Wood plays a crucial role in aquascaping, providing a natural and organic feel to the underwater landscape. It serves as an anchor for plants, a hiding place for fish, and a medium for beneficial bacteria to thrive.
Selecting the Perfect Wood for Your Aquascape
When choosing wood for your aquascape, remember that not all types are created equal. Here are some factors to consider:
Hardness
Opt for hardwoods as they are more resistant to decay underwater. Softwoods can rot quickly and affect water quality.
Tannins
Some woods release tannins more than others. While tannins are not harmful, they can lower the pH and stain the water brown.
Shape and Size
The wood should complement the size of your aquarium and the style of your aquascape. Larger pieces can serve as a centrepiece, while smaller pieces can be used to create intricate details.
Safety
Ensure the wood doesn’t have sharp edges or points that could injure your fish.
Density
Denser wood will sink more readily and is less prone to rotting.
Treating Wood for Aquascaping
Once you’ve selected your wood, it’s time to prepare it for your aquarium. This process will help prevent the introduction of unwanted substances into your tank.
1. Cleaning: Scrub the wood with a brush under running water to remove dirt, loose bark, or organisms.
2. Soaking: Soak the wood in a bucket of water to leach out tannins. Change the water when it becomes discoloured until it remains relatively clear.
3. Boiling: For smaller pieces, boiling for 1-2 hours can help sterilize the wood and accelerate the waterlogging process.
4. Waterlogging: Some woods float and need to be waterlogged so they will sink. This can be achieved by weighing the wood down in a bucket of water until it no longer floats.
5. Placement: Place the wood in the desired position in your aquarium. You may need to anchor it to prevent it from floating until it becomes fully waterlogged.
Popular Wood Types for Aquascaping
Here are some of the most popular wood types used in aquascaping:
Manzanita Driftwood
Manzanita driftwood is a favourite among aquascapers for its striking red-brown colour and intricate branching. It’s dense and long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for creating focal points in an aquascape.
Malaysian Driftwood
Malaysian driftwood, known for its dark color and smooth, twisted shapes, is another popular choice. It’s heavier than many other types, which means it sinks quickly and doesn’t require extensive soaking.
Mopani Wood
Mopani wood, with its two-tone appearance and gnarled texture, offers a dramatic look for any aquarium. It’s also very dense and sinks readily, though it may release tannins into the water, requiring pre-soaking.
Spider Wood
Spider wood, named for its long, leg-like branches, provides a delicate, spiderweb-like effect. It’s lighter in colour and weight and often needs to be anchored until it becomes waterlogged and sinks.
Rasamala Wood
Rasamala wood is less commonly found but is prized for its beautiful texture and form. It’s a good choice for creating a unique and natural-looking aquascape.
Cholla Wood
Cholla wood comes from the dried husk of the Cholla cactus and is a fantastic choice for shrimp tanks. Its porous structure and soft texture make it ideal for shrimp and other small creatures to graze on biofilm. It also breaks down slowly over time, releasing nutrients into the water.
Oak Driftwood
Oak driftwood is less common but highly sought after for its beautiful, weathered appearance and robustness. It provides a classic look and is known for having a minimal impact on the water’s pH, making it a versatile choice for many aquascapes.
Sumatra Driftwood
Sumatra driftwood is known for its dense, dark wood and striking, angular shapes. It’s a popular choice for creating dramatic, shadowy environments and is often used in biotope aquascapes that mimic natural habitats.
Red Moor Wood
Red Moor wood is a root wood that is highly prized for its intricate shapes and lines. It’s perfect for creating tangled root looks or forest-like scenes in your aquarium. Its reddish-brown colour adds warmth to the aquascape.
Ironwood
Ironwood is known for its extreme hardness and resistance to rotting. It’s an excellent choice for aquascapers who want a long-lasting, durable wood that won’t degrade over time.
Incorporating these diverse types of wood into your aquascape can significantly enhance the visual appeal and ecological balance of your aquarium.
Different types of wood have their own special qualities and advantages. It’s important to pick the right one that suits the needs of your aquascape and its inhabitants.
Maintaining Your Aquascaping Wood
Maintenance is key to ensuring your wood remains a healthy and attractive part of your aquascape.
Monitoring
Keep an eye on the wood for any signs of decay or fungus growth. Some fungus is normal and will be eaten by shrimp or fish, but excessive growth should be addressed.
Cleaning
Control algae growth on the wood by manually scrubbing the wood during regular tank maintenance. Putting algae-eating fish in the tank will also help.
Replacement
Even the best-prepared wood may start to decay over time. Monitor its condition and be prepared to replace it when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any wood found outdoors for my aquascape?
It’s not recommended to use wood found outdoors as it may contain harmful pathogens or chemicals. Always opt for aquarium-safe wood from reputable sources.
How long should I soak the wood before placing it in the aquarium?
Soak the wood until it becomes waterlogged and sinks, which can take from 1 week to several months, depending on the wood’s density and size.
Do I need to treat wood if it’s purchased from an aquarium store?
Yes, even store-bought wood should be treated to ensure it’s safe for your aquatic environment.
How do I secure wood to the bottom of my aquarium?
You can secure wood by tying it to rocks with a fishing line or using aquarium-safe glue. Over time, the wood will become waterlogged and sink naturally.
Can I reuse wood from an old aquarium for a new aquascape?
Yes, you can reuse wood, but it should be cleaned and possibly re-treated to ensure it’s safe for your new setup. Boiling and soaking the wood again can help remove any unwanted organisms or chemicals.
What should I do if mould or fungus starts growing on the wood?
Mould and fungus are common when new wood is submerged. Often, these growths are harmless and will be eaten by fish or shrimp. If they persist, you can remove the wood and scrub it with a brush in water.
Wood in aquascaping is not just for decoration. It also plays a crucial role in supporting the ecosystem in your aquarium. It helps create a home for aquatic life by providing structure and shelter, as well as supporting beneficial bacteria.
When choosing wood for your aquascape, consider the size and layout of your tank, as well as the needs of your plants and fish. Different types of wood have unique characteristics and benefits. Choose the one that aligns best with your vision for your underwater garden.
