Collecting Driftwood For 29 Gallon

[zmazza]

I've got 18 acres of property with tons of hardwood trees on it. I'm thinking of going on a collecting spree looking for unique branches that have fallen off the trees and look weathered. I'm going to soak them in my tub for awhile, but want to make sure before I do, on what I should do to the branches first.

I'm mainly trying to find oak, and then if I can't find that, go with maple. Is it OK to leave the bark on the tree? Or does it need to be removed? I want the tank to look as natural as possible. I have a few platies, corydoras, and a blood parrot.

Thanks for the help. I plan on looking for some tomorrow, so any advice on whether or not bark can be left on the wood would be greatly apprecaited.

Thanks,

Zac

[Richard B]

As far as i am aware, bark can be left on oak branches, it deteriorates over time so water changes need to be adhered to to keep the water at it's best. Certainly i have seen branches with bark on at one well-known lfs. If you were going for a completely natural look the bark on would help.