Making Tree Branches Safe?

[Screamin99]

I've been searching and searching for the answer and seem to be getting conflicting results here :? .

Wash the branches in a bleach solution and then let them dry? Some say to scrub them with a mild soap and then soak in hot to boiling water. Others mention stuffing the branches into a oven at 350 for 5-10 minutes? What is considering proper procedure? For the type of branch in the length I need I would be spending around 40+ dollars at the store. If I grab a limb from a tree I can save tons of coin and get a nice new look in my tank.

Thanks in advance!

 

[lauraj1055]

To be on the safe side, especially if you are bringing it in from the outside.. I would soak it (in a bathtub) with some bleach for 15 mins. Then rinse it off really really good... after that bake it in the oven at 275 for 40 minutes.. this will kill ANYTHING that may be living on it

 

[BadCon]

The above posters recommendation is a good one, but add another hour to the baking time. It takes awhile for the heat to penetrate wood, killing what may be living inside it.

 

[Screamin99]

Thank you very much for the quick and detailed replies. But I have another question, I was trying to get a branch to reach from one end of my viv to the other which would be a 48" long branch (give or take a few inches I suppose) That won't really fit inside any oven I have ever seen or owned. What would you recommend I do if I do go for a branch that long?

 

[BadCon]

Just do a long bleach soak. Make a 10% solution of bleach and soak the log in it for 45minutes to an hour. You'll probably have to soak it in fresh water once done to get some of the bleach smell off. Make sure to rinse it really well.

 

[xdoomedsoulx]

I bought my beardie yesterday, and the girl had put a log from some forest in with him, and i found 2 BIG nails hammered into it, well in reach of the beardie. What goes through some peoples mind when they do this stuff?