Using natural driftwood for freshwater

Are you able to find a good peice of driftwood and use it in a freshwater tank even though it came out of the ocean??
I think I have heard about soaking it in bleech or something but does that make it alright?
Thanks!

 

you have to boil it i belive

 

yea, i wouldnt risk bleaching it.

 

Sorry to ask a question that was obviously asked many times before... when i first posted it I didnt notice other posts...
I am not going to use it.. will just buy one to be safe..
thanks guys!

 

no prob

 

Hi drab911, Bleaching works well for items that aren't very porous, like rock or when cleaning an older aquarium. The problem with bleaching something like driftwood is that it can soak into the inner layers. Then after you have rinsed it well and think that you have all of the bleach out, you put it in your tank and after the wood has become saturated with the tank water the bleach starts to leach out of the driftwood into the tank.

Also, I NEVER recommend using soap to clean an aquarium. Soap leaves a film where you can end up with the same situation as bleaching driftwood. To clean out an old aquarium use non-scented chlorine bleach. After I have cleaned it out with bleach then I fill it and put in a small bottle of the cheap chlorine remover and let it sit for at least 24 hours. After it has set I check to see if I can smell any chlorine. If not I drain it back down and fill it with fresh water.