Driftwood in Aquarium

Importance of Driftwood in Aquariums

Planted freshwater aquariums require natural driftwood for optimum beauty and function. Driftwood enhances water quality and creates a suitable, natural habitat for freshwater fish and ornamental plants. The type, size, color and shape of driftwood should be selected based on the needs of the aquarium's live inhabitants and the growing habits of any plants. While almost all aquariums can benefit from driftwood, it is an especially critical accessory for tanks that are designed to mimic the "blackwater" habitats of the Amazon river.

Aesthetic Use

Few aquarium ornaments offer the rustic charm of natural driftwood. Synthetic aquarium decorations might be brightly colored or elaborate, but driftwood creates a magical and earthy ambiance unsurpassed by any man-made accessory. Driftwood tends to complement vividly colored fish, so aquarists often choose to pair driftwood with tetras, guppies and cichlids. Despite advances in modern manufacturing technology, no synthetic material can match the individuality and intricacy of natural driftwood, whose organic origin contributes to a harmonious environment and creates a successful and visually impressive aquarium.

Anchoring Plants

Live plants are an essential aspect of successful aquascaping and fishkeeping, but plants can be even more temperamental than tropical fish. Some popular aquarium plants, like java moss and java fern, thrive attached to natural logs and stumps. For best results, these plants should be loosely attached to driftwood using fishing line until their roots have fully attached. Driftwood might also include cavities that can anchor plants without the use of fishing line. Over time, plants attached to driftwood can help to create an earthy, aged look. They also provide a multilayer canopy that enables shy and light-sensitive fish to feel more comfortable and safe.

Water Composition

Driftwood contains naturally occurring tannins that will slightly lower the pH of water over time if added to an aquarium without preparation. Many varieties of tropical fish prefer slightly acidic water, so aquarists might take advantage of this feature and use it as a natural method for reducing pH. Additionally, the tannins in driftwood can alter the color of the water to create a "tea-stained" appearance, which is ideal for aquariums that mimic the Amazon's so-called blackwater regions. Aquarists might choose to avoid chemical alterations and discoloration by soaking or boiling driftwood before using it in an aquarium.

Benefits for Fish

Many common varieties of tropical fish require hiding spaces and plants, and driftwood can provide cavern-like shelters. Driftwood allows sensitive fish to enjoy areas with subdued lighting and can help minimize the number of injuries that occur as a result of fights. By enabling a densely planted aquarium, driftwood can also enhance the amount of dissolved oxygen available. The tannins in driftwood are also a healthy way to create the slightly acidic environment many tropical fish require. Driftwood is an essential accessory for maintaining a healthy, viable population of freshwater fish.

Precautions

While driftwood for reptile habitats can look like an ideal accessory for an aquarium, fishkeepers should only select forms of driftwood that are designed for use in fish tanks. Decorative driftwood is often sprayed with preservatives that can be harmful to fish and plants, and wild-gathered wood often contains mold spores and algae.. Aquarists who keep pH-sensitive fish should test their water frequently after adding driftwood, since a sharp increase in acidity can prove harmful for certain species. To avoid contamination, driftwood should be rinsed before it's added to any tank.

Adding Driftwood to Your Aquarium

Adding natural structures such as driftwood to your aquarium requires some preparation and thought to bring out their best aesthetic qualities. Driftwood and other natural structures make up a large portion of your aquarium. Any adjustments needed can cause significant stress and in some cases require taking apart the aquarium and starting all over. Do it right the first time. With a bit of planning, you can have a beautifully aquascaped aquarium with minimal effort and disturbance.

Preparation

Before placing the driftwood in your aquarium, draw a rough sketch of your aquarium and where you want to locate the driftwood. Consider how your aquarium will look with the driftwood positioned vertically as opposed to the conventional horizontal position. Explore different designs on paper to create a unique aquatic landscape. Drawing a rough sketch allows you to experiment and visualize your aquascape without disturbing your aquarium inhabitants in the process.

Cleaning Driftwood

After determining where to place the driftwood, it needs to be cleaned before placement. Use a clean brush to scrub the driftwood thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Do not use soap or any chemical cleansers. Any residue will poison your aquarium. The cleaned driftwood will then need to be soaked to saturate and "cure."

Curing Driftwood

Though most driftwood will remain submerged underwater, some driftwood remains slightly buoyant until it is fully saturated and "waterlogged." Soak the driftwood in a large bucket as long as possible making sure the entire piece is completely underwater. A minimum period of 1 to 2 weeks is recommended to allow total saturation.

Soaking also allows excess tannins that can darken and discolor the water, to leach out. The discoloration caused by the tannins will not harm your aquarium inhabitants but it will lower the pH slightly over time. Some hobbyists take advantage of this feature and utilize the tannins to achieve soft water conditions preferred by many tropical fish.

Monitor the soaking driftwood regularly to see if the water needs to be changed. As the water darkens, empty all of the water and gently rinse the driftwood. Fill the bucket with clean dechlorinated or RO water and continue soaking the driftwood. As you repeat this process, you will notice that the water will be less "tea-stained." When you no longer notice any significant discoloration for several days in a row, the driftwood is ready for placement.

Boiling Driftwood

Boiling driftwood has several benefits. Just like steeping a tea bag in hot water, boiling driftwood in a large stockpot encourage more tannins to leech out faster, thereby shortening the curing process. More importantly, boiling sterilizes the driftwood, killing algal or fungal spores that can take hold once introduced into the aquarium with the driftwood. Boiling the driftwood for 1-2 hours will sterilize the driftwood.

Once the driftwood has been properly prepared, it is ready for placement. Refer to the sketches you made early to place the driftwood in the ideal location. The most convenient moment to arrange your aquatic landscape is after you have removed some water during a water change. Simply place the driftwood into your aquarium and refill. With a bit of patience and some planning, you can create a beautiful aquatic landscape the first time with minimal stress to you and your aquarium inhabitants.

 

Things To Consider:

1. When purchasing driftwood, make sure it is safe for aquarium use. Driftwood sold for reptiles may look ideal for aquariums but it may contain chemicals harmful to fish.
2. Though tempting, avoid using wood or roots found outdoors. Often times, these pieces have not dried or cured properly and can rot when placed in your aquarium.
3. Large pieces of driftwood, even thoroughly soaked, can still retain buoyancy. Secure large pieces of driftwood to rocks with monofilament to anchor them.
4. Plants such as Java Moss or Java Fern can be attached to driftwood to create an aged "natural look." Loosely secure the plants with monofilament (fishing line). The fishing line can be removed once the plants have naturally attached and grown into the driftwood.
5. Even after the curing/soaking process, some driftwood may still release tannins and discolor the water. Use chemical filter media such as Purigen or activated carbon to clarify your water.
6. The "tea-stained" effect caused by driftwood simulates Amazonian "Black Water" biotopes where many brightly colored Tetras like Neons, Cardinals, Rummy-noses, and Bleeding Hearts. If this is your preference, then only a short soak and scrub is necessary before adding driftwood to your aquarium.