Long gone are the days of sunken ships and plastic fish. The most recent trend among the aquascaping community is the all natural look- live plants, colorful rocks, and all-natural tank decor. When it comes to all-natural, there’s nothing more natural than a unique piece of aquarium driftwood that both you and your fish will love.
What are the benefits of driftwood?
- Driftwood is excellent for stimulating and maintaining a healthy aquarium ecosystem. Like substrate and filter medias, driftwood increases the amount of beneficial bacteria within a tank. The bacteria that are produced work to eliminate waste within the tank, keeping the water cleaner, and helping you control the nitrate levels within your aquarium.
- Driftwood can boost the immune systems of your fish. When a piece of driftwood is added to the tank, it will slowly release tannins. Tannins create an environment that is slightly acidic, keeping harmful viruses and bacteria in check. Tannins also have the ability to increase the amount of oxygen within the water.
- The addition of driftwood can help you win the battle against alkaline tap water, if that’s something you struggle with.
- Driftwood enables your fish to act natural. Adding a piece of driftwood into your tank will encourage your fish to act as they would in their natural habitat, as driftwood is found in almost every body of water in which fish are present. The fish will use it for a variety of purposes: hiding, resting, breeding, and even as a source of food in some cases.
- Driftwood gives fish places to hide when they feel scared or threatened, or just want some alone time. The hiding spots that driftwood offers is especially helpful in cases where one fish is being bullied by another, as the fish being nipped at or bitten can hide from its attacker.
- Perhaps the most obvious benefit of driftwood is its aesthetic. The right piece of driftwood can take a tank from boring to eye-catching in seconds. A carefully chosen and placed piece of driftwood can change the whole appearance of the tank.
What kinds of driftwood are there?
“Driftwood” is a broad term that categorizes any piece of wood that manages to dislodge, break free, or otherwise come away from its source. Driftwood can be branches or logs, and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It comes from all around the world and ranges in price.
Bonsai
The Japanese art of growing minaturized trees is the same process that is used to make Bonsai driftwood. Grouped into the term “Bonsai driftwood” are a handful of distinct types, each of which have their own appeal. Some Bonsai driftwood may have originated from natural Bonsai trees and simply broke off, while others are made by the careful manipulation of plant branches or by combining multiple pieces of driftwood and assembling them to look like a Bonsai tree.
Mopani
Mopani driftwood, also known as African or Namibia driftwood offers a spectrum of natural earth tones that range from light to dark brown.
This type of driftwood is distinctive, as it often features unusual knots and twists within its branches. The wood is dense and sinks when submerged in water, eliminating the need for it to be weighed down.
Malaysian
Malaysian driftwood comes from Southeast Asia and is usually dark orange in color. Like Mopani, Malaysian driftwood also sinks quite easily and is great for attaching plants onto, as it won’t float away, move, or otherwise change position. It is a strong wood that can support the weight of heavier objects. This driftwood is also known for its effects on water- it can lower the pH levels and darken the water, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you have tetras or dwarf cichlids that prefer tea-colored water.
Cholla
Cholla driftwood is one of the most expensive types of driftwood available. Cholla driftwood is distinct due to its structure, which is riddled with holes. They make a great home for small creatures like shrimp and fry. They can also be useful if you want to duplicate the look of a fallen log, as cholla wood provides the perfect area for the growth of moss. Cholla wood is very fragile and can be broken down in a matter of months, depending on the setup of your aquarium.
Spider Wood
Spider wood is named after its spider-like appearance. Coming from the root system of the Azalea, spider wood has branches that wind together and create elongated, whimsical shapes. This type of driftwood is extremely delicate and should only be used as decoration, and not for structure.
American
American driftwood generally costs less than other driftwood varieties. It varies in color and size, but will float when put into an aquarium. Many pet shops sell it secured to a piece of slate or other weighted object to prevent it from floating around in your tano. This is one of the most affordable driftwood options.
Rose Wood Roots
Often used in aquascaping competitions, this type of driftwood is unusual in appearance and has thick branches. Once placed, its roots may extend down into the substrate below. It’s used to recreate the look of large tree roots within a landscape.
Buttonwood
Buttonwood driftwood is known for its spectacular black and white color. It grows into all sorts of shapes and sizes, and can grow to resemble the trunks of large trees.
Mesquite
Mesquite driftwood is another expensive type. It’s usually sold in large pieces. With curving, intricate designs, it is perfect for enthusiasts with large aquariums and a simple taste. It often requires additional curing.
How do I prepare driftwood for submersion in my tank?
Driftwood, although appealing to the eye and natural, can wreak havoc in communities of fish if it isn’t treated properly before it is placed inside. An untreated piece of driftwood can throw the ph balance of the aquarium out of whack. In addition, untreated driftwood will cause the water in the tank to become brown and discolored due to the tannins that the wood releases.
Driftwood should also be sterilized to remove any toxins or microorganisms that may be hiding within the wood.
It’s relatively easy to prepare your driftwood for submersion. Here are the easiest ways to sterilize and cure your driftwood.
A Step By Step Guide to Sterilizing and Curing Driftwood
To sterilize:
- To start the sterilization process, boil your driftwood for 10-15 minutes if it is small enough to fit inside of a pot, and then let it cool for one hour. If not, submerge it in a bucket of water with a 5% solution of bleach. Rinse well and allow it to sit in bleach free water for at least 24 hours.
To cure:
- Use a brush with stiff bristles, scrub the entirety of the driftwood. After scrubbing, rinse the wood thoroughly with water- do not use any household cleaning chemicals or soaps, as there will be left over residue that could be released into the water in your tank.
- Scrub the wood one more time using. non-iodized salt. Rinse it with water.
- Fill a large plastic tub with water and let the driftwood soak. Leave it completely submerged in the water for one to two weeks. The long soaking time will allow the wood to become saturated. Soaking the wood will remove the tannins, detoxifying it.
- Check the wood frequently. Look for changes in water color- the tannins being removed will turn it brown and make it murky. When this happens, empty the bucket ad refill it with clean water. Rinse the wood before placing it back into the water.
- Monitor the changes in the water coloration. When the water color doesn’t change for several days, it’s safe to say that the curing process is done.
Things to Consider
The decision to add driftwood into your aquascape is a great one with a ton of benefits for your fish. Searching the shelves for the perfect piece of driftwood can be a fun experience, and with all of the excitement, it can be easy to just grab the nearest peice or the piece that looks the nicest- even if that piece isn’t what’s best for your tank. To be sure that you choose the right kind of driftwood for your individual aquarium, here are a few things to consider before making a purchase.
Not all driftwood is safe for aquarium use.
Driftwood sold in local pet stores and online may not always be suitable for use inside of an aquarium. Some driftwood is made specifically to be added into dry reptile enclosures, and therefore, shouldn’t be added into an aquarium as it can break down and become bad for environment of the tank.
Large pieces of driftwood may need to be secured.
Even after being cured, large pieces if driftwood may still have an element of buoyancy. To hold them in your desired position, secure them to medium-large rocks.
Cured driftwood may still release tannins.
Most of a driftwood’s tannins are released during curing, and most of the time, additional treatment isn’t necessary. Sometimes, however, driftwood will still release tannins once placed into the aquarium. If this happens, use a chemical filter media such as activated carbon to clarify the water and return it to its former state.
Driftwood FAQ
What kind of driftwood should I avoid?
Some driftwood is unsuitable for aquariums. It may be toxic, too weak, or hazardous to your fish. It’s important to know which kinds of driftwood to avoid.
As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to avoid using any kind of soft driftwood. This includes pine, witch hazel, cedar, and willow. Soft woods should not be used due to how fast they deteriorate once submerged in your tank.
Will driftwood decompose in my tank?
Yes. After boiling the wood to rid it of tannins and toxins, the wood is left weakened and after a year or two, will start to break doan. It will eventually need to be replaced. Driftwood that hasn’t been boiled will last longer.
Do I have to boil my driftwood?
Technically you don’t have to boil it. However, boiling it before curing will make the curing process shorter and kill any toxins, fungus, or harmful organisms that live on the wood. Boiling is highly recommended.
Can I put fresh driftwood into my aquarium?
No. Fresh driftwood will still have tannins that can leech out into your water and cause harm to your fish. Fresh driftwood will also rot quickly.
How do I get rid of fungus on my driftwood?
Fungus, despite being natural, is an unwanted eyesore on an otherwise perfect piece of driftwood. Fungus can be removed by boiling the wood or by allowing the natural bacteria in the tank to dissolve the fungus. Some fish- coys, plecos, and other- may eat the fungus, as well.
Which driftwood is best?
The definition of “best” depends on your personal likes, dislikes, and needs. There are a variety of driftwood types on the market, and which one is best for you is your choice. Take your time when choosing and don’t purchase something you don’t like because it is cheaper or comes from a specific brand.
Structurally, though, the harder the driftwood is the better. Opt for one that is firm and durable.
Is driftwood toxic to fish?
No, not usually- but it can be. If driftwood hasn’t been sterilized and cured, or if it has been picked up off of the shores of a beach in your hometown, it may be toxic to your aquarium’s inhabitants. When purchased from a store, it’s safe to assume that the driftwood is pretty safe and won’t cause any harm other than the possible lowering of your tank’s pH levels or a bit of water discoloration. Again, it’s important to note that not all driftwood is meant for aquariums and the type that is designed for reptiles may contain chemicals that could be harmful to fish.