| DIY driftwood takes time, but it will save | | | | water (you can also add salt if you want). If |
| you tons of money. Some small pieces cost | | | | the wood does not sink place something on top |
| well over $20. Also, the soak method (minus | | | | of it until it does. It'll sink after a week |
| salt) will work for store bought driftwood. | | | | or two. You'll notice the water turn into |
| Store bought driftwood is cleaned and has not | | | | tea-ish color. It is the result of the |
| been soaked. This may lead to tannin's being | | | | tannins that are released into the water. If |
| leaked into your tank | | | | you didn't soak the wood, the water in your |
| | | | tank would be this color. Tannins are natural |
| What you'll need: | | | | and some fishes actually like it because |
| | | | it'll make them feel more at home. It'll also |
| Driftwood, which can be found anywhere. It | | | | affect your PH, I'm not sure about GH or KH. |
| doesn't necessarily have to come from the | | | | You'll need to do water changes every other |
| water. You could find it in the woods, as | | | | day to clean the water. This may take weeks |
| long as it is weathered down and looks | | | | or months. |
| unique. Also make sure the wood is not | | | | |
| rotting. | | | | When the color of the soak water suffices, |
| | | | you will need to soak your wood for another |
| BIG soaking container, I use a 15 gal rubber | | | | week without any salt. This will make sure |
| maid container. | | | | that the wood does not hold any salt that may |
| | | | leak into your tank. |
| Aquarium Salt, I use Doc Wellfish brand. This | | | | |
| is used as a natural way of killing bacteria | | | | Once soaking is complete wash the wood well |
| and parasites. | | | | and transfers the wood into your tank. Do not |
| | | | keep the wood out of water for a long time or |
| First step, clean off your wood! Make sure | | | | it will float. |
| all debris and bark are removed from the wood | | | | |
| (or it'll fall off in your tank!). Once | | | | For more information and pictures about this |
| complete, boil the water in the BIG pot and | | | | project, please visit |
| add aquarium salt. I use about a tablespoon | | | | |
| per gallon. Boil the entire piece for about | | | | For more information and pictures about this |
| 2-4 hours depending on your size. If you can | | | | project, please visit and check the DIY |
| only fit half the wood in the pot then you | | | | section. |
| will need to boil the other half. | | | | |
| | | | Article written by , member of CFT Community |
| Once the boil is complete you can transfer | | | | |
| your wood into the rubber maid container. Add | | | | Proof read by Brandan Njagu b. |
| water until the whole piece of wood is under | | | | |