15 replies to this topic

[Ken Kilby]

Do yall think they would leach bad stuff into an aquarium? Seems to me like one that has probably been laying out in the weather for decades probably wouldnt but I dont know.

[Michael Wolfe]

Do we need to edit the title of this post or am I confused?

[Ken Kilby]

You must be a transplanted Georgian if you are not familiar with fat lighter knots.

[michifish]

fire starters

[gerald]

Hard, dense, resin-rich base of a pine branch.  Basically a support "bone" where branch joins trunk.  Do any other trees beside pines have these?

[lilyea]

When you ask about fat lighter knots I assume that you are asking about a part of a weathered, fallen pine tree to be used as driftwood in your aquarium. In addition to sap and aroma concerns (that may be gone because of the decades of weathering), pine is a soft wood and will breakdown faster than hardwoods that are traditionally used in aquariums. Although it is not the best option, you probably will be ok with this piece. Additionally you may want to make sure the tank has extra filtration and realize that It will probably take a lot longer to sink on its own.

[Ken Kilby]

I have occasionally picked up (probably) an oak knot whilst scrounging for pine knots. In case it was not obvious I wanted to use one or more of these for decoration in my new aquarium.

Edit to add: while it is pine there isnt much of what you would think of as wood left. It is hard as a rock and if you hold a match to it the resin oozes out like melting plastic.

[TimothyHD]

I was coming here for Knot tying instruction...

[Irate Mormon]

Since fat lighter is mostly resin I would think it would be resistant to dissolving in water.  I say go ahead and try it - the worst that can happen is all your fish will die.

[Irate Mormon]

For those not familiar with the stuff, fat lighter is a very valuable resource as a superior means of starting fires.

[Matt DeLaVega]

Since fat lighter is mostly resin I would think it would be resistant to dissolving in water.  I say go ahead and try it - the worst that can happen is all your fish will die.

 

If you do not yet know Martin, know that he has an uncanny way of predicting that fish will die. Eventually. He probably cleans up at the dog tracks.

[Irate Mormon]

I got banned from the tracks because I told all the owners their dogs were gonna die.  The dogs did eventually die, but they didn't have to blame it on me.  Sheesh.

[Doug_Dame]

You used to have about 50% of your posts where you'd confidently predict that something was gonna die. You have been notably more optimistic this past year.

[Irate Mormon]

Being psychic was too heavy a burden - I shrugged it off my shoulders and proclaimed myself free of it.  I still get hunches but I mostly keep them to myself. 

 

Mostly.

[PondNewby]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatwood

 

Heart longleaf yellow pine (Fat lightered) is technically a softwood but has qualities more like a hardwood.  It is great for flooring and is used for cabinetry (not the knots, the clear grained parts).  It's very dense.

Edited by PondNewby, 29 June 2018 - 06:54 PM.

[Fleendar the Magnificent]

Not fat lighter knot directly, but choose your wood carefully because wood DOES leech tannins/tannic acid into the water and while typically harmless to the fish, it turns your water brownish-orange. Oak wood is high in tannins. Walnut is another one. You might be able to reduce the coloring of your water by soaking these pieces outside in a bucket of water for a few months before putting them into your tank.