Petsmart Driftwood

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eatingleg4peanut

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 21, 2010
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This question is for anyone who shops at petsmart. Please don't make this a Petsmart debate thread.

In the reptile section they have real driftwood. I want to know if this wood is safe to put in my aquarium or if its wood that is unsafe and may release toxins underwater. Also I have a feeling that the wood will float like crazy, so looking for an idea (if its safe) of how long, if ever, it will take to get water logged and stay submerged on its own. Finally if the wood (its very light color) will release tannin into the water or not.

Thanks.
 
I dont know about petsmart, but at pet co. the driftwood in the repitle area says it is aquarium safe on the tag.
 
I got a nice piece of african hardwood for nine bucks in the reptile section. I started to boil it, but once the water started heating up it was looking bleached out so I just soaked it for a week then put it in the aquarium. It looks great and I did not lose livestock.
 
Interesting...I guess I'd just assumed its not safe. I know I've seen it in a place or two on the internet where people say not to use reptile driftwood as it may contain such & such & not be aquarium safe.

But logically, if thats the case, boiling it should take care of it. And if petco's wood says aquarium safe already then all the better.

I'd say go for it.
 
I'm about to answer MY question. I was apparently looking at driftwood that is made of grapevine, according the the interconnected web of nets grapevine will rot and get a white fungus when submerged.
 
Depends on the wood.
Petsmart sells Mopani wood and some other hardwoods that are very good for the aquarium, although you may want to boil those pieces to remove the tannins.
If you don't mind the "tea" looking water the tannins don't hurt anything and maybe just lower Ph -.5
BUT, they also sell Grapevine which is NOT good for a tank as it is meant for reptile tanks and should remain dry. It will rot and make a mess nevermind gumming up your filters and releasing a bunch of toxins into the water.
Good luck
 
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