Posted by Karl Herman on July 09, 2002 at 07:26:35:
I've done some looking on the internet on how to cure driftwood. I've had limited success.
I was wondering if anyone here has cured driftwood before and what procedure they used.
I plan on getting the driftwood from a freshwater lake (in the Adirondacs) and using it in a freshwater tank.
Also, If I cure the wood now, can I put it in storage for 5 years and use it then, or do I have to re-cure it?
One procedure I found is the following:
1. Scrub driftwood with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly.
2. Scrub driftwood a second time with non iodized salt.
3. Fill a 10 gallon non-metallic container with water and add a 1 lb. box of baking soda. Stir until thoroughly dissolved.
4. Add driftwood and tie rocks around to make it sink.
5. Let soak for about two weeks, remove and repeat steps 1 and 3.
(Note - you may need to change water during the two weeks)
I've heard that boiling the driftwood in water was a step, but it is ommited here. Is boiling a quicker way to do it? I heard that boiling hte driftwood three times was the way to go.
Anyways, any advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
Karl
