5 Common Aquarium Safe Woods for Your Planted Tank 🌿 Manzanita Shipment

[@miafish9010]

I like your videos because you aren’t crazy and repeat yourself over and over with loud crazy camera shots....so thank you! Also that Houston place has some high prices!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thank you for the kind feedback...i try to keep it interesting without "trying" to be entertaining..but i hope it is somewhat entertaining too😊 And yes Houston Manzanita is a bit more of a premium price than you would find at your local stores but the quality and service make up for that, if you are so inclined.

[@pickeljarsforhillary102]

It's like a leprechaun is telling me about driftwood.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+PickelJars ForHillary Leprechaun? Hahahaha. Scottish background actually...but do i look that small? 😂

[@StandswithafistPiper]

Great info - thanks

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tentyme1]

Also new subscriber I’m really enjoying learning a diff side of the hobby.

[@NobodySingsAlong]

Super super super happy that I've found your channel. I'm new to the planted tank hobby, and your input is so helpful. You definitely have a new loyal sub. :D

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+NobodySingsAlong Hey thanks for the enthusiastic comments and for the subscription. I'm glad you are finding it helpful! Please feel free to ask any questions along the way and I'll be glad to try to help.

[@ADUAquascaping]

great job man. Great content for fellow hobbyists..Keep em coming!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+ADU Aquascaping Thanks man...as always strong praise coming from a channel like yours.

[@tentyme1]

Also not mentioned is the spiderwood gets a white film sometimes on it BUT don’t fear, the fish like to eat that off of the wood. And unless you like the exact way a piece has to sit in the tank and don’t want to move it, then no slate and all that hassle is needed !! Personally i find it kind of interesting when doing a water change to change the angle or move a piece or 2 around without having to dig the slate out of the substrate and it gives the tank a whole new look. With out having to get crazy with it. All The tangled roots look amazing from pretty much every angle.

[@CichlidCity]

Very educational video! I subscribed.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Cichlid City Thanks! Hope i can keep the vids as useful as we progress. Share it around...there are some great things in store for this year!

[@rodricaetan0402]

Hi. Loved the vid!. Do you know if i can use olive tree wood in my aquarium?

[@caring256f7]

Like your style.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Hahahaha.... hey thanks!

[@sevenmile]

Nice post!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+sevenmile Thanks. Sub for more if you haven't already...new video coming in few days

[@ddsaquatics5170]

Great vid brother!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed.

[@merkco.2459]

"His amazing wood" haha haha hahaha

[@2hrAquarist]

lol at the intro hahaa

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Dennis Wong Hahahaha....i couldn't resist.

[@AQUANUT]

Yeah this was a great video Kevin i just came back to show sierra and noticed i didn't comment here on youtube.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+AQUA NUT Hahaha....i thought you had too

[@AQUANUT]

lol I think i did on facebook but not on the one that counts

[@GetAwayGalAdventures]

Aquarium nerd jokes! BAM! Lol... (and with the Canadian accent.. 🤣)

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Hahahahaha... indeed!!

[@tentyme1]

That Spiderwood is beautiful wood and love the color it turns. Awesome in blackwater tanks plus its PH neutral unlike the other woods I believe and it will sink in less than 2 weeks PLUS it’s light to ship !

[@tentyme1]

And I’m not sure the crazy amount of time mentioned because ive never had a piece take longer than 2 weeks most sink in less than a week.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

All depends on the piece really...i have had some sink right away and some take multiple months..so many variables involved. The times I give are a ballpark average.

[@tentyme1]

N.O.A.H. - Northern Ontario Aquarium Hobby.... Holy cow, months? Dang, Wonder how much it depends on how well it was prepped and processed from the co. getting the wood in the 1st place. But thats interesting, I’m sure there can always be that odd piece. I mean this was living at one point, so I could see that. I just haven’t run across that yet that but If 99% of it sinks within 2 weeks that sounds pretty good to me. 😁😁

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Yeah...depends on the size a lot, the more wood, the more potential for buoyancy etc. It also depends on WHICH wood. Spiderwood has become a bit of a catchall term for that root look. Proper spiderwood is a specific variety of Chinese Azalea Root but not all wood sold as spiderwood is actually that. Like with anything, as the demand for something goes up, alternate, less expensive varieties are found and sold. We have been seeing that recently with senggani root as well.

[@tentyme1]

I want to like and dislike the reply lol. Stinks that the lesser Woods are popping up that isnt the Real stuff. Which if you were in a aquascape comp. that wouldn’t pass or just are that person that wants the actual ornamental then maybe the market for the real stuff will or the nicer pieces will still be those “ magic “ pieces that people want because of a vision they have. Thanks for the info. I appreciate the talks. I recently discovered this wood and the Chinese azelea root. I found it kind of interesting how they came across this wood on accident.

[@philguertin3139]

What are your thoughts on oak? I'm in Sudbury, and there's tons of dead oak around. It's hard and has some very interesting shapes. Lots of birch too, but my instincts tell me that birch would not do well.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Both oak and birch are aquarium safe....oak will leech quite a bit of tannins but that is not an issue. One thing to to be very careful with is that there is no more bark, mold or fungus....and to make sure the wood is dried all the way through and not rotten in any way.... I suggest srubbing it very well with a wire brush and then baking it at 300 in the oven for 6-8 hours to make sure it is bone dry. It will then take quite a while to waterlog...but it can be weighted down until it does

[@philguertin3139]

Will certainly try this. Thanks for the advice!

[@moniquevandeplas5210]

Do you know if you can use seasoned staghorn sumac?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Although some sumac are poisonous, staghorn is not. But do make sure it is well seasoned nonetheless...fully dried and debarked. All those things considered then yes, it is a perfectly fine wood to use.

[@benzramz6998]

I'm gonna practice spearfishing this next month swimming while eating sandwich under the ocean

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Make sure you toast the bread first..it helps keep the sandwich from getting too soggy, too quickly.

[@Possumcods]

I subscribed for the great info and because I like the way Canadian's say about. If you could please say aboot and chesterfield in future videos.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Hahahahahaha....it's more a-boat than a-boot...but I'll try to work it in... I'll squeeze poutine in there somewhere too 😂😂😂

[@lucashuff1153]

I bought a piece of Mopani wood from PetSmart and I’ve literally spent two whole days boiling it, and it’s still leaching tannins. I’ve also soaked it over night twice and no color tint when soaked overnight. Any help???!!!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Sometimes you just need to wait it out unfortunately...either just soak it for a few months until the tannins are mostly gone...or put it in your tank and stay on tip of water changes weekly as well as adding some purigen to your filter.

[@lucashuff1153]

I agree thanks for the help.

[@cedainty]

Hello Kevin! I'm so excited to have found your UTube channel. My 45 gallon tank died a slow death and my hubby and I are trying to start over. It's a custom made tank, not for me, so the dimensions are not standard. The floor is three square feet. I have always wanted to set it up with living plants. With that in mind how deep should an earth-based floor be? It is 22 inches high and 36 long. I can picture about two inches of potting soil, shagnum mixture. Then a topper maybe of a sand/gravel mixture to seal it. ALSO, I saw your vid on wood. I have Manzanita I brought to WI from AZ, as well as Cholla. I absolutely LOVE Manzanita! Cholla is interesting because of all the holes in the wood. It is the skeleton of the Cholla cactus. Have you any experience with it? Candy, WI.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Glad you are finding the videos helpful. For a tank that size, a soil and sand cap is the more economical way. I do like to caution folks that it can be less versatile as it is much more difficult to move plants around in if you want to rearrange things. But that being said, if you choose to go that route, look for a basic topsoil with low organic content as this will require less initial preparation. If just starting then i would do1- 2 inches of soil in the front portions and deeper towards the back for the taller growing stems. This will also give a better sense of depth to the tank. I have used cholla in shrimp tanks as it builds a nice biofilm. Keep in mind that it breaks down faster than other woods and needs more frequent replacement.

[@cedainty]

@@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991 Thanks Kevin, What about a mixture of play sand and organic cactus soil. I have that on hand. My plan is to have a permanently planted tank.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Hmmmm. I've never used cactus soil submerged before. I know it is mixed to drain well for arid conditions and typically less rich in nutrients than non succulent soil. Personally i would try it in a small bowl first if you could... Do you know the NPK ratio of it? And does it list an organic content percentage?

[@A.R.T.istic77738]

So basically any wood without bark that's fully dried out, and isn't obviously a toxic plant in general, is fine to use? Old pine? Apple?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Almost. Pines, other conifers and other softwoods tend to break down too quickly and can lead to algae issues. Also pines and other sap woods often contain resin residues even when dried which can sully a tank quickly. Typically you want to stay with hardwoods if you can or at least away from sap woods and very soft woods.

[@A.R.T.istic77738]

N.O.A.H. - Northern Ontario Aquarium Hobby I see, my issue is that I've got a mystery wood. It's gorgeous, really weathered, surrounded by pines, but it doesnt look similar to the pines around it. The stump beside it had bark that peeled off in large, almost fabric like wads. But again, it looked too papery to be pine. Thank you for your quick response! Love your detailed video! It's been very helpful.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Could it be birch? The bark you describe sounds like a brich of some sort

[@A.R.T.istic77738]

N.O.A.H. - Northern Ontario Aquarium Hobby Perhaps? Seemed really knargled though... isn't birch typically straight? It certainly has strong silver and gold tones though

[@charleslutz9919]

I enjoy your videos! Any opinion on mountain laurel branches? We have some old dry dead ones that might look very nice. Thanks!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Charles Lutz Glad you are enjoying the vids. As far as mountain laurel it is really tough to say. Its leaves are poisonous and toxic when burned...i really dont know ifi would risk it...it is related to rhododenron which i CAN cause issues in tanks at times... personally i would say not to risk it.

[@anshulmehrotra]

can i use eucalyptus wood?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Only if you can confirm that it is well matured...no bark...very dry right to the core. Some LFS sell well matured eucalyptus roots. But if collecting wild make sure it is properly matured and dry.

[@MM-ux5wi]

how do u get rid of the lime created on the wood surface after a few days in the tank...?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

That slimy stuff is a bacterial colony that is feeding on the carbohydrate sugars being released during the initial slough of organic material in the outer layer of the wood. You can use shrimp or ottocinclus to eat it..but if you dont want to add extra livestock then you can manually remove it during water changes..simply wipe it off while siphoning near the wood. It WILL also go away on its own over the first few weeks-months (depending on the wood) and is perfectly harmless...but if you dont like the look of it, then either of the above mentioned methods will work.

[@MM-ux5wi]

@@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991 great thanks I got the Chinese yellow suck fish...2nd day it started to eat n cleaned up the fungus 😊

[@lesolson7145]

Very educational and informative. Was there import taxes, duty or the like shipping from the U.S?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Les Olson There wasn't for me in that one but i have other stuff get flagged....there doesnt seem to be a reason for one and not the other though.

[@lesolson7145]

Thank you Kevin. I'm new to the hobby and appreciate the help.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Les Olson Anytime. And if in Canada i would suggest joining the Planted Aquariums of Canada group on Facebook. I am an admin there and can be hit up directly for advice as can others in this hobby too

[@khairulnizamsulaiman8653]

Hi, may I know where can I get Manzanita Driftwood??

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

My two favorite sources are from a company called Houston Manzanita (they can be found online ) or from hobbyist and collector, Tom Barr.

[@khairulnizamsulaiman8653]

@@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991 thank you so much for the answer....I will try to look at the shop online....

[@jamesdeguzman9335]

Can guava tree branch be used as a driftwood?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

As long as it is fully dried out then yes...it is a hardwood that has been used a lot. Make sure it is full dried and not rotting if dead fall...pour boiling water over it to kill any bacteria. It could take a while to sink though.

[@karennation3580]

What kind of driftwood comes from florida? Does oak have driftwood, wouldn't malaysian come from Malaysia? I bought some from a private person with millions of pieces. The ones I have I thought she said were from Oak. I dont want to kill my fish. I had picked cypress at first and she said that was dangerous. The wood I have has lots of grooves and patterns in the wood and one of them almost looked burned it was so dark and also had area that were light. . Maybe its mopani wood..dont know if that can come from florida. Can Mollys goe in driftwood tanks. Is there any substrate that would make ph rise? Could you give me samples of fish besides angel and discus and african swords that can be used with driftwood. I like the dalmation mollies and balloon mollies and Betta females. I am pretty sure Betta is okay!

[@bluerthanindigo55]

Any thoughts on Madrona? I think it's in the same family as manzanita.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Academia Aquatica It is related yes. It is a bit softer than manzanita and releases more tannis...as long as the bits you have have been dead and matured for at least two years then there should not be an issue...unless you can get it kiln dried for you

Ya, ya know, 'cause there is nowhere to find driftwood in Northern Ontario.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+solar clapson A strong portion of our driftwoods are soft wood or sap hardwoods...neither of these are great for tank use because they decay quicker or take MUCH longer to mature. It can be done and i still do it but it is more of a hassle to do it right

[@FreeSwimmer]

Cool video ! I agree and have become as passionate about the wood in my aquarium as I was about the granite in my previous scape.. Come check out my manzanita I just picked up and added to my 540g South American aquarium. The 2 p foot logs were found and prepared by me and the manzanita is the perfect compliment to look like fallen branches..

[@FreeSwimmer]

I also just sub'd ..

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Free Swimmer Yeah Manzanita is really versitile and can be used for a number of different looks. I'll go check out that tank for sure

[@FreeSwimmer]

Thanks for getting back to me.. Would be cool if you sub'd back and dropped a comment on my Silent South American video.. Back at you soon..

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Free Swimmer Was just doing that😊

[@FreeSwimmer]

Thanks.. I had thought about some live plants but some of my stock that I have and, yet to get, can be rough on plants. I kinda am a hardscaper guy.. lol

[@nicolerose4355]

Do you know of any Canadian companies that sell aquarium tannin leaves and pods? I just received an order from USA company, Tannin Aquatics (really happy with products and customer service btw) and payed a fortune for shipping and duty. I'm going to get educated on safe, local (BC) leaves and branches for future blackwater tank set up but it would be fantastic to have some of the more exotic pods etc. for esthetics. :0)

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

520Buce carries a lot of botanical options. For local "wild" finds..you cant go wrong with oak leaves. Many other options too but that is my go to because they are fairly easy to come by. 520Buce is on Facebook but also can be found on the Planted Aquariums of Canada facebook group that I admin.

[@nicolerose4355]

Thanks! I'm not on facebook but this might be a reason to join. @@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

I think there is also a 520Buce website

[@nicolerose4355]

There sure is! Thanks again!@@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991

[@GanjaNitch420]

Is sweetgum tree safe ?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

I have not worked with it in an aquarium but being as it is a strong sapwood, i would proceed with extreme caution...making sure to use only VERY aged deadwood....if sapwoods are not fully aged they will sully a tank quickly.

[@GanjaNitch420]

thanks

[@MrPoohbae1000]

How do I stop it from molding in my terrarium

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

MrPoohbae1000 What sort of mold are you seeing? Is it closed top or open top?

[@MrPoohbae1000]

N.O.A.H. - Northern Ontario Aquarium Hobby. Close when i open it out goes away like a whitish color some is a green

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Yeah...too much humidity build up then....you need to allow for a better fresh air/hunidity return. Prop up the lid about a pencils width. If you have livestock that need to be under a closed lid then maybe drill at least one 1 inch hole in the lid and cover it with window screen. As long as you have at least 70% humidity then your plants should be fine.

[@MrPoohbae1000]

N.O.A.H. - Northern Ontario Aquarium Hobby Thk u...

[@anilrehmatullah7906]

I don't use fb is their a local number or a www website available.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Anil Rehmatullah www.natural-aquatic-materials.com/

[@karenteasdale7341]

Too long and drawn out to listen to it.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Long format videos are certainly not to everybody's taste...and that's ok.

[@lelahsmith7467]

Lots of good information, I appreciate your thorough explanations.