How to Prepare Driftwood For Aquarium, A DIY Guide

Driftwood, with its intricate forms and natural textures, adds an element of wild beauty to any aquascape. However, before introducing this captivating element to your underwater world, it's essential to prepare it properly to ensure the health and safety of your aquatic inhabitants. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to prepare driftwood for an aquarium, ensuring a smooth transition from forest floor to aquatic haven. We'll delve into the importance of preparation, explore various cleaning and soaking techniques, and address common concerns like tannins and buoyancy. Whether you're a seasoned aquarist or just starting your freshwater aquarium journey, this DIY guide will empower you to harness the beauty of driftwood and elevate your aquascaping skills.

Clean the driftwood

The first step in preparing driftwood for your aquarium is a thorough cleaning. This involves removing any loose dirt, debris, or bark that might be clinging to the wood.

How to do it:

• Use a stiff brush or scraper to remove any loose bark or debris.
• Rinse the driftwood thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining dirt or dust in your fish tank.

Why it is needed:

• Cleaning helps to remove any potential contaminants from your aquarium wood that could harm your fish or plants.
• It also helps to prevent the driftwood from releasing excessive tannins into the water, which can discolour the water and lower the pH.

Tips & precautions:

• If you're cleaning large pieces of driftwood, consider using a fish tank water pump to remove any stubborn debris.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or soaps, as these can leach into the wood and harm your aquatic life.

Sterilising

Sterilising the driftwood is an optional but recommended preparation step, especially if you're concerned about introducing unwanted pests or pathogens into your aquarium.

How to do it:

• Soak the driftwood in a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water for 24 hours.
• Rinse the driftwood thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual bleach.
• Neutralise any remaining bleach by soaking the driftwood in a solution of dechlorinator for a few hours.

Why it is needed:

• Sterilising helps to kill any harmful bacteria, fungi, or parasites that may be present on the driftwood.
• It also helps to prevent the introduction of unwanted pests, such as snails or insects, into your aquarium.

Tips & precautions:

• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling bleach.
• Make sure to rinse the driftwood thoroughly after soaking in bleach to remove any residual chemicals.

Boiling your driftwood

Boiling is an effective way to further clean and sterilise the driftwood, as well as prepare it to sink more quickly in the aquarium.

How to do it:

• Place the driftwood in a large pot or container and fill it with water until the wood is completely submerged.
• Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 1-2 hours.
• Remove the driftwood from the pot and let it cool completely before adding it to your aquarium.

Why it is needed:

• Boiling helps to kill any remaining bacteria or pests that may have survived the cleaning and sterilising process.
• It also helps to soften the wood, preparing beneficial bacteria to colonise and break down any remaining organic matter in the aquarium.
• Boiling can also help to release some of the tannins from the driftwood, reducing the amount that will leach into your aquarium water.

Tips & precautions:

• Use a pot or container that is large enough to accommodate the driftwood comfortably.
• Be careful when handling hot water and driftwood.
• If the driftwood is too large to boil, you can soak it in hot water for several days, changing the water daily.

Curing driftwood

Curing is the preparatory process of soaking the driftwood in water to help it release tannins and become waterlogged, which will help it to sink.

How to do it:

• Place the driftwood in a container or bucket and fill it with water until the wood is completely submerged.
• Change the water daily or every other day, until the water runs clear and the driftwood no longer releases tannins.
• This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type and size of the driftwood.

Why it is needed:

• Curing helps to remove tannins from the driftwood, which can discolour the water and lower the pH.
• It also helps to waterlog the driftwood, making it heavier and less likely to float in your aquarium.

Tips & precautions:

• Use a container that is large enough to accommodate the driftwood comfortably.
• Change the aquarium water frequently to prevent the growth of bacteria or mould.
• If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the curing process by boiling the driftwood for a shorter period of time before soaking it.

Let it dry

After curing, it's a good idea to let the driftwood dry completely before adding it to your aquarium.

How to do it:

• Remove the driftwood from the water and place it in a well-ventilated area to dry.
• Depending on the size and thickness of the wood, this can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.

Why it is needed:

• Drying helps to prevent the growth of mould or mildew on the wood.
• It also allows you to inspect the driftwood for any cracks or damage that may have occurred during the preparation process.

Tips & precautions:

• Make sure the driftwood is completely dry before it goes into your aquarium.
• If you notice any cracks or damage, you may need to sand or repair the wood before using it. 

Making your driftwood sink

Some types of driftwood may float initially, even after being cured. If this happens, there are a few things you can do to make it sink.

How to do it:

• Weigh it down: Attach a weight, such as a rock or slate, to the driftwood using fishing line or stainless steel screws.
• Soak it longer: Continue to cure the driftwood in water until it becomes fully waterlogged and sinks on its own.
• Boil it again: Boiling the driftwood for a longer period of time can also help to release trapped air and make it sink in the aquarium.

Why it is needed:

• A floating piece of driftwood can disrupt the aesthetics of your fish tank and make it difficult to arrange plants or decorations around it.
• It can also be a hazard for fish, as they may become trapped underneath it.

Tips & precautions:

• Be patient. It may take some time for the driftwood to sink, especially if it is a large or dense piece.
• If you're using weights, make sure they are securely attached and won't come loose in your aquarium.
• Avoid using materials that could leach harmful chemicals into the water, such as lead weights or copper wire. 

FAQ about Preparing Driftwood for an Aquarium or Fish Tank

What happens if I don’t clean the driftwood before putting it into my fish tank? 

Skipping the crucial preparation step of cleaning driftwood before introducing it to your fish tank can have several detrimental consequences. Uncleaned driftwood may harbour dirt, debris, and even harmful bacteria or fungi that can negatively impact your aquarium's water quality and the health of your fish and plants. It can also lead to excessive tannin release, discolouring the water and potentially lowering the pH, creating an unsuitable environment for your aquatic life.

How long does driftwood last in an aquarium? 

With proper preparation and care, driftwood can last for many years in an aquarium. It's a durable and long-lasting natural element that adds beauty and complexity to your aquascape. Over time, the driftwood may slowly decompose, contributing to the organic matter in your tank and providing a natural food source for beneficial bacteria and invertebrates. 

Does driftwood hold bacteria? 

Yes, driftwood can harbour both beneficial and harmful bacteria. While beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy aquarium ecosystem, harmful bacteria can pose a threat to your fish and plants. That's why proper cleaning and sterilisation are essential steps in preparing driftwood for your freshwater aquarium.

What is the disadvantage of having driftwood in your aquarium? 

While driftwood offers numerous benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. It can release tannins, which can discolour the water and lower the pH. Additionally, some types of driftwood may be prone to fungal growth or rot if not properly prepared. However, these issues can be easily mitigated with proper cleaning, sterilisation, and curing techniques.

How to tell if driftwood is safe for an aquarium? 

When preparing driftwood for your aquarium, it's important to choose pieces that are safe and suitable for aquatic environments. Look for wood that is dense and hardwood, as softer woods are more likely to decompose quickly. Avoid wood that has been treated with chemicals or pesticides, as these can leach into the water and harm your fish and plants. If you're unsure about the safety of a particular piece of wood, consult with an expert at your local fish store.