Instructions
Purchase driftwood from a reputable fish store, website or aquatic club. Driftwood found outside may not have dried or aged sufficiently, in which case it can rot in your tank.
Pick driftwood that is sized to match your aquarium. If you are trying to provide hiding places, look for a piece with nooks and crannies. If you want to anchor plants, try to find a piece that has good attachment points.
Clean your driftwood to remove any organic material and loose splinters. Do not use soaps or harsh cleansers.
Soak the driftwood for at least two weeks. This will help it to sink better, as well as remove some of the tannins.
Consider attaching aquarium plants, such as Java Moss or Anubias nana to your driftwood for a natural look. You can use cotton thread, which will dissolve as the plant becomes established, or mono-filament thread, which will need to be removed later.
Plan where to place your driftwood. Asymmetrical arrangements are more pleasing to the eye. Experiment with different orientations while the driftwood is still out of the tank.
Add your driftwood. Make sure to do this when the water in your tank is not completely full. The middle of a water change is ideal.
How to Use Driftwood in an Aquarium
Driftwood fulfills a variety of aesthetic and practical functions in a freshwater aquarium. The knotty brown whorls of a piece of driftwood provide a strong contrast to the green plants and flitting colors of your fish. Driftwood provides a hiding space for small or shy fish. It also provides a good anchor for the roots of floating plants. The tannic acids that may be released by driftwood reproduce the native conditions of many tetras, which can lead to healthier, less-stressed fish.