Does drift wood need to be treated before adding to the tank

[js]

I have found a nice piece of driftwood washed up on a lake. I want to put it into my goldfish aquarium, but wonder if I have to do anything to it first (incase of bugs etc).

I will give it a thorough wash, but do I need to leave it in boiling water or anything?

Thanks

Julie

[suphew]

I never have, but if your able to put it boiling water it can't hurt, plus will help it to sink if it's still floating.

[SpidersWeb]

I'd at least tip boiling hot water on it. Since it came from a freshwater lake, its possible it has some freshwater nasties stuck on it. Unlikely if its dried out, but better safe than sorry.

If its small enough you'll want to boil it anyway, get those tannins out if it has any (makes the water go brownish)

[firenzenz]

From fresh water it should be fine, especialy if you just picked it up.

Boil it if you had to wrestle it out of the ground then dry it out, a week in current climate should be good. I love collecting stones and wood for my tanks. cheers!