Anyone here work in quarantine? NSW

[dullbird]

Hi Guys

Just wondering if anyone here works in quarantine so I can ask an import question

Thanks

:)

[loanrangie]

Hi Guys

Just wondering if anyone here works in quarantine so I can ask an import question

Thanks

:)

Ask away, dont work in quarantine but deal with them daily.

[dullbird]

I would like to import some driftwood (of a particular type) from the states I'm assuming I can do it as petshops/aquairums seem to be able to do so.

Now I know that if it came it would need to be gamma rayed (or what ever they call it)

my question is, can I just go ahead and get a piece sent or do I have to apply for permission etc.....

I came across an awesome peice here in NSW however shop owner was asking $500 I'm, positive if I had my own sent over I could get it cheaper even with treatment

[V8Ian]

Being bio-material you will need to declare it Lou. Quite possibley/probabley it will need to be gassed with methyl bromide, a very expensive exercise. A call to Eastern Creek Quarantine Station—Sydney Phone: 02 9625 4566 would be more accurate. My dealings with them are in the past.

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service - DAFF (http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis)

[VladTepes]

More likely gamma irradiation will suffice. (by AQIS, at your cost, not too expensive)
Unless it's a listed protected species it shouldn't be a drama.

[dullbird]

thanks guys

I was well aware I would have to declare I see it as no different to bringing it in a plane in which it would be declared and either confiscated or treated to kill any nasty organisms

[Don 130]

What about going out and doing some beachcoming?...... Just a thought. Could be a nice trip in it.
Don.

[dullbird]

What about going out and doing some beachcoming?...... Just a thought. Could be a nice trip in it.
Don.


I did think of that but certain woods are better for aquariums than others.

Plus I dont know what effect a driftwwod that had been soaked in salt water would do to a fresh water tank :)

I had certainly considered walking some rivers though

[trog]

if it is for a fresh water aquarium there are a few cheaper and easier options. the easiest being find a nice peice in an area where there is no illegality of collecting and soak it in fresh water, until all tannins are leached out and free of dirt. or if you can look about for mangrove roots which can be trimmed down to fit the tank. buyt be sure to thoroughly clean and soak first. when cleaned and water logged the piece wont float.

[Blknight.aus]

I don't know if they still do it but the fumigation process can be quite cheap if you're willing to wait for it. An I want this right now one off will be pricey but when they do a bulk load (was about every 3 months when I came back from the solomans and I just missed it) the cost per item isnt too bad, my Diver Dave only cost me $10ish.

[blackbuttdisco]

I thought it was only the boat people who work in quarantine.

[Boxhead63]

Lou,
If you're after freshwater driftwood there is plenty around Lake Eucembene at the moment as the lake is pretty low. I was down there fishing last w/e and saw plenty of it.
Rob

[dullbird]

I' ll have to look up where that lake is thanks rob:)

Maybe I should just walk down to thirlmere lakes behind my house :lol2:

[Boxhead63]

Yeah you could. However, it's a good excuse to go for a drive and there's plenty of tracks around the lake. As to getting there just head sth to Cooma and a couple of k's out side town is the turn off to Buckenderra (Eucembene). It's a real pretty palce at this time of year.

Rob

[loanrangie]

As stated by the other replies all wood items will require some form of treatment prior to or post importation. Currently there is a huge problem with fraudelent documentation out of china for fumigated wood products and the Chinese authorities have come up with some new securirty measures which is causing us a lot of grief at work.
The yanks rarely provide decent documentation for any exports so beware, the treatment will depend on the item and the intended use so some treatments may not be suitable for aquarium use. Methyl bromide is the most common fumigant and ethylene oxide 2nd, gamma irradiation is usually for animal products and some wood items.