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