How to Find Driftwood for an Aquarium

Driftwood is any type of wood that travels through water to another piece of land. It is found on beaches and near rivers and ponds. There are various types of driftwood that are prepped differently for fish and reptiles. By curing the driftwood yourself, you do not have to worry about the effect the differences will have in your aquarium. Curing the driftwood is an easy process that uses items available at your local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

  • Driftwood
  • hand saw
  • Cooking pot
  • Small slate sheet
  • Stainless steel screw
  • Power drill
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the beach, rivers and ponds near your home for wood branches, and pieces and stumps. Driftwood comes in all shapes and sizes. Any waterlogged wood is used for drift wood.

    • 2

      Collect the pieces of driftwood. If the pieces are too large, use a hand saw to cut the driftwood into smaller pieces.

    • 3

      Heat a pot of water to a boil. Place the pieces of driftwood into the boiling water. Boil the driftwood for one to two hours. The boiling water disinfects the driftwood of bacteria.

    • 4

      Soak the driftwood in water for one week. If the driftwood does not sink, remove the driftwood.

    • 5

      Purchase a small slate sheet the size of the driftwood. The slate sheet should have pre-drilled hole.

    • 6

      Screw a stainless steel screw through the slate sheet into the driftwood. Use a power drill. The slate sheet weighs down the driftwood and causes it to sink. Eventually, remove the slate sheet when the driftwood sinks on its own.