How to clean driftwood.

We had a user ask about how to clean driftwood. I know there is probley many ways ....so please tell us!

Method 1: I brushed first, then boil it for 15 -20 mins, change water.., do the same process as many times is needed so the wood can release all the tannins that stains the water ( i've boil it even 5 times), after boiling process i will lightly brush it again to remove the leftover dirt...

Method 2 (Approved by me, done it twice):

Brush it, then place it in the oven for 1 - 2 hours at 200deg.. they should get a light brown color is normal... after baking brush them again a lot of dust should come out.. rinse real good then ready to go on the water!!..

Depends on the size, but we'll say a small piece for practical purposes.

- Using a large pot, place wood in pot of water and bring to boil.
- Boil for ~ 1hr.
- Remove from pot, let cool.
- Using a soft brass wire brush, Brush off any debris, rinse
- Place back in pot to boil for another hour.
- Remove from pot, rinse, let cool
- Place in tank.

Boil longer if you are trying to remove the tannins. Not sure why you would want to though. ;o)

My personal preference is to have tannins as it is more natural looking and healthier for the fishies and inverts.

All perfectly good methods! Everyone tweaks it just a bit depending on what they are trying to accomplish.

Boil till sunk for soft acidic water fish. Boil many many times till water is a light tea color for African cichlids and other hard alkaline water fish.

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i found a piece of driftwood tonight but it came out of a saltwater bay how would i clean all the salt water off and out of it?