Where would I be able to find some interesting big pieces of grapevine that is properly dried and if possible already sandblasted.
When I stayed in Durbanville, there used to always be guys standing on the side of the road selling them in big bags of grapevine to be used as firewood. I used to use it during the winter. But you mainly get it aft harvest, before in the beginning of winter. The stuff is washed and dry but not sandblasted.
Thanks just to get them big enough is sometimes a problem. If I don't find any that is sandblasted I will have to go this route. Anybody used some in there aquariums and what was your experience with them.
Iv'e got grapevine in my 5 foot. Really nice wood except for one thing. It's very light. If you want to soak it you need to make sure it's completely submerged. The piece I have has some branches sticking out of the surface. If I remove the rock holding it down it floats. And this after 6 months in the tank. But overall I love the stuff. You get some interesting pieces and even if you get it freshly cut it dries out within 2 weeks. Whrn stripped it looks very good aswell.
Wait till about April and drive around Stellenbosch or Durbanville or you can even make a trip to Nick at Hartlands and stop and ask if you see a nice vineyard! The farmers do not mind but it is only the older bigger pieces they take out after the vine is past its "expiry date". Or if you are fast and in shape get yourself a nice saw they are planted pretty close to the road!
Hi Pierre07. Regarding Grape vine, there are two types of grape wood. One type is a solid light colour, fairly soft and light, therefore it rots quickly. Then there is the other type that is two-toned, knobby, hard and very dense, which makes it fairly resistant to rotting. Both types will work, but try to use the second type...
a couple of people use grape vine with good results! http://www.apsa.co.za/board/http://www.apsa.co.za/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=36259#p36259
I'm using grapevine too - very hard and dense. I stripped off all the bark first. See here : http://www.apsa.co.za/board/index.php?topic=4868.75
Thanks to all for there views on this. Will see what I can find and use. Looking to create something dark mystical and having the appearance of being 1000, s of years old. All in a 250l tank.
Lol I think it will still be a while. Getting some proper branches prepping them and all that will take some time before the fun starts. That will give a small scape I did time to grow out properly before I steal the CO2 for this tank