PlecFan Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Hi guys not sure if this topic has been covered, done a search but didn't get much in the way of Australian sites. i need some more wood for my pleco tanks. I live near both saltwater and fresh creeks and dense bush. I want to see if it's safe to use mangrove roots (collected from dead trees not green as I'm conscious of natural conservation) but can't seem to find exact advice on using mangrove roots in freshwater aquariums and how to cure it first. I understand it can be purchased but I would like to see if I can perhaps do it myself. so how do they convert the very salty mangrove roots to be suitable for freshwater aquariums and is mangrove a good choice for plecos and bn's? Is there a better choice available in our river and creek systems that is easily identified? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuffy_rana Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Collection of mangrove root is prohibited. Its protected but can be bought at the petstore (collection done via permit) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
litigator666 Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 you need to be more conscious then. Best bet is just buy used woods atleast you know they are safe. some are even given away for free if you get lucky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Tech Den Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 This might be the information your looking for. There is a section for hobby and probably worth contacting them for clarification and questions. Might as well hear it from the horses mouth. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/fisheries/habitats/marine-plants-including-mangroves/dead-marine-wood Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlecFan Posted December 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Yep I realise I need a permit for collection and some areas are totally prohibited I do understand this but prior to going through the motions of an application etc I wanted to know how the curing process is actually done to make safe for freshwater tanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lictoga Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Mangrove is a nightmare to collect legally. If it was easy we would all be doing it instead of paying through the nose for it. But to answer your question just soak it for a while and change the water every few days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlecFan Posted December 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Mangrove is a nightmare to collect legally. If it was easy we would all be doing it instead of paying through the nose for it.But to answer your question just soak it for a while and change the water every few days. I'm in Pimpama where there is extreme development going on. A new area surrounding the local Pimpama river is being torn down everyday. I'm waiting on a call back regarding any part of the river and creek system locally that is being developed and is or will be available to collect the mangrove and othe timber. I'll post the info I get back for those who live close by and can take advantage of a horrid destruction to the bush land around here. Apparently development areas are easier to get permits for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlecFan Posted December 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Thanks Lictoga yeah I have read about soaking the wood....some say for months, some say boil it, some say leave it on the roof of your house for up to 12months! There is so much rubbish about this and that that is conflicting on the net.... Wondered if anyone has actually done it themselves and exactly how. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbunamad Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 I'm in Pimpama where there is extreme development going on. A new area surrounding the local Pimpama river is being torn down everyday. I'm waiting on a call back regarding any part of the river and creek system locally that is being developed and is or will be available to collect the mangrove and othe timber. I'll post the info I get back for those who live close by and can take advantage of a horrid destruction to the bush land around here. Apparently development areas are easier to get permits for. Development = stuff up the natural environment. What happens to the wildlife that lives there? Not to worry it's progress! Sad hey? Sometimes I wonder how much is dependant on the mighty dollar? Would love to see you start a thread [MENTION=17069]PlecFan[/MENTION]cares with pics of this destruction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlecFan Posted December 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Development = stuff up the natural environment. What happens to the wildlife that lives there?Not to worry it's progress! Sad hey? Sometimes I wonder how much is dependant on the mighty dollar? Would love to see you start a thread [MENTION=17069]PlecFan[/MENTION]cares with pics of this destruction. It would be a missive thread sadly. We moved here for work granted we are in the building industry I still hate to watch literally this entire area being bulldozed as I type I can hear the D9s chomping away less then 100meters from me.... In one hand I make my living from development .... On the other it pains me greatly that this area is being developed so extensively. I'm going out soon so will take some pics to show just how bad it is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Tech Den Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Using a bleach solution can also get rid of any nasties that want to hang on or hide in any nooks and cranys - and dechlorinate well to remove the bleach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlecFan Posted December 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Using a bleach solution can also get rid of any nasties that want to hang on or hide in any nooks and cranys - and dechlorinate well to remove the bleach. What about boiling? I have a large drum I use to cook mud crabs on the fire with.... I'm funny about hard chemicals and using bleach anywhere near my tanks would be enough to give me ptsd lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Tech Den Posted December 13, 2015 Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Nothing stopping you doing that - not many have pots big enough to boil - but should heat up enough to kill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garywant87 Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 Go creek, bush and paddock searching for old stumps, old rotted fence posts and stick piles. Thats where I used to get my wood from years ago. Found a spot locally where there are some old piles and am going searching after Christmas with the grand kids. Also used to soak in water for a month, changing water every few days and added methylene blue for the last week. Heard boiling works also but never tried it. Problem with buying wood you still have to soak it so it sinks and it costs $$$$$$$$$$$$. Bought some for my 6x2x2 and it cost more than the tank and stand for 4 pieces big enough to suit the size of tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wogboy Posted December 14, 2015 Report Share Posted December 14, 2015 Development = stuff up the natural environment. What happens to the wildlife that lives there?Not to worry it's progress! Sad hey? Sometimes I wonder how much is dependant on the mighty dollar? Would love to see you start a thread [MENTION=17069]PlecFan[/MENTION]cares with pics of this destruction. [MENTION=820]mbuna[/MENTION]mas Depends on the development, in some cases other wildlife moves in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
