

cheers Darrel