One of the benefits of buying already-cured driftwood is that usually, fish stores have the best of the best pieces available that are interesting shapes and complimentary sizes. A betta fish tank should always be designed to show off the fish, and you don’t want an ugly piece of wood distracting from that! You will never get it how you envision it, but creating a blueprint will help save some rearranging in the future. It’s important to pick out a good piece of quality driftwood initially as you don’t want to disturb the substrate and stress out fish if you end up not liking the placement of it in only a matter of weeks.Ī good idea is to draw out a basic sketch of your aquarium and include a rough outline of the decorations and accessories that you plan on adding. You should pick a piece that makes your fish feel safe while creating an interesting contour in the tank, but also something that your betta fish’s fins can’t get snagged on. You don’t want a giant, solid log taking up most of the swimming space for your fish.
Fresh water drift wood for sale how to#
How to DIY aquarium driftwoodįirst, you will need to think about the layout of your aquarium. However, if you find a piece near your local beach or lake that you really just can’t leave behind, then the curing process can be very rewarding and you will need to know how to sterilize it for your aquarium ecosystem. Because of this, and to help with conservation efforts, it’s strongly recommended to purchase these materials through a trustworthy aquarium company.Īny piece of raw driftwood that’s fresh off the beach carries the risk of introducing many unknown microbes and pathogens into your tank that could destroy the system in a matter of days. The only driftwood that is guaranteed to be the safest for aquatic systems is commercially treated wood from a reputable brand. What types of wood are safe for aquariums? Tannins can also be very beneficial for some species as they boost freshwater fish immunity and lower pH. In addition, driftwood naturally contains tannins that leak out into the water and cause a tea-like color. For those who love a beautiful aquascape, driftwood is important for creating structure and dynamic in their display while also providing their livestock with shelter.
In a tank setting, driftwood can provide the same benefits to aquarium life. Once on shore, the driftwood can still provide shelter for many birds and invertebrates. Above the surface, migrating birds can take a quick rest before returning on their journey. Out at sea, this driftwood can become a sanctuary for open-water species for shade, protection from predators, and to even lay eggs. It is very commonly found along the edges of lakes, rivers, and on beaches and has a weathered-down appearance. Simply put, driftwood is any piece of wood that has been washed onto shore from a body of water by way of waves, tides, and/or wind. How is driftwood any different from a branch that you find lying on the ground and why is it so popular in the aquarium hobby? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about collecting driftwood and preparing it for your own freshwater aquarium! What is driftwood?
Harvesting these materials may also be illegal or by permit only, so it’s important to check with local regulations first. However, introducing untreated wood and rocks into an aquarium setting can prove to be devastating if not done carefully. Many hobbyists like to bring these little slices of nature into their home aquariums to offer their fish and invertebrates the same natural benefits. Driftwood is an important part of many aquatic ecosystems and offers food and protection for an abundance of water-, air-, and land-dwelling creatures.
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