Obtaining wood for tanks

[gordonuk]

Is it safe to go into the local woods and get pieces of wood and put them in a tank?
does the wood need to be dried out or can it be put straight into a tank?
it would be from an area that would not have been infected by poisons or anything.
is damp/moss/bark wood bad for a tank and fish?

[Graeme]

You will probably find they float!

[Big Den]

Any wood, shop bought or otherwise should be thoroughly cleaned and sterilised. Collecting wood from an unknown source is a gamble, it's the 'sap' that causes problems with the chemistry of the tank. I once used a branch of willow that had dried for 3 years in my shed, within a week the nitrates went through the roof, the fish were gulping at the surface until I removed it and did a 90% water change. On the other hand I have a branch off of an apple tree that dried for just over 18 months and it's fine, no problems at all. If you want to try some collected wood try soaking it for a few days and test the water before using it.

[malakye]

Make sure its not a soft wood as they rot. Pine should never be used as it releases sap continuously. In all honesty you are better to just go by mopani or bogwood, its a much safer and better option. I wouldnt use moss but have used oak leaves in a tank, just make sure they are clean and dried before using them.