Why aquarium driftwood?
A well-chosen piece of wood is often what turns a planted tank into a landscape. This guide explains the main types of aquarium wood, what they do in a tank and how to prepare them before use.
Four kinds of wood aquascapers ask for.
"Driftwood" is used loosely in the aquarium trade. In practice, buyers are usually choosing between a few distinct material types, each with its own weight, color, preparation time and best use in a layout.
Bogwood
Wood that has lain buried in waterlogged, oxygen-poor ground for a long time. It is dark brown to almost black, dense and noticeably heavier than fresh wood of the same size, so most pieces sink without help. Larger bogwood pieces suit long display tanks where a single bold centerpiece is needed.
River driftwood
Brown, close-grained wood shaped by water and weather. It is the most widely traded type and is normally sorted into size grades such as S, M, L and XL, which makes it practical for retail shelves and mixed wholesale assortments. Over many years underwater it can slowly soften, so it should be checked when a tank is rebuilt.
Root and vine wood
Branching roots and vines, often with a mix of pale and brown tones and a lighter, more open grain. Because the raw material is varied, the range of shapes is wide. Many pieces float at first and need soaking before they stay down, and their gaps are ideal for tying on mosses and ferns.
Fine-branch "spider" wood
Slender, multi-forked roots with a pale golden color, popular for nature-style and forest layouts. The fine tips create a canopy effect over carpet plants. These pieces are light and usually need a longer soak, or can be held in place with stones or substrate while they become waterlogged.
Six reasons aquascapers use natural wood.
Composition & Perspective
Twisted roots, broad stumps and radiating branches help establish foreground, midground and background, making planted layouts feel like miniature landscapes.
Plants & Natural Cover
Suitable natural wood offers places to attach mosses and rhizome plants and can give freshwater inhabitants shaded or sheltered areas. Suitability is material-specific.
Individual Character
Each piece has natural variation in tone, grain, dimensions and form. Buyers can discuss mixed lots, shape preferences and available size ranges when requesting a quotation.
Surface for Biofilm
Wood gives beneficial bacteria a large, textured surface to colonize, and the natural biofilm that forms is grazed by shrimp and many small fish between feeds.
Softer, Natural Water Tone
Natural wood releases tannins that can give water a light amber tint and may slightly lower pH in soft water. Some keepers want this blackwater look; others remove most tannins by soaking first.
Structure for Slopes
Pressed into the substrate, roots and stumps help hold sand and soil in terraced layouts and keep sloped planting areas from levelling out over time.
Preparing driftwood for aquarium use.
Natural wood needs a little preparation before it is placed in an aquarium. The steps below are general guidance for freshwater tanks; requirements vary with the type and size of each piece.
1. Rinse and brush
Scrub the surface under running water to remove dust, loose bark and fibers from transport. Avoid soap or household cleaners.
2. Soak or boil
Soaking for several days, or boiling smaller pieces for 30 to 60 minutes, releases much of the tannin that causes tea-colored water. Change the water until it stays fairly clear. Bogwood generally needs less time than root wood.
3. Make it sink
Light root and branch pieces may float at first. Keep them weighted down in water until they absorb enough to sink, or anchor them under stones or into the substrate when setting up the layout.
4. Place and secure
Build the wood into the hardscape before adding water and plants. Burying the base in substrate, or wedging it against stones, keeps the shape stable when the tank is filled.
5. Expect a soft white film
A harmless, soft white coating sometimes appears on new wood in the first weeks. It usually fades on its own and is readily eaten by shrimp and snails.
6. Trim and maintain
As plants grow, trim stems and mosses that hide the wood so that its outline stays visible and the composition keeps its intended shape.
Common questions about aquarium driftwood.
Does all aquarium driftwood sink?
No. Dense bogwood usually sinks straight away, while lighter roots, vines and fine-branch wood often float until they have soaked for some time. We can tell you which styles in an order are likely to need pre-soaking.
Will the wood change my water color or pH?
Most natural wood releases some tannins, which can tint the water amber and may slightly lower pH in soft water. Pre-soaking reduces this, and regular water changes clear any remaining tint.
What sizes can I order?
Sizes vary by style. Common ranges run from small pieces for nano tanks to large statement pieces for display aquariums. Wood is packed in 25 kg cartons and the minimum order is 500 kg. Tell us the size ranges and quantities you need and we will confirm what is available.
Can I order a mixed assortment?
Yes. Up to 10 styles can be combined in one 20GP or 40HQ container, and aquarium stone can be added to the same load. Send us the styles you are interested in and an approximate quantity for each.
Where do you ship from?
Orders are coordinated from our office in Xiamen, China, and we mainly supply buyers in the United States, Australia and Europe. Shipping method and destination are confirmed with each quotation.
How is the wood checked and packed?
Selected pieces receive spot moisture checks during drying and are packed in cartons for export. Packing details can be adjusted to the sizes and quantities in your order.
Choosing wood for your store or project?
Browse our 20 natural wood styles, then send us the forms, sizes and quantities you need.