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Post by gizmo001i on Apr 3, 2010 12:30:06 GMT
Hi,
I am setting up a tank for some GALS that we are getting soon. I have the chance of getting some branches from an oak tree. I was wondering if it would be safe to varnish them with wood varnish to make them water proof. Obviously I would allow the varnish to cure properly before putting it in. Any info will be very appreciated.
Ian
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Post by crossless on Apr 3, 2010 18:21:05 GMT
I think there's no point of varnishing branches if they are not dried 100%. If you would varnish fresh branches moisture inside of tree + varnish on top would me ideal sealment for moisture and branches would start to rot.
I think it's easier to change branches if needed when they start to rot too much.
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Post by gizmo001i on Apr 3, 2010 18:25:43 GMT
I know what you mean, but I will be drying the wood out before varnishing it, so that wouldn't be a probem.
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coyote
Archachatina papyracea
Cochleas ego amo
Posts: 2,955
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Post by coyote on Apr 3, 2010 19:06:47 GMT
I would not recommend varnishing the branch. I would just put it in the tank and let it alone. I have always had at least one branch (well washed but otherwise untreated in any way) in my snail tanks for them to climb on. They like to graze on the microscopic algae that grow on the bark surface. Nothing would grow on the varnish. The branches last a long time even unvarnished.
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Post by Bumblebee on Apr 3, 2010 20:10:02 GMT
Wouldn't the branches be rather shiny when they have been varnished, making it look a bit well, plastic?
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Post by gizmo001i on Apr 3, 2010 20:15:51 GMT
Thanks for your advice. I won't varnish the branch if the snails like it natural. I take it oak will be fine for them though.
Many thanks
Ian
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coyote
Archachatina papyracea
Cochleas ego amo
Posts: 2,955
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Post by coyote on Apr 4, 2010 5:08:18 GMT
A branch from any tree without resinous sap (such as from the pine family) ought to be okay.
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Post by gizmo001i on Apr 4, 2010 8:23:53 GMT
Many many thanks for all the advice, just one more question though. Should I strip all the bark off, or should I leave it on and just bake it in the oven to sterilise it.
Many thanks
Ian
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Post by crossless on Apr 4, 2010 9:07:28 GMT
I think it's better leave bark on. I had in slug tube peeled sticks they started to smell horrible even when I baked them every week.
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coyote
Archachatina papyracea
Cochleas ego amo
Posts: 2,955
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Post by coyote on Apr 4, 2010 23:45:13 GMT
I have always left the bark on mine.
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Post by gizmo001i on Apr 5, 2010 9:19:38 GMT
I managed to get a faily large bit of Oak yesterday. I washed it off with water and then baked it for 1hr at 200 degrees with the bark on. It is now in the tank. There is a pic in the general section, in the topic "New Tank". Many thanks for all your help.
Ian
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