Boil the driftwood to kill bacteria and parasites

The fastest way to clean driftwood is to boil it. Place the piece in a large pot of water and bring it to a rolling boil for 10 to 15 minutes. This kills most bacteria, fungi, and parasites that could harm fish or cloud your water. After boiling, remove the driftwood with tongs and let it cool on a clean surface.

Boiling also helps the wood release tannins — the compounds that turn water brown. A single boil won't remove all tannins, but it reduces them significantly. If the water in the pot turns dark brown or yellow, that's tannin leaching out, which is normal. You can repeat the boil two or three times if you want to speed up the process, draining and refilling the pot each time.

Key Takeaways

  • Boiling driftwood for 10 to 15 minutes kills bacteria and parasites before it enters your tank.
  • Tannins will leach into your aquarium water and turn it brown; soaking the wood for several days before use reduces this discoloration.
  • Scrub the surface with a stiff brush under running water to remove loose bark, algae, and debris.
  • Driftwood that floats can be weighted down with rocks, fishing line, or aquarium-safe epoxy until it becomes waterlogged enough to sink on its own.

Soak the wood to remove tannins before adding it to the tank

After boiling, soak the driftwood in a bucket of fresh water for at least 24 hours, and ideally for three to seven days. Change the water once or twice during this period. The longer you soak, the more tannins you remove, and the less your aquarium water will discolor once the wood is in the tank.

You'll notice the soaking water turns brown or amber-colored — this is tannin, and it's harmless to fish, but it can make your tank look murky. If you want crystal-clear water from the start, soak for a full week and change the water every day or two. If you don't mind a slight tea-colored tint, three days of soaking is usually enough.

Scrub away bark, algae, and loose material

Use a stiff-bristled brush or old toothbrush to scrub the surface of the driftwood under running water. Pay attention to crevices and rough spots where bark, algae, or debris can hide. Loose bark will come off in your tank and cloud the water, so remove as much as you can before boiling.

If the wood has stubborn algae or slime, soak it in a separate bucket of water with a small amount of white vinegar (about one part vinegar to four parts water) for a few hours, then scrub again. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water afterward to remove any vinegar smell. Do not use soap or bleach — these can leave residue that harms fish.

Handle floating driftwood with weights or epoxy

New driftwood often floats because it hasn't absorbed enough water yet. You have three options: wait for it to waterlog naturally (which can take weeks or months), weight it down, or anchor it in place.

The simplest method is to tie the wood to a rock or piece of slate using fishing line or black thread. Bury the line under substrate so it's hidden. Alternatively, use aquarium-safe epoxy to glue the wood to a rock base — this is permanent but looks clean. Some people also use suction cups or plant weights designed for aquariums. Once the wood is fully waterlogged, it will sink on its own and you can remove the weights.

Test the wood in a separate container first

Before putting driftwood in your main tank, place it in a small bucket or quarantine container with some of your aquarium water and let it sit for a day or two. Watch for cloudiness, discoloration, or any unusual smell. If the water stays clear and the wood looks stable, it's ready for the tank.

This step is especially important if the driftwood came from an unknown source or was stored in a damp place. It gives you a chance to catch any problems before they affect your established aquarium. If the water turns very dark or smells off, soak and boil the wood again before trying the test a second time.

Place the wood where it won't shift or trap debris

Position driftwood on a stable base so it won't roll or fall when fish swim past it or when you clean the tank. Bury one end slightly in the substrate to anchor it. Avoid placing it where it will trap food or waste in tight spaces — these pockets become breeding grounds for bacteria and make cleaning difficult.

If you have bottom-feeding fish or shrimp, leave enough open space underneath the wood for them to forage. Driftwood that rests directly on the glass can scratch it over time, so use a thin layer of substrate or a small piece of slate as a buffer if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will driftwood make my aquarium water brown?

Yes, tannins from the wood will tint the water brown or amber, but this is harmless to fish. Boiling and soaking the wood before use reduces tannins significantly. The discoloration will fade over time as you do water changes, and activated carbon in your filter can remove remaining tannins if you want crystal-clear water when ready.

How long does it take driftwood to stop floating?

Waterlogging usually takes two to four weeks, depending on the wood's density and size. Thinner pieces sink faster than thick ones. If you don't want to wait, weight it down with rocks or epoxy it to a base from the start.

Can I use driftwood from a beach or river?

Yes, but it needs thorough cleaning. Boil it for 15 minutes, soak it for several days, and scrub away any visible algae, salt, or debris. Driftwood from saltwater sources should be soaked longer to remove salt residue. Always test it in a separate container before adding it to your tank.

What if my driftwood develops white fuzz in the tank?

White fuzz is usually harmless fungus or mold, which is common on new driftwood. It will disappear on its own within a few days as beneficial bacteria colonize the wood. If it persists, remove the wood, scrub it, boil it again, and return it to the tank. Fish and shrimp will also eat the fuzz and help clean it.

Do I need to treat driftwood differently for planted tanks?

No — the cleaning process is the same. Boil, soak, and scrub regardless of whether you plan to attach plants to the wood. Plants like moss and anubias actually benefit from the tannins released by the wood, as these compounds can help lower pH slightly in some tanks.