Question about live bamboo stalks

[cb977]

I'm going to be setting up my husband's 48 gallon tall fish tank as an orchid tank. I'd love to build a "fence" along the back using real bamboo stalks, which I have plenty of access to and I think would look great...and allow for hanging mounts on.

Do I need to cure these before using them in an orchid tank? if so, what needs to be done?

Thanks

[Dirtmonkey]

Susanne, if you are cutting them live and keeping them wet I would dry them out first, only because having the juices in them without a chance to dry out could encourage molds.

If the bottoms are not going into soil mix or anything, and the sticks are just mounted on the back, with no parts buried, then I wouldn't worry about it at all.

They keep a more even color and mildew less if they are sun dried first though.

[cb977]

Thank you for the information. I kind of figured that they would need to be cured...and that would take some time...and I'm not that patient

I went and bought some dried bamboo poles and will be working with those

I appreciate your input

[Gin]

Good move , I have bamboo tried curing it ,did not go well . .. Gin