THE BASICS OF DRIFTWOOD USE IN AQUARIUMS, REPTILE HABITATS, OR VIVARIUMS
According to the Webster's Dictionary, driftwood is defined as "Wood debris which has been washed up or is floating in a body of fresh or salt water". For aquarium, habitat, and vivarium lovers, it is highly desired, especially when the driftwood is of a rare variety. Driftwood adds a natural, esthetically pleasing touch to these environments.
VARIETIES OF DRIFTWOOD
Although there are several different types of driftwood on the market, the four most common varieties include standard, African, and Malaysian driftwoods, and Savanna or African root. Each variety offers its own unique characteristics.
Standard driftwood is found in any body of water throughout North America, and is often the remnants of branches which fell into the water. These pieces are washed by the water over time, removing all bark, and finally resting upon the shore. Because standard driftwood pieces float, something heavy will have to be attached to it in order to make it sink in an aquarium. In a reptile environment or vivarium you may choose to slightly anchor the pieces to prevent movement as well.
Savanna or African root is the second most commonly found type of driftwood. Like African driftwood, it is also self-sinking. Its appearance is gnarled on one side while smooth on the opposite. It is relatively inexpensive.
African driftwood looks very similar to standard driftwood. The difference between the two is that the African variety is self-sinking, meaning that it will sink to the bottom of an aquarium without any sort of weight or anchoring. The wood also exhibits darker colors and is more intricately patterned, with a ribbed or hollow appearance. True African driftwood is commonly more than a hundred years old and is quite expensive.
Malaysian driftwood is similar to standard and African varieties in appearance. It is also self-sinking. The differences in this variety lie in its elongated branches. It is the driftwood of choice for attaching Java ferns or other plants.
HOW TO PREPARE DRIFTWOOD
Before a piece of natural driftwood can be used in any habitat, it is vitally important to have it thoroughly cleaned. Driftwood can be exposed to disease or infestation from the ground or the shorelines where they are found. Smaller driftwood specimens can be easily cleaned through boiling. Using a large pot, boil the pieces for about 15 minutes in three separate sessions, draining the water between each boiling. Large driftwood specimens can be cleaned using very hot water and a potato scrubber.
It may seem useless to cleanse a natural product for use in a natural habitat. In the wild, native fish and animals are able to stay away from certain fungus, diseases, infestations, and so forth. Likewise, if they were to become exposed, these creatures may be able to fight off the resulting health issues. Finally, the open air of the wilderness and the wide open bodies of water greatly dilute the potency of these infestations. In an aquarium or habitat, creatures are not awarded these environmental benefits, and therefore, are more susceptible to severe illness or death. It is better to be safe than to be sorry, especially when it comes to your prized aquariums, terrariums, reptilian friends, and vivariums. One spore of fungus, one tiny infestation, can destroy all that you have worked so hard to establish!
FINAL WORD
Driftwood can be a beautiful addition to any habitat. However, without careful consideration, proper care, detailed preparation, and precise placement, this seemingly natural decorative can quickly become hazardous. If driftwood is properly prepared it can be a delightful addition, making your aquarium or terrarium look as if a professional designed it!
A longtime aquarium and koi pond owner, Dick Vaughn is the webmaster of [http://canadiandriftwood.com]
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