Cedar, Juniper Driftwood?

Is Texas Cedar or Ashe Juniper safe for aquariums? Thanks, ET

Here is a discussion about juniper: http://www.azaquatic...read.php?t=7992
Everyone there thinks juniper is a great driftwood, provided you peel all of the bark off first.

Here is a five page discussion on the merits/disadvantages of using cedar: http://www.aquariuma...wood-29446.html
I think the majority consensus there is that if the wood is fresh enough to have a cedar smell, that the resins might be strong enough to bother your fish.

Hara says, "Cedar shavings keep fleas and other insects away, Cedar closets and hope chests are used to keep moths out....the oils can be very irritating to life in general. That being the case, I would think the rule to follow would be "better safe than sorry"."

Voodoo Chilli says, "...The oils found specifically in cedar are the main issue- and a good reason for not using it. Granted, I am referring to any piece of cedar that still has that "cedar" smell to it, whether it be out in the open or after you cut into it. I have seen some truly "dead" pieces of cedar make excellent display pieces in aquariums- but only after the owner cross-sectioned parts of it to see it any traces of smell (oils) were present."

Edited by EricaWieser, 02 October 2010 - 01:23 PM.

I would like to add that its not safe to use any kind of driftwood until its been seasoned in water. In other words you probably will need to find or buy some wood on the edge of a lake or river thats old and then put it in saltwater for a few days to kill any pests that could harm your fish.