hazel branches?

[mickthefish]

just a question,
has anyone used hazel branches as decor for their tanks.
i have some great pieces that i'd like to used when they're ready,
it's the corkscrew hazel and just wanted to be sure they would'nt poison the tank.

thanks
mick
btw, did'nt know which section to put this in, if it's in the wrong place could you transfer it please. cheers

[Diana]

Must be some REALLY nice branches... the Corkscew hazel is very pretty while it is alive.
How big are the branches?

I do not think Hazel is toxic, but better safe than sorry... got some Guppies you could spare?

Weathering the branches will often remove toxins, too. Put them out in the yard where they will get sun and rain for a few months and then try them.

[mickthefish]

hi Diana, and thanks for the reply.
the pieces are 4ft in length i'm also going to use the trunk and roots once theyve cured properly.
it was an unwanted tree that was given to us and was only about 6 feet tall
i know it will take roughly a year to cure so it's ready for the tank but it will be worth the wait.
iv'e just taken a couple of pics but unfortunately photobucket is down at the moment so i'll post them later.

mick

[mickthefish]

here's the best pic of the branches i'm going to use.
they're in water now to soften the bark for stripping then back in the water for as long as it takes.?


cheers
mick

[Diana]

Beautiful pieces! Yes, alternate wet and dry until they are ready. The bark will get easier to strip off at some point. No need to work very hard at it.

[Matt]

Never used hazel but I have got beech and oak in my tanks at the moment. I much prefer the look of these kind of branches and roots to the shapeless lumps of bogwood you get in most shops. Very nice indeed Mick.