Habitat - Indoor :: Wood

[maelunoc]

Can I just get a root from the outside and put it in my tank? Do I need to cleanse it somehow? heating it in the oven? bleach? that allowed?

[scottpkura]

I'd make sure there weren't any critters crawling on it before introducing it to your tank. Probably just a good rinse and air dry. Heating in the oven probably wouldn't be too bad if the heat isn't too high (It could crack and make it weak for prolonged water exposure) and Bleach is a no no. The wood could absorb the bleach and the chlorine could leach out slowly in your tank and your turtles will be miserable.

[BullDog]

Usually it's recommended that you boil or bake wood before putting it in the tank. If nothing else, you can pour boiling water over it. I know many people also leave the wood in a bucket to soak for several days or weeks before they put it in the tank, since depending on the wood it can stain the water.

[xstefanx]

Along the lines of wood... I'm planning to build a ATBA for my turtle. I am going to have it made of wood with a plexi-glass door. What type f wood is ok to use to make this? Will regular plywood work?

[marisa]

Boiling wood breaks down it's structure and really isn't recommended.

What kind of root are you planning on using? When you say root, I think of something that's covered with dirt from being in the ground...

I have used a weak solution of bleach and water on corkbark, which is water resistant. I'm not sure I'd use it on regular wood, though.

If you're talking about a dirt-covered root, I'd get a brush and scrub it really well with plain water to get the dirt, etc., off it and rinse it well. Then, either dry it in the oven for about 10 min. (at about 325F) or leave it in the sun for a day or so.

[nateok]

a weak bleach solution will do the trick...scrub a lot...and if there is bark. make sure there is no dirt under the bark...things like to hide under there. and could be protected from the bleach.

what colors the water is tannins. (like tea) let soak for a while week or so. changing the water then it should be ready for the tank...

wanna be extra safe. bake at 125deg. for a bunch of hours.

[maelunoc]

It wasn't covered in a lot of stuff. I peeled off all the bark, scrubbed it, poured boiling water over it and then baked it at 500 for half an hour. Put it in, and found it to be WAY too bouyant. Socrates couldn't crawl up it to save himself. Oh well, new plan. He needs something soon though. It's been over two weeks since he's had a chance to bask. (I've taken him out in the sun a couple times though)

I'd like something that's as natural as possible, and cost effective. I looked in to a turtle dock thing, but didn't care for it. Looks tacky. What do you guys suggest?

[marisa]

Cork bark.