Secure them to rocks if you're scaping with rocks. Or use pieces of slate which will be hidden under substrate if not.The problem I have is that I want to dry start. I don't therefore want to wait until after to see if they float
Yes definitely remove the bark. Random dead wood found out and about is prone to releasing organics anyway, rotting bark will undoubtedly make matters worse.one thing im not sure on however is whether to remove the remaining bark?
Either way I would definitely soak the wood for at least a couple of weeks first to see how it behaves.
Really stylish set up btw 👍