Fish: Re: [tropical fish club] fallen oak branches

Thanks Dawn, I won't use it. I do have some coming from Wilma, I already have
several of her pieces. I am also getting some netrite snails from her to add to
the 55. I look forward to seeing if they can make a dent in my BBA.

Donna

________________________________
From: Dawn Moneyhan <dawnshungryeyes4u2c@yahoo.com>
To: tropicalfishclub@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, November 1, 2010 3:32:50 PM
Subject: Re: [tropical fish club] fallen oak branches

I would not suggest using that wood for your tanks. There are a number of
things that could cause you and your fish issues... parasites, pollution,
bacteria, fungus..

When you purchase wood from a pet store it is treated wood, to eliminate all of
these issues. I used to know what the process was they used to treat the wood,
but it has been a long time and I don't remember the details anymore... but I do
know it isn't something that can be done at home, such as in your situation.

Another thing to consider, especially about parasite, bacteria, and fungal
issues, is that what is in the wild environment, a captive bred fish is not
going to have an immunity to these things due to lack of any exposure during its
lifetime. That also means treatment of these things can be much more difficult
and dangerous. I have seen a great many tanks with problems from taking wood,
rock, substrate, plants, etc. from the yard or from a beach.

And, lastly, there is the tannic acid contained in the wood. The fresher the
wood the more tannins are going to be present. This can quickly soften water
and there is no way to control it.

Overall... bad idea. I know it seems cheaper and easier, but by the time you
get done dealing with the issues you end up spending more money and risk losing
fish and/or plants, not to mention the headaches trying to resolve it and get
your tank back to healthy and stable conditions.

Hope that helps.

Dawn

Dawn Moneyhan
Aquatics Specialist/Nutritionist
To learn more about me go to
http://www.helium.com/users/449334

--- On Mon, 11/1/10, Donna King <donnalynneking@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Donna King <donnalynneking@yahoo.com>
Subject: [tropical fish club] fallen oak branches
To: "club" <tropicalfishclub@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Monday, November 1, 2010, 11:26 AM

Hey all,

I have some wood coming from Wilma which I am looking forward to getting. I

noticed with all this wind storms we've been having that some dead branches have

fallen out of our pin oak trees. Can I put those in my aquarium? Is there

something I need to do to them first? The pieces would be to big to boil for

sure.

Donna

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