How to Process Driftwood

Driftwood is more than a beautiful decoration for your aquarium. It provides natural barriers where fish can hide. Pieces also divide the tank into sections, and fish can develop their favorite areas in the tank. Commercially purchased driftwood decorations can be expensive. You can use driftwood you have found or untreated driftwood you have purchased, and process it yourself, saving money. This is time-consuming, but the results are well worth the wait.

Things You'll Need

  • Large container (at least 20 gallons)
  • Aquarium salt
  • Water
  • Toothbrush
  • Large pot
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the driftwood carefully and completely of dirt and debris. Use a small brush, such as a toothbrush. Do not use cleansers, because even a trace could harm fish.

    • 2

      Boil the water with aquarium salt. Use about a tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. Add the driftwood to the boiling water, making sure it is completely immersed.

      Boil the driftwood for at least ten minutes. Aquarium salt is available at fish stores and most pet stores. The salt kills any traces of organic material that could feed a fungus.

    • 3

      Place the boiled driftwood in the large container, and cover with more salt water. Leave the driftwood sitting in the water for at least a week. After a few days, the water color might change as the tannins leach out of the wood. Tannins must be removed because they affect the pH level of your aquarium and potentially harm the fish.

    • 4

      Change the water after it has been sitting for a week, replacing it with plain water instead of salt water. Let the driftwood sit in the plain water for a few days, then rinse the driftwood and add to your aquarium.