Best Driftwood Pieces for Aquariums in 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every aquascaping need
Published: April 16th, 2024

🌊Adding driftwood to your aquarium isn't just about making it look good—though it does that too. Driftwood gives fish places to hide, encourages beneficial bacteria to grow, and can even tweak the water chemistry a bit. With so many options out there, picking the right driftwood can get a bit tricky.

So, we've rounded up the best driftwood pieces for 2024 that fit different styles and budgets. Let's dive in!

🥇
Overall Best: Spiderwood

WDEFUN Natural Spiderwood for Aquarium Decor 7-Piece 4''-7'' Long Natural Driftwood Branches for Fish Tank Decorations Spiderwood（4-8 inch pack of 7）

Spiderwood stands out as our overall best pick for its intricate, branched appearance, which adds depth and complexity to any aquascape. Ideal for both freshwater and saltwater setups, it provides a natural habitat for various aquatic species. One of the standout features of Spiderwood is its low tannin content, meaning it won't significantly alter water chemistry, making it safe for plants and fish that prefer clear water. The unique structure and versatility of Spiderwood have made it a favorite among aquascaping enthusiasts.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$18.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the "Spiderwood for Aquarium Decor"? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🪵
How do you prepare WDEFUN spiderwood for aquarium use?
If you're getting ready to add your WDEFUN Natural Spiderwood to your aquarium, you'll want to ensure the wood is properly prepared. This helps reduce tannins, which are natural compounds in the wood that can turn your tank water a brownish color. Some people like this look because it mimics a natural habitat and can even help lower the pH a bit, but if you prefer clear water, some prep work is necessary. Based on the manufacturer's recommendations and our research, the first thing you should do is boil the wood. Just toss it into a pot of boiling water for about 15 to 20 minutes and repeat this step as needed. To draw out the tannins more effectively, you can throw some baking soda and salt into the mix. After boiling, let the spiderwood soak in a bucket of hot water, changing the water every day for about a week. This should help reduce tannin release and keep your tank water clearer. Boiling also helps the wood sink faster and cleans off any debris. Just keep in mind that even with these steps, the wood might still release some tannins over time. If you're looking to keep the water crystal clear, regular water changes or using something like [activated carbon](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dactivated%2Bcarbon%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) in your filter can help manage any remaining discoloration. Of course, if you like the look of tannin-rich water or have fish that thrive in such conditions, you might actually enjoy the darker water. No matter what your goal is, these steps should set you up for a great experience with your aquarium decor, making it both appealing and healthy for your fish.
💧
Does WDEFUN spiderwood float or sink in aquariums?
If you're wondering whether WDEFUN Natural Spiderwood will float or sink in your aquarium, here's the scoop. Like a lot of driftwood, Spiderwood tends to float at first because it's naturally buoyant. But don't worry—you can get it to sink with the right prep. Based on the manufacturer's description and what we've found, prepping the wood before placing it in your tank is a good idea. This helps with two main things: making it sink and reducing tannins. Tannins—these guys might make your water look a bit like tea. They're not harmful, though; they actually have some antibacterial and antifungal benefits for certain fish. But if you prefer clear water, there are steps you can take to minimize that tannin tint. The prep involves a few steps. You're looking at boiling the wood a few times, usually three to five sessions. Throwing some baking soda and salt into the boiling water can help draw out the tannins more effectively. After boiling, you'll want to soak the wood in hot water, changing the water often over a few days. The process length can vary; some find a week works well, while others might need a bit longer. Our research shows that after a good boiling and soaking, many folks noticed their Spiderwood didn't discolor the tank water too much anymore. A lot of them report that a diligent 4-5 day effort was enough to deal with most of the tannins. Plus, with enough soaking, the wood tends to lose its floaty nature and sinks on its own. Just a heads-up, some aquarium lovers appreciate the natural brown look from tannins because it gives a more authentic feel. But if you’re all about that clear water vibe, these prep steps should do the trick and help your WDEFUN Spiderwood settle at the aquarium bottom without any floating drama.
💧
How long does it take for WDEFUN spiderwood to stop leaching tannins?
WDEFUN Natural Spiderwood is known for releasing tannins, which can turn your aquarium water a tea-like brown color. This is pretty typical for driftwood, especially Spiderwood. Our research shows that people often mention this and share some tips on managing it in their reviews. If you're thinking about putting Spiderwood in your tank, but you're worried about the water color, there's a way to handle it. The key is to prep the wood right before adding it to your aquarium. Many folks who are into aquariums say that boiling the wood helps. Try boiling it a few times in 15-minute rounds. This not only releases a lot of tannins but also helps waterlog the wood so it doesn’t float. After you’ve boiled it, soak the wood in hot water for several days. This long soak pulls out even more tannins. Just remember, each piece of Spiderwood is different. How long it takes can vary depending on the wood's size or other natural factors, so a bit of patience is important. Even after your prep work, there might still be some discoloration. You can use things like [activated carbon](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dactivated%2Bcarbon%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) in your aquarium to help with that. Some folks don’t mind the tannins, since they can actually have antibacterial and antifungal benefits and create a natural blackwater environment, which some fish really like. This does require some work, but if you want crystal clear water, it’s worth it. Each piece of Spiderwood has its own quirks—some stop leaching tannins quicker than others. Keep an eye on it, and adjust your approach as you go. With a bit of effort, you can enjoy the beauty of Spiderwood without compromising on water clarity.
View All Answers for

🥈
Runner-up: Manzanita Wood

majoywoo Natural Large Driftwood for Aquarium Decor Reptile Decor, Assorted Driftwood Branch 9-14" 2 Pcs, Fish Tank Decoration

Manzanita Wood is our runner-up due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Known for its dense structure, Manzanita Wood is resistant to decay and sinks easily after a brief soak. Its complex, branching shapes mimic natural aquatic environments, creating numerous hiding spots for fish and visually striking hardscapes. With minimal tannin release, Manzanita Wood is an excellent choice for aquascaping without drastically altering the water's pH. This makes it a reliable and visually appealing option for any aquarium.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$25.99 at Amazon

💸
Budget Pick: Cholla Wood

For budget-conscious aquarists, Cholla Wood offers excellent value. Sourced naturally from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, Cholla Wood features a unique, hollow structure perfect for small fish and shrimp to explore. It also provides an excellent surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize, promoting a healthy aquarium environment. To ensure longevity and prevent decay in the aquarium, we recommend boiling Cholla Wood before use. This affordable option brings both functionality and aesthetic appeal to your tank.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$17.49 at Amazon

Best for Shrimp Tanks: Black Forest Spiderwood

WDEFUN Natural Spiderwood for Aquarium Decor 7-Piece 4''-7'' Long Natural Driftwood Branches for Fish Tank Decorations Spiderwood（4-8 inch pack of 7）

Relatively new to the aquarium driftwood market, Black Forest Spiderwood is ideal for shrimp-specific tanks. Visually similar to Spiderwood, it features a dark gray/black hue, adding a dramatic touch to any aquascape. The intricate shapes and striking appearance make it perfect for creating unique, awe-inspiring setups. Additionally, the natural biofilm that forms on Black Forest Spiderwood serves as an excellent food source for shrimp. If you have a shrimp tank, this driftwood is both functional and visually stunning.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$18.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the "Spiderwood for Aquarium Decor"? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🪵
How do you prepare WDEFUN spiderwood for aquarium use?
If you're getting ready to add your WDEFUN Natural Spiderwood to your aquarium, you'll want to ensure the wood is properly prepared. This helps reduce tannins, which are natural compounds in the wood that can turn your tank water a brownish color. Some people like this look because it mimics a natural habitat and can even help lower the pH a bit, but if you prefer clear water, some prep work is necessary. Based on the manufacturer's recommendations and our research, the first thing you should do is boil the wood. Just toss it into a pot of boiling water for about 15 to 20 minutes and repeat this step as needed. To draw out the tannins more effectively, you can throw some baking soda and salt into the mix. After boiling, let the spiderwood soak in a bucket of hot water, changing the water every day for about a week. This should help reduce tannin release and keep your tank water clearer. Boiling also helps the wood sink faster and cleans off any debris. Just keep in mind that even with these steps, the wood might still release some tannins over time. If you're looking to keep the water crystal clear, regular water changes or using something like [activated carbon](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dactivated%2Bcarbon%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) in your filter can help manage any remaining discoloration. Of course, if you like the look of tannin-rich water or have fish that thrive in such conditions, you might actually enjoy the darker water. No matter what your goal is, these steps should set you up for a great experience with your aquarium decor, making it both appealing and healthy for your fish.
💧
Does WDEFUN spiderwood float or sink in aquariums?
If you're wondering whether WDEFUN Natural Spiderwood will float or sink in your aquarium, here's the scoop. Like a lot of driftwood, Spiderwood tends to float at first because it's naturally buoyant. But don't worry—you can get it to sink with the right prep. Based on the manufacturer's description and what we've found, prepping the wood before placing it in your tank is a good idea. This helps with two main things: making it sink and reducing tannins. Tannins—these guys might make your water look a bit like tea. They're not harmful, though; they actually have some antibacterial and antifungal benefits for certain fish. But if you prefer clear water, there are steps you can take to minimize that tannin tint. The prep involves a few steps. You're looking at boiling the wood a few times, usually three to five sessions. Throwing some baking soda and salt into the boiling water can help draw out the tannins more effectively. After boiling, you'll want to soak the wood in hot water, changing the water often over a few days. The process length can vary; some find a week works well, while others might need a bit longer. Our research shows that after a good boiling and soaking, many folks noticed their Spiderwood didn't discolor the tank water too much anymore. A lot of them report that a diligent 4-5 day effort was enough to deal with most of the tannins. Plus, with enough soaking, the wood tends to lose its floaty nature and sinks on its own. Just a heads-up, some aquarium lovers appreciate the natural brown look from tannins because it gives a more authentic feel. But if you’re all about that clear water vibe, these prep steps should do the trick and help your WDEFUN Spiderwood settle at the aquarium bottom without any floating drama.
💧
How long does it take for WDEFUN spiderwood to stop leaching tannins?
WDEFUN Natural Spiderwood is known for releasing tannins, which can turn your aquarium water a tea-like brown color. This is pretty typical for driftwood, especially Spiderwood. Our research shows that people often mention this and share some tips on managing it in their reviews. If you're thinking about putting Spiderwood in your tank, but you're worried about the water color, there's a way to handle it. The key is to prep the wood right before adding it to your aquarium. Many folks who are into aquariums say that boiling the wood helps. Try boiling it a few times in 15-minute rounds. This not only releases a lot of tannins but also helps waterlog the wood so it doesn’t float. After you’ve boiled it, soak the wood in hot water for several days. This long soak pulls out even more tannins. Just remember, each piece of Spiderwood is different. How long it takes can vary depending on the wood's size or other natural factors, so a bit of patience is important. Even after your prep work, there might still be some discoloration. You can use things like [activated carbon](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dactivated%2Bcarbon%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) in your aquarium to help with that. Some folks don’t mind the tannins, since they can actually have antibacterial and antifungal benefits and create a natural blackwater environment, which some fish really like. This does require some work, but if you want crystal clear water, it’s worth it. Each piece of Spiderwood has its own quirks—some stop leaching tannins quicker than others. Keep an eye on it, and adjust your approach as you go. With a bit of effort, you can enjoy the beauty of Spiderwood without compromising on water clarity.
View All Answers for

Best for Natural Scapes: Malaysian Driftwood

Estes Company Inc Malaysian Driftwood - Medium

Malaysian Driftwood is a staple in the aquarium hobby, known for its dark, twisted, and gnarled appearance that mimics natural underwater landscapes. Its naturally porous surface allows beneficial bacteria to settle and thrive, helping maintain a healthy tank environment. While Malaysian Driftwood does release tannins, turning the water brown initially, this can create a more natural, acidic environment beneficial for many types of tropical fish. For those looking to create a natural scape, Malaysian Driftwood offers both beauty and functionality.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$24.99 at Amazon
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