Quick answer: Dense hardwoods such as Malaysian driftwood and mopani are the best choice for aquariums and paludarium water because they sink and resist rot. Branchy spiderwoods such as Red Mekong and Amur spiderwood are better for terrariums and above-water structure. Any driftwood can release tannins that tint water brown, so soak or boil it first and expect some colour in new setups.
What "driftwood" means in the hobby
In the aquarium and terrarium trade, driftwood is a catch-all name for hardwood roots and branches that have been cleaned, dried and often sandblasted for use in enclosures. Very little of it has literally drifted anywhere. Several trade names, such as spiderwood, are marketing names rather than precise botanical labels, so judge a piece by its density, shape and intended use rather than its name alone.
Driftwood types compared
| Wood | Density | Sinks? | Tannins | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysian driftwood | Very dense | Usually, after a short soak | Moderate to heavy at first | Aquariums, paludarium water, blackwater tanks |
| Mopani | Very dense, heavy | Usually without soaking | Heavy at first | Aquariums, arid terrariums, heavy-duty basking pieces |
| Red Mekong spiderwood | Light to medium | Needs long soaking or anchoring | Light to moderate | Terrariums, vivarium canopies, emersed builds |
| Amur spiderwood | Light to medium | Needs long soaking or anchoring | Light to moderate | Fine branching, climbing for small geckos and frogs |
| Yamuna spiderwood | Light to medium | Needs long soaking or anchoring | Light to moderate | Terrarium focal pieces and root-style scapes |
| Grapewood | Light, porous | No | Low | Dry or ventilated terrariums only |
For the whole range, browse our driftwood collection.
Tannins: what they are and whether to worry
Tannins are natural plant compounds that leach out of wood when it is wet. In water they create a tea-coloured tint. In most setups they are harmless, and many keepers deliberately keep tannin-stained "blackwater" tanks because they mimic the soft, acidic rivers that many tropical fish and shrimp come from. Tannins can lower pH slightly, particularly in soft water with low carbonate hardness. In harder tap water, which is common in many parts of Canada, the effect on pH is usually small.
If you want clear water, reduce tannins by:
- Soaking the wood for one to several weeks, changing the water every few days.
- Boiling smaller pieces for an hour or more, repeated as needed.
- Running activated carbon or a resin-based filter media in the aquarium for the first weeks.
In a terrarium, tannins rarely matter. They may stain a water dish or the glass in a paludarium pool.
Driftwood in aquariums
Choose dense wood that sinks. Even "sinking" pieces sometimes float at first because they are dry, so soak until waterlogged or anchor them to a slate base with aquarium-safe silicone or stainless screws. Sit heavy pieces directly on the glass or an egg-crate base before adding gravel, not on top of the substrate, so fish cannot dig under them and cause a collapse.
New driftwood often grows a white or cloudy, jelly-like biofilm in the first weeks underwater. It is harmless, and snails, shrimp and some plecos graze it. It fades as the wood settles. Driftwood is also a great anchor for epiphytic plants such as Java fern, Anubias and Java moss. See how to use moss in a terrarium for moss attachment methods that also work underwater.
Driftwood in terrariums and vivariums
On land, driftwood's job is climbing structure, hides, basking perches and plant mounts. Spiderwood's thin, spreading branches are ideal for small arboreal animals such as crested geckos, red-eyed tree frogs and dart frogs. Dense pieces like mopani make sturdy basking platforms for heavier lizards such as bearded dragons, since they will not wobble or snap.
In humid builds, spiderwoods last reasonably well but will soften slowly, especially where they touch wet soil. Cork lasts longest in constant humidity. Our comparison cork bark vs spiderwood vs driftwood goes into the trade-offs, and how to build a tropical terrarium with cork bark and spiderwood shows both working together.
Driftwood in paludariums
A paludarium combines water and land, and driftwood is often what ties the two together. A common layout uses a large dense root that starts underwater and climbs out of the pool, with spiderwood branches extending the structure above the waterline. Dense wood handles the submerged section, while lighter wood stays dry enough above water to last. For a complete walkthrough, see how to build a paludarium with driftwood.
How to prepare driftwood
- Scrub. Brush off dust, loose bark and sand under running water. No soap.
- Soak or boil. Soak large pieces in a tub, weighted down, for one to two weeks with regular water changes. Boil pieces that fit in a pot. This removes some tannins, helps the wood sink and kills surface organisms.
- Check for soft spots. Press with a thumbnail. Cut away any soft, punky sections.
- Dry for terrarium use. For dry builds, let the wood dry fully before installing.
Full details, including baking small pieces, are in how to clean and prepare wood for a terrarium.
Choosing the right piece
Pick wood for the enclosure first and the look second. Measure the inside height and width, and allow space for lighting, a lid that opens fully and the animal's movement around the piece. In aquariums, check that a root will not block filter intakes or crowd the swimming space. In terrariums, think about where the animal will bask, hide and climb, and make sure branches connect those areas. A single large piece usually looks more natural than several small ones, and it is easier to clean around. If you are building a background as well, see terrarium hardscape design for composition tips.
Can I use wood I collect myself?
Sometimes, with care. Avoid softwoods with heavy sap, such as pine, and aromatic woods like cedar, which are unsuitable for reptiles and amphibians. Never use treated lumber or wood from roadsides that may have been sprayed, and do not collect from parks or protected areas, where removing material is often prohibited. Wood from beaches and lakeshores can carry pollutants and is often soft inside. Bought hardscape is cleaned, dried and predictable, which is why most keepers stick with it for animal enclosures.
FAQ
Why is my driftwood turning the water brown?
The wood is releasing tannins. They are generally harmless. Soaking, boiling, water changes and activated carbon all reduce the colour over time.
Why won't my driftwood sink?
Dry wood is full of air. Soak it until waterlogged, which can take days to weeks, or anchor it to a slate base or rock.
Is the white fuzz on new aquarium driftwood dangerous?
No. It is a common bacterial and fungal biofilm that appears in the first weeks. Snails and shrimp eat it, and it disappears as the wood settles.
Which driftwood is best for a terrarium?
Spiderwoods are popular for branching climbing structure, and mopani works well for heavy-duty basking perches. In very humid builds, combine them with cork bark, which resists rot best.
Does driftwood lower pH?
It can lower pH slightly, mainly in soft water. In harder tap water the change is usually small. Test your water if you keep pH-sensitive species.