Best Aquarium Wood in 2022

Last update: November 15, 2022

Can I use wood I find for my fish tank?

No, you cannot use wood you find for your fish tank. The wood may contain toxins that can harm your fish.

Can you put any wood into aquarium?

No, you cannot put just any wood into an aquarium. The wood must be properly treated to remove any toxins that could harm the fish. Aquarium-safe wood is available at most pet stores.

Can you use any wood for aquarium driftwood?

Not all wood is suitable for aquariums. Only certain types of wood can be used for aquarium driftwood. The best type of wood to use for aquarium driftwood is driftwood that has been specifically collected from the ocean. This type of driftwood is often sold in pet stores.

Do I need to boil Mopani wood?

Mopani wood is a beautiful, unique wood that is perfect for aquariums. It is very dense and has a high natural oil content, which makes it ideal for resisting rot and decay. Mopani wood also has a very high tannin content, which gives it a dark, rich color. Mopani wood does not need to be boiled before use. In fact, boiling Mopani wood can actually cause it to release more tannins into the water, which can discolor the water and make it more acidic. If you are concerned about the t


Zoo Med Reptile Mopani Wood Review:


Medium-size Mopani Driftwood product review.I purchased this wood for my bedroom's 45G freshwater tank. The wood instantly sank and feels hefty and solid for its size. One side is a darker brown tint, while the other is a lighter tan tone. The surfaces are exceedingly knotty and uneven, with numerous protuberances, knobs, twists, and knots all over. My artwork is roughly 12x8x2 inches and is rather flat. I adore this wood since it gives my semi-planted tank a very natural look. My bristlenose pleco was less than an inch when I got the wood for him, and he essentially grew up on it. Even months later, I will still spot him on it with my Amano shrimps, nibbling on various surfaces.TANNINS:Your fish won't be harmed by tannins. Many plants naturally contain different tannin compounds, which are widely leached into ecosystems when trees die and fall into nearby rivers, for example.pH:Your pH will be somewhat lowered by the tannins, but not significantly enough to cause serious problems. The pH reduction will be more pronounced if you place a really large piece in a tiny tank, which is obviously something to be concerned about. After about two days, the medium piece of wood in my 45G caused my pH to drop from 7.2 to 7.0. (my water is slightly hard).Water shade:Depending on the age of the wood, the water in your tank, the water's temperature, etc., this wood WILL LEAK and change the color of your water to anywhere from light tan to almost light coffee. There are a few strategies to resolve or lessen this problem. The lengthy method is soaking a fresh piece of wood in a bucket or other container for a few weeks or until you see that the water has ceased turning discolored. According to what I've read, it took one individual SIX MONTHS, making this method inconvenient and time-consuming for those who want to use the wood right away. The quickest method is to boil the wood, let it sit in the water for about an hour, then reboil and repeat until the leeching stops. The third method, which is not advised, entails simply tossing the wood (without first boiling it) in the tank and allowing it to slowly drain out. The tannins can then be removed using activated charcoal and a solution like Seachem Purigen.Remember that tannins have no negative effects on fish, plants, or invertebrates, and that boiling or soaking are physiologically safer options for water purification than chemical or artificial treatments.Caution: Use a saucepan you don't mind destroying to boil the wood in. It leaves behind a sticky, sappy residue that is difficult to remove.My wood was cooked three times for around 30 minutes each; after the third boil, it was allowed to soak for the night before being added to my tank. It STILL leeched tannin and slightly tanned my water. I didn't mind because it gave the tank a rustic, natural appearance. Keep in mind that very few aquatic ecosystems in the natural are crystal clean, as we desire our aquarium tanks to be. The water cleared up after frequent weekly water changes for about a month.Price:For this product, Amazon's prices are incredibly affordable, especially with Prime Shipping. I dare you to find a similar-sized piece of wood for the same price and shipping at a physical store.PROS: It's really dense and heavy, sinking right away; it's two-toned, giving your tank a nice, natural look; fish and invertebrates adore it; Lower costs on Amazon Compared to the neighborhood fish store, shipping is FREE; the fish lasts a long time without going bad.- You won't be able to select the wood that is supplied to you, so you might be surprised (or not!) The dimensions might not match what is advertised.Cons: - Long-lasting tannin leeching; some people won't enjoy the ice tea hue it gives your water; - Potential for white fuzzy mold to grow in your tank (Confirmed on mine after a week, but my shrimps and fish ATE it )You can't choose the wood, so you'll either be pleasantly surprised (or not!) by the tannin-removing boiling process. The dimensions might not match what is advertised.



Fluker's 51019 Small Animal Bend-A-Branch Pet Habitat Decor, Medium Review:


I bought this vine for two of my snakes. Because they are both arboreal, they dwell in trees rather than on the ground. These vines have a wonderful, organic appearance and feel. The delivery contained a single coil of vine measuring six feet in length. With a metal hanger-like rod running through it, it is made of tougher foam-like material. I was able to cut the vine into the sizes I needed for my tanks by using some sturdy scissors.It is moldable and retains its shape extremely well because to the metal component in the middle. They can move through the vines or lay on them since I was able to curve the ends of the vines around the logs I put in the tanks to give them a natural look. I would highly recommend it to those of you who want that natural look because it was a terrific price for a six foot piece of vine. All of my tanks have real plants, and these appear to belong there with the plants. fantastic stuff



Fluker's 51018 Small Animal Bend-A-Branch Pet Habitat Decor, Small Review:


These branches are pretty cool, and I've bought the little, the huge, and the middle thickness. I created a pretty interesting jungle vine for my Leachianus geckos by twisting the flukers vines with one thick and one thin vine. However, if you have a heavier reptile because it can't support too much weight, you might need to tie up portion of this branch. I know they would work excellent with chameleons and other arboreal geckos. To support my heavier geckos, I ultimately had to twist several together. Although I haven't attempted it yet (I'm lazy), I can see how sewing a section onto the upper screen of the cage would help hold the weight. I've seen/heard people do this.



Zoo Med Cork Bark Review:


These were my two purchases. One was roughly 9"x9" in size, while the other was 7"x10" and was curved. Since these pieces were cut from cork trees, which cannot yield exact measurements, the sizes do, of course, vary. The sizes vary for each piece because the seller does not cut them into precise measurements. The bark seems more natural as a result. Since I'm not utilizing the cork for an animal of a particular size, I'm not too sensitive of the size variances. It's best if they look as natural as possible because I use them to mount my orchids. My experience has shown that the size specified in the Product Dimensions section of the product details usually refers to the size of the contained box rather than the actual product, which is a little deceptive.The bark of the cork tree is quite light. Since it was a little unclean, I poured water on it and baked it in the oven to get rid of any vermin residing inside. Although I would have preferred it to be larger, I paid $10 for each piece, which was less than I would have paid at the pet store.



Emours Natural Driftwood Branches Reptiles Aquarium Decoration Assorted Size,Small,4 Pieces Review:


About a year ago, I acquired a set of these, and I've been using them ever since. Only one of the four disappointed me a little bit because it just appeared to be a stick, but overall, I was happy with how they were shaped. Since immediately after the purchase, I have been using the other three in my five gallon.To get rid of some of the tannens and make them soggy, I let these soak in a bucket for a few weeks without boiling or doing anything other than rinsing them.They look fantastic and are the ideal size for a tiny tank. I recently placed another purchase for a different little tank I'm experimenting with, and I can't wait to see what turns up.



Zoo Med Cork Bark Review:


These were my two purchases. One was roughly 9"x9" in size, while the other was 7"x10" and was curved. Since these pieces were cut from cork trees, which cannot yield exact measurements, the sizes do, of course, vary. The sizes vary for each piece because the seller does not cut them into precise measurements. The bark seems more natural as a result. Since I'm not utilizing the cork for an animal of a particular size, I'm not too sensitive of the size variances. It's best if they look as natural as possible because I use them to mount my orchids. My experience has shown that the size specified in the Product Dimensions section of the product details usually refers to the size of the contained box rather than the actual product, which is a little deceptive.The bark of the cork tree is quite light. Since it was a little unclean, I poured water on it and baked it in the oven to get rid of any vermin residing inside. Although I would have preferred it to be larger, I paid $10 for each piece, which was less than I would have paid at the pet store.



Zilla Reptile Décor Malaysian Driftwood Review:


I feel very fortunate to have gotten my hands on such a magnificent piece of wood when I ordered this a few months ago for my 10 gallon tank! It's the perfect focal point for my aquarium.I had to perform a few significant water changes because it turned the water brown because when I got it, I didn't know about boiling or soaking it, but I think it was worth it. When I clean the tank, I take out the driftwood and scrub it thoroughly with a toothbrush while it is submerged in running water; there are a few cracks that are just big enough for a toothbrush to fit inside of and scrape; when I do, it draws out a lot of brown water. To clean out all of the grooves until only clear water comes out of it, get a small aquarium-safe brush if you manage to get a piece with small crevices. I honestly don't see this as a problem if you just incorporate this method into your tank cleaning routine, but in a tank with a lot of plants, I can see how laborious it might be.I ordered a two-pack in the hopes of getting a piece for my 5 gallon tank and perhaps something tiny enough to fit my friend's 3 gallon betta tank. It's made a lovely hide for my panda cory and a few surviving platy fry I've had in my 10 gallon tank. I heartily endorse this driftwood!



(2 Pack) Exo Terra Forest Branch, Small Review:


The length of these was maybe 6 inches (even that is a stretch), so I wasn't completely satisfied. They are great quality branches, but they are SMALL. However, they are great quality, so if you need something little I would suggest these!


Does algae mean my tank is cycled?

No, algae does not mean your tank is cycled. Algae can be a sign of a number of things, including poor water quality, too much light, or overfeeding. If your tank is not properly cycled, it can also lead to algae problems.

Does baking soda raise pH in aquarium?

Baking soda is a common household item with many uses, including baking. It is also sometimes used to raise the pH in aquariums. Baking soda is alkaline, so it can raise the pH of water. However, it is important to use it carefully, because it can also make the water too alkaline. Baking soda can be added to an aquarium to raise the pH, but it is best to talk to a fish expert before doing so.

Does beneficial bacteria grow on driftwood?

Yes, beneficial bacteria grow on driftwood. Driftwood provides a perfect substrate for bacteria to colonize and grow. The wood is full of pores and crevices that bacteria can use to attach themselves and grow. The wood also provides a source of food for the bacteria. The bacteria that grow on driftwood are essential for the health of the aquarium. They help to break down waste and keep the water clean.

Does driftwood cause algae?

While driftwood can be a great addition to your aquarium, it can also lead to an algae problem. Algae will often grow on driftwood, which can then spread to other parts of the tank. If you have driftwood in your aquarium, be sure to keep an eye on it and remove any algae as soon as possible.

Does driftwood need to be treated?

Driftwood is a type of wood that has been worn down and shaped by the elements, typically found on beaches. It's often used for decoration or crafts, but does it need to be treated before use? Driftwood is typically safe to use as-is, but it can be treated with a sealant or varnish if desired. This will help protect it from further weathering and also make it easier to clean. If you're using driftwood for something that will be in contact with water, like a vase or fountain, it's a good idea

Does driftwood reduce ammonia?

Some aquarists believe that driftwood can help to reduce ammonia levels in their tanks. Ammonia is a toxic compound that can build up in aquariums, and it can be fatal to fish. Driftwood may help to reduce ammonia levels by providing a place for beneficial bacteria to grow. These bacteria help to break down ammonia and convert it into a less toxic form. Driftwood can also help to absorb ammonia from the water.