How to Make Wood Safe to Put in a Fish Tank

Wood is an excellent addition to your fish tank as it adds both decorative value to your tank as well as allowing your smaller fish a place to hide from larger fish in the tank. While you can purchase aquarium wood from the store, you can also use wood that you have collected at home. Use hardwood branches to give your aquarium some natural scenery while saving yourself some money.

Things You'll Need

  • Small branches
  • Screwdriver
  • Nylon-bristled brush
  • Pot
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pry off all the bark using a screwdriver. The bark will come loose and contaminate your tank if it is left on, so remove it first.

    • 2

      Scrub your small branches with a nylon-bristled brush to remove any dirt or debris.

    • 3

      Fill a pot with enough water to cover the small branches.

    • 4

      Place the pot on the stove and bring it up to a boil.

    • 5

      Lower the branches into the boiling water carefully.

    • 6

      Allow the branches to boil for between two and four hours. Add more water as the water boils off.

    • 7

      Turn off the heat and remove the branches from the water.

    • 8

      Lay the branches in the sun to dry. At this point, the wood is free of parasites and ready to be added to your tank.