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Thread: Autoclaving for Driftwood?

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    Default Autoclaving for Driftwood?

    I'm very interested in using some sturdy freshwater driftwood for a potential vivarium. Normally, I wouldn't try it, but I now have access to an autoclave--which should be able to get rid of most if not all problematic hitchhikers. Does anyone have a suggestion on how long/how hot to set the machine at for driftwood? I also have a nice piece of Mopani I'd like to use, as well. I've used it in a turtle tank before, so that will need autoclaving too. Would that have the same time/heat requirements as the regular driftwood?

    Thanks in advance!

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    Default Re: Autoclaving for Driftwood?

    Some pest control companies actually use heaters to warm an entire home or other building to high temps for several hours. The length of time depends on the temperature maintained and how long it's estimated it will take to bring all the framing of the building to that temperature. Certainly 140F till you are sure that's the internal temp of the wood should be enough for most pest and bacteria.

    You might google for "Termites heat eradication" and look at some of the sites. Might get some useful info.

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    Default Re: Autoclaving for Driftwood?

    Thank you very much for the information! I was thinking more along the lines of microbial pathogens, but the heat/lethality chart for termites was fantastic too.

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    Default Re: Autoclaving for Driftwood?

    That's why I thought 140F would be sufficient. Most pathogens will be killed at that temp. Certainly almost all will be dead by 160F-180F but the higher temp might damage your wood.

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    Default Re: Autoclaving for Driftwood?

    Wood found outside should be boiled until it is waterlogged and sinks to the bottom. I'm not sure if an autoclave would be safe? Max temps in standard ovens should not exceed 200f. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher near just in case Here is a great article by Sludgemunky on sterilizing wood for vivarium use: http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/wood.shtml


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    Default Re: Autoclaving for Driftwood?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sunshine View Post
    Wood found outside should be boiled until it is waterlogged and sinks to the bottom. I'm not sure if an autoclave would be safe? Max temps in standard ovens should not exceed 200f. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher near just in case Here is a great article by Sludgemunky on sterilizing wood for vivarium use: http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/wood.shtml
    Thank you! I figure it might not be worth the risk at this point. I found some ghost wood at a great price (if you're interested, it's from saveoncrafts.com). I'll probably end up using that!

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    Default Re: Autoclaving for Driftwood?

    I got a piece of ghost wood and a manzanita branch from them a while back! I hope you will post pics of your viv build!


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    Default Re: Autoclaving for Driftwood?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sunshine View Post
    I got a piece of ghost wood and a manzanita branch from them a while back! I hope you will post pics of your viv build!
    Most definitely!

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    Default Re: Autoclaving for Driftwood?

    The autoclave will give off a bit of pressure as well , of which might help those hard to get to areas.
    I have never autoclaved wood, however.... so not sure?

    I bake and then scrub it really well with a scrub brush.

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    Default Re: Autoclaving for Driftwood?

    I soak my wood then bake in the oven at 225f for an hour. I keep an eye on the wood, but with it being wet the chances of it drying and bursting into flames is really low.
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