What Are the Dos & Don’ts for Adding Driftwood to an Aquarium?

Adding driftwood to an aquarium involves some thoughtful planning to capture the right aesthetic qualities. While driftwood creates a beautiful and natural look, it also takes up a great deal of room in an aquarium. Such alterations can create a beautiful artistic effect. Here are some dos & don’ts for adding driftwood to an aquarium, brought to you by the aquarium experts at Aquatic Warehouse.

Don’t: Buy Driftwood that Might Be Unsafe to Use

When shopping for driftwood, only look for the type that’s safe for aquarium use. Driftwood used for reptiles and other animals may contain chemicals that will harm your fish. Resist the temptation of using wood you find outdoors, as it may not have dried out or cured properly and could rot when you put it into your aquarium. Never uses softwoods, and stay away from vines.

Do: Plan Where to Put It in the Tank

Before adding any driftwood, sketch out your aquarium showing exactly where you intend to put the driftwood. Think about having the driftwood in a vertical position or horizontal. Experiment with different designs to help you visualize the creation of a unique aquascape without agitating your fish.

Do: Clean It Properly

After you’ve mapped out where you’ll put the driftwood, the driftwood should be cleaned up before it goes into the tank. Scrub the driftwood with a cleaning brush to completely remove any impurities. Remember not to use any soap or chemicals when you clean the driftwood, as they could poison your aquarium.

Do: Cure It

The cleaned driftwood should be soaked in water to saturate and “cure” it. Use a large bucket to ensure the driftwood remains fully submerged for at least 1 or 2 weeks to get it completely saturated. Deionized or reverse osmosis water works best because it helps with drawing out the tannins. The soaking process will leach out any excess coloration and unwanted residue before you add it to the aquarium and also prevent the pH from becoming unbalanced over time. Regularly monitor the soaking driftwood and periodically change out the water when it darkens. Gently rinse the driftwood, fill the bucket with new, clean water, then resume soaking the driftwood until you can’t see any major discoloration for several days. Even after you’ve cured the driftwood, it may still release tannins and discolor the water. If so, you can use chemical filter media to clear up the water.

Do: Boil It

When you boil driftwood, the tannins inside will leach out more rapidly and expedite the curing process. Boiling the driftwood for 1-2 hours will also sterilize it and wipe out algal or fungal spores that can grasp onto the driftwood when it’s placed inside the aquarium.

Do: Place It in the Best Spot

After you’re done preparing the driftwood, it’s time to place it in the aquarium. The most convenient time to do so is after you’ve done a water change. It’s a good idea to review your drawings or sketches before you put in the driftwood. Don’t forget to add moss or plants to the wood to give it a realistic and artistic look!

If you’d like to know more about safely adding driftwood to your aquarium, get in touch with Aquatic Warehouse. We carry everything you need to keep your tank running smoothly, whether you need a dosing pump, protein skimmer, lighting, or other important supplies. Stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, or give us a call at 858-467-9297 today.