The boiling water will kill algal or fungal spores living inside the piece of wood, as well as any living things you wouldnt want to be introduced to your aquarium. Being thorough when curing your driftwood will reduce the leaching of tannins and help to maintain your pH.Using Driftwood That You Have FoundIf you live near a beach, you may have found some naturally developed driftwood. This definition means that one piece of driftwood can be very different from another. It is basically any wood that has been washed up on a shore or bank. Letting some grow in the tank can reduce the amount of food you need to supply at feeding times.Algal blooms can be problematic, but allowing small amounts of algae to grow isnt necessarily a bad thing, you just need to keep it under control during your regular tank maintenance.Freshwater VS SaltwaterThere are mixed opinions about whether driftwood should be kept in marine aquariums.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',136,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')};In terms of the wood itself, driftwood can go in both freshwater and saltwater. Have you tried making driftwood before? If found in water, it could be full of tiny aquatic creatures.You do not want to accidentally introduce creatures that could harm the inhabitants of your tank.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-4','ezslot_16',120,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-4-0')};The driftwood could have traces of chemicals on it, which will be toxic to your fish. There are a number of things that you could be introducing to your tanks, such as bacteria, animals, or chemicals. We will move on to sterilizing the inside later. These tea-stain the water, which replicates Amazonian Black Water. It can be tough to maintain a high pH, so the reduction caused by tannins can be very frustrating and potentially fatal.If you dont have trouble maintaining a high pH, then driftwood should be fine for your marine setup. In a marine aquarium, pH usually needs to be much higher. This might be obvious if its covered in mud, but dirt can be less apparent too. They sink to the riverbed, settling amongst plants and rocks.Plants are another useful tool for creating a natural aesthetic, and they pair very well with driftwood in a tank. RobertTanks & Aquariums10 Best Aquarium Sands For 2022 [Our Reviews & Comparisons]April 26, 2020 Hopefully, your piece will become waterlogged over time. Some people like that this produces an Amazonian Black Water effect, but you can use chemical filter media like activated carbon to improve water clarity if not. It isnt difficult to do, but you need to be prepared to wait up to 4 weeks to complete the process. Let us know how it went in the comments below. You can do this before or after the curing process, some people even do it twice.The boiling process can be difficult if you have a large piece of driftwood. There are many different types of hardwood; some are desired over others for various reasons. Once the water remains clear for a few days in a row, the curing stage is over. It may need curing for longer.Buying Driftwood for Your AquariumIf you would rather save yourself some time and are willing to part with the cash, there is plenty of driftwood available in pet stores.This comes in all shapes and sizes, so you can pick a piece that best suits your aquarium. It might be tempting to put this straight into your fish tank, but this could cause problems.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_15',119,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3-0')};There are a number of things that you could be introducing to your tanks, such as bacteria, animals, or chemicals.We have mentioned that there are good bacteria for aquariums that you want growing around your tank, but the wood you collect from outside will likely be covered in harmful bacteria.It will be very difficult to know specifically which bacteria the wood is covered in, but there will probably be some that could mess up the balance of your aquarium and possibly kill your fish.Other living things could be hiding within the wood because it makes an excellent refuge. Driftwood creates caves and shaded areas which fish will retreat to when they become stressed by tank mates or bright lights. There arent many steps in the driftwood-making process, but it will take a few weeks. It often looks gray and twisted after years of being worn down. Aquarists that want to create a natural aesthetic might consider adding driftwood to their tank. Some people might not have a store near to them to buy some, others might not want to part with the money. Whatever your motive, making driftwood is easy to do, it just takes time. In terms of the wood itself, driftwood can go in both freshwater and saltwater. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are infinite possibilities and everyones tank will look different.Aquarists that want to create a natural aesthetic might consider adding driftwood to their tank.One option is to go out to a shop and buy some, but it is much more fun to make your own driftwood.This is easier to do than you might think; anyone can give it a go. In an aquarium, driftwood makes an excellent decorative piece, while also providing shelter for tank occupants. If you have some spare time on your hands, you might be tempted to make some yourself. This could be a great addition to a paludarium, raising plants up in the water column and creating an interesting centerpiece. If you dont put the time in to let all the tannins be released during soaking, then they will be released into your aquarium instead. If the wood species is safe for one, its safe for the other.Problems arise when you consider pH. If you dont have trouble maintaining a high pH, then driftwood should be fine for your marine setup. It can be tough to maintain a high pH, so the reduction caused by tannins can be very frustrating and potentially fatal. Driftwood isnt just for decorative purposes; it provides plenty of value to the inhabitants of your tank too. Resources Tanks & Aquariums Driftwood For Your AquariumHow to Make Driftwood for Your AquariumApril 26, 2021 Dont worry, there are ways to remove the tannins before you add your driftwood, to maintain clear water and a constant pH.Uses for Tank MatesDriftwood isnt just for decorative purposes; it provides plenty of value to the inhabitants of your tank too.This is primarily as shelter. An added bonus is that you will save some money along the way.Have you tried making driftwood before? Larger pieces will cost you more.Only buy pieces that are specifically advertised as being for aquariums.Driftwood is sold for many purposes, for example as ornaments or for reptiles, but these might be treated with chemicals, which would be toxic for your fish and lead to health problems.Store-bought driftwood can still release tannins and stain your water. If the wood species is safe for one, its safe for the other. As you clean, look out for any sharp edges. He is also a proud member of the, Fishkeeping Worlds 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook, Best Ich Treatment For 2022 [Our Reviews and Comparisons], Automatic Fish Feeder: Complete Guide To Picking The Best One, 10 Best Aquarium Sands For 2022 [Our Reviews & Comparisons], 10 Best Refugium Lights for 2022 [Our Reviews & Comparisons], Best Aquarium Air Pump: The Ultimate Guide To Picking The Right One, Marine Aquarium Societies of North America, Aquarium Pumps: The Complete Review Of The Best Aquarium Pumps, Best Turtle Filter For 2022 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]. You can usually tell if a tree is softwood because it wont shed its leaves. The chemicals probably wouldnt be natural, theyd be on wood that had previously been treated when used for another, artificial purpose. It makes a great decoration and your fish will appreciate having somewhere to hide.Hopefully, you should now feel confident about making your own driftwood. After that, use a brush with firm bristles to thoroughly scrub the exterior of the wood. They sink to the riverbed, settling amongst plants and rocks. This means it can have lots of different uses in an aquarium.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',155,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')};Everyones needs are different, so you may not be using them for the same reason as other aquarists.However, there are a few common uses that driftwood is added to a tank for.Tank DesignDriftwood is great for creating a natural aesthetic in your aquarium.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',156,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0')};There are many ways to design an aquarium, but recreating a natural habitat is the best way to make your pets feel at home. RobertTanks & AquariumsBest Aquarium Air Pump: The Ultimate Guide To Picking The Right OneOctober 9, 2019 The easiest thing you could do is buy some ready-made driftwood, but where is the fun in that? Plants are another useful tool for creating a natural aesthetic, and they pair very well with driftwood in a tank. If you cant do this, its probably hardwood. Driftwood is great for creating a natural aesthetic in your aquarium. The boiling process can be difficult if you have a large piece of driftwood. Bark makes a great hiding spot for insects and it could rot.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-1','ezslot_24',126,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-1-0')};Scrubbing the driftwood is great for cleaning the outside or your driftwood, but nobody knows what could be lurking within. If something goes wrong, remove the driftwood. It is basically any wood that has been washed up on a shore or bank.This definition means that one piece of driftwood can be very different from another. Check the water parameters closely too, to identify any associated change in pH. All it takes is patience, as there is quite a lot of waiting involved.Read on if youre tempted to make your own driftwood. RobertDesigning an aquarium is one of the most fun parts of keeping fish. Only use hot water.As you clean, look out for any sharp edges. Some people like that this produces an Amazonian Black Water effect, but you can use chemical filter media like activated carbon to improve water clarity if not.Boiling store-bought driftwood will help to prevent any issues.SummaryThere are many reasons to add driftwood to an aquarium. Store-bought driftwood can still release tannins and stain your water. Sand these down so they dont injure an unsuspecting fish. This isnt always a benefit, but some aquarists find it a very useful way to artificially lower the pH of their water, for fish preferring an acidic environment. This might be obvious if its covered in mud, but dirt can be less apparent too. If the wood you choose is from the sea, make sure you follow the rest of the steps carefully. Firstly, it helps with curing. It might be tempting to put this straight into your fish tank, but this could cause problems. You get a sense of accomplishment upon completion; every time you see the driftwood in your tank you can feel a certain pride with the knowledge that you made it.When shopping for driftwood, it can be difficult to find a piece that perfectly fits your aquarium. The chemicals probably wouldnt be natural, theyd be on wood that had previously been treated when used for another, artificial purpose.Consider if the driftwood has come from a body of water that you know to be polluted, such as those next to industry, as wood can pick up chemicals from the environment too.Driftwood you find will also be more prone to releasing tannins, which many aquarists dont want.There are lots of ways that putting driftwood from outside straight into your tank could be detrimental to your aquarium. This can be fine in a freshwater aquarium (if you have prepared for it) because there are many freshwater species that prefer a lower pH.In a marine aquarium, pH usually needs to be much higher. The driftwood could have traces of chemicals on it, which will be toxic to your fish. Problems arise when you consider pH. Your email address will not be published. Driftwood is sold for many purposes, for example as ornaments or for reptiles, but these might be treated with chemicals, which would be toxic for your fish and lead to health problems. Do this for as long as possible. Either way, the piece will need a good clean. Some species can even grow attached to it.You can use a fishing line to attach Java Moss or Java Fern directly to the driftwood; it can be removed once the plants have secured themselves naturally.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',115,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};This could be a great addition to a paludarium, raising plants up in the water column and creating an interesting centerpiece.Another way that driftwood can create a natural look in your aquarium is by releasing tannins. There are many ways to design an aquarium, but recreating a natural habitat is the best way to make your pets feel at home. These will break down harmful chemicals into less toxic forms, helping with filtration.Algae is an important source of food for certain fish and invertebrates. Copyright 2022 - Fishkeeping World - All Rights Reserved, Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third-generation fish keeper, and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. When shopping for driftwood, it can be difficult to find a piece that perfectly fits your aquarium. Most people dont have massive pans that can submerge their entire piece. Some species will use these caves as a territory, claiming them as their own and defending them from other individuals. Most driftwood starts as broken pieces of trees that have been washed away by rain and flooding. If found on the shore, there could be insects inside. Over time, tannins will leach into the water. There are mixed opinions about whether driftwood should be kept in marine aquariums. For example, Manzanita is a wood that contains fewer tannins, so it is sought after by aquarists who are worried about the clarity or pH of their water.Some types are prized for their ability to stay sat on the substrate without being weighed down, such as African or Malaysian driftwood.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_19',124,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1-0')};You probably wont have the luxury of finding these wood species around your local area, so stick to searching for hardwood of an appropriate size for your tank.Smaller pieces are less likely to rot or contain creatures/fungus inside.Most aquarists head to a local beach or lake looking for driftwood, but you can find suitable pieces in the general wilderness.If the wood you choose is from the sea, make sure you follow the rest of the steps carefully. They may even use it as a place to mate and raise their young. Once the water remains clear for a few days in a row, the curing stage is over.Boiling the DriftwoodBoiling the driftwood is useful for a couple of reasons.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-2','ezslot_25',138,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-2-0')};Firstly, it helps with curing. The curing process will help to remove salt that may be in/on the wood. For example, Manzanita is a wood that contains fewer tannins, so it is sought after by aquarists who are worried about the clarity or pH of their water.
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