Driftwood

[gage]

Hey, what kind of trees are safe to have in an aquarium? I'm thinking of just going along the river to find some.

[drungil14]

The kind you want to look for is hardwood. Softwood has sap that is harmful to fish.

[PsYcHoTiC_MaDmAn]

oak and beech aresafe for use in tanks.

I've also seen some tanks where Rowan was used (something like a 5000gallon tank, and rather than driftwood he used a few Rowan trees instead

fairly certain that fruit trees are safe to use as well (I know they are safe for rodents)
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[Toby_H]

I know for fact Pine sap is toxic to fish in aquariums...

In general, Hardwoods are better as they are harder and les prone to rot/break down...

I've had mixed results using locally found wood in aquariums... mostly bad results... I;ve never had any major problems, but have foudn very few pieces that were worth keeping.

I do suggest soaking / boiling it in saltwater to help kill any fungus, etc and to help 'cure' the wood...
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[dwarfpike]

Cypress works, but I doubt you find it that far north.

I would stay away from cedar, even though I've been told by several that use it that it's fine. If it can kill a dog in a pet bed, I just don't feel comfy using it in a tank.
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[gage]

Thanks for the replies.

So far Oak, Beech, and Rowan have been confirmed as safe, I'll keep my eyes open maybe I'll give it a try.