How to Prepare Wood for a Reptile Tank

Prepping wood for your reptile tank is essential to ensure that it will not pose a hazard to your pet. Wood in aquarium tanks helps to mock the natural environment. Wood also helps lower the pH level if your aquarium has water in it.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Piece of wood
  • Water
  • Small bucket
  • Towel
  • 3- to 4-inch long thick piece of string
  • Rock
Show More

Instructions

    • 1
      Iguana on wood piece

      Measure your tank from the inside and determine the height and width of piece of wood that you will need to fit your tank.

    • 2

      Locate the piece of wood that you wish to put into your tank. You can find this either in nature or at your local pet retail shop.

    • 3

      Place enough water in your bucket to completely cover the piece of wood that you have chosen. Tie a rock to it using a 3- to 4-inch thick piece of string to keep it completely submerged. Let the wood soak for several days, weeks or months as needed.

    • 4
      Bucket

      Change the water every day or every other day until no color or debris floats to the top of the water.

    • 5
      Aquarium

      Once the wood has soaked long enough, remove it from the bucket and lay to dry on a towel outside in the sun or in a warm area of your home. Let it dry completely. This may take up to a week or more. It is now ready to be placed into your reptile tank.