How to Prepare Driftwood for Your Aquarium (Stop Floating and Tannins)
By Melbourne Tropical Team ยท 2 min read
New driftwood often floats and turns the water brown. Here is how to prepare it properly so it sinks, stays clean and looks great.
Why driftwood floats and browns the water
Fresh driftwood is full of air and natural compounds. The air makes it float until it becomes waterlogged, and the compounds (tannins) leach out and tint the water tea-brown. Neither is harmful - tannins are actually beneficial for many soft-water fish - but both can be managed if you prefer clear water and a wood that stays put.
How to make driftwood sink
You have three options. Soak it in a tub of water for one to several weeks until it becomes waterlogged and sinks (change the water every few days). Boil it (if it fits) for 1-2 hours, which speeds up waterlogging and also kills hitchhikers. Or weigh it down by attaching it to a slate base or wedging it under rocks until it sinks on its own.
How to reduce tannins
Boiling and soaking both remove a lot of the tannins before the wood goes in the tank. Once it is in, running activated carbon in your filter absorbs the brown tint, and regular water changes clear the rest over a few weeks. If you like the natural 'blackwater' look, you can simply leave the tannins - many fish show better colour in it.
Bonus: a great surface for plants
Driftwood is the perfect place to attach epiphyte plants like anubias, java fern and bucephalandra - just tie or glue them on. Browse our plant database for wood-friendly species and our aquascaping guides for layout ideas.