I have used local wood from my area in Canada. Most of the local wood comes from Mixed Woodland Forests. Therefore I have used pine, and some of the hardwood speices, such as Black Diamond Willow. I have also used wood out of my backyard. We have a Grape Vine that I cut bach heavily every 2-3 years. I use the branches from this bush. I soak all my woods in a rain barrel over the summer months prior to tank placement. It gets frequent water changes every rain fall. I have had zero problems with these woods. Some basic investigation into local bushes and trees would be needed. I have always used Oak from pallets in my pleco tanks. Oak is a great hard wood to work with. I only wish it would grow here as a native speices. Some big oak roots would be nice. Especially from a burned out forest area.
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