Aquarium driftwood should be structurally sound, free of chemical contamination and prepared without soap. Scrub off loose dirt and bark, soak the wood until it is sufficiently waterlogged and expect tannins to colour the water for a while. Large pieces do not need to be boiled to be safe; soaking, hot-water rinsing and patience are more practical. Unknown roadside or treated construction wood should be avoided.
The biggest safety decision happens before cleaning: choosing wood whose identity and history you trust.
Choose known-safe wood
- Prefer aquarium-sold driftwood from a reputable source.
- Avoid painted, pressure-treated, glued or preservative-treated timber.
- Avoid soft, resinous or freshly cut unknown wood.
- Avoid material collected where pesticides, road runoff or industrial contamination are plausible.
Clean without chemicals
Use a stiff brush and clean water to remove soil, loose bark and decaying material. Do not use soap, bleach or household cleaners on porous wood unless you are following a specific expert decontamination process with complete neutralisation.
For ordinary aquarium preparation, clean water is the safer default.
Soak until manageable
Many pieces float initially. Soaking lets air escape and water penetrate the fibres, although dense species and thick pieces can take days or weeks.
Change soaking water if tannin colour becomes excessive or the water smells foul.
Tannins are usually an aesthetic issue
Brown tannin staining is normal for many woods and can persist for weeks or longer. Regular water changes and activated carbon can reduce colour if you want clearer water.
Tannins can also lower pH slightly in poorly buffered water, so monitor chemistry if KH is very low.
Secure unstable hardscape
If the wood is not fully waterlogged, attach it securely to rock or a hidden base rather than relying on loose weights that can fall or trap fish.
Related aquarium tools and guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to boil aquarium driftwood?
No. Boiling is impractical for large pieces and is not required when suitable wood is cleaned and soaked properly.
How long should driftwood soak?
Until it is clean and stable enough for the layout; some pieces sink quickly while others take weeks.
Is brown water from driftwood harmful?
Tannin colour is usually not harmful, but monitor pH in very soft low-KH water.
Sources and further reading
This guide separates general aquarium arithmetic from fish-welfare decisions. For species-specific limits, always check the needs of the fish you intend to keep.