when i bought my new tank about 3 weeks ago i got some stuff with it. on of which was a l;ump of wood. but i am unsure of what wood it is and how to put it in the tank. i tried at first but it just floated ad i was therefore wondering if it needed to be soaked. it is light in colour with nodules on. any ideas?? and is it safe??

To make driftwood sink, leach out tannins, and sterilize it you should boil it. After that keep it in water in a bucket for a while, and change the water when it gets brown from the tannins. After it's not turning the water in the bucket brown anymore you can put it in your tank.

It might nor be safe, but there are steps to make it safe - as valkyrie said. You can also put it in the oven at a low tempeture for about 15 minutes to kill any living germs.

Driftwood is not always good for aquariums but they can be used and to note that it can make your aquarium water a light yellowish color.

thanks for your help, i probs wont use it, any ideas on what does look good and is safe, and relitavley cheap??
tank is 20 gallons and 20 inches long.