Stopping redmoor from floating

[fish.com1]

Hi,

I've found a layout I am happy with (finally ), and it is basically redmoor "branches" rooted into the substrate. I need a way of holding the branches in place so they won't float. Soaking them isn't really an option, because I would like to set up the tank soon, but because they are just single branches and not attached to a stump, would they soak quicker than normal? I would be happy waiting for 3 weeks max if this would work, but if it is going to take over a month say, I would rather use a differnet method.

I would appreciatte any thoughts on the soaking and any other ideas people have

Thanks
Alex

 

[Steve Smith]

You could drill a hole in the base of each piece (that would be hidden) and tie wrap it to a piece of slate. The slate will lie under the substate hidden and hold the redmoor down.

 

[baron von bubba]

i used a nylon stocking with some substrate in it and draped that over my wood!
May not be practical for smaller bits tho!

 

[fish.com1]

Just been looking at some old threads, and found that boiling it can speed up the soaking process?

 

[Sye Davies]

boiling will help to a certain degree in my experience or siliconing them to pebbles or slate.

 

[JamesC]

Supposedly soaking wood in a solution of baking soda speeds up the process of making it sink.

James

 

[Stu Worrall]

i boiled mine and it sank straight away. a combination of boiling and attaching to something heavyish should do it IMO

 

[paul.in.kendal]

I've got some sheets of lead - could they be used safely?

 

[Steve Smith]

I'm not sure Paul. Maybe in the short term but I wouldn't like to say for definite!

 

[TLH]

Lead is fish safe, just don't drink your tank water.

I wouldn't worry about adding lead to the water system either as there are still houses out there with lead piping in them.

 

[fish.com1]

Sorry for the late reply guys

Thanks for all the ideas, I think I am going to try boiling it to make it sink. Only thing is though, the box I am going to use to boil the wood in, is plastic. Will it melt when i pour boiling water from the kettle in?

Cheers
Alex