Don't Let Driftwood Destroy Your Fish Tank: How to Properly Clean Driftwood for an Aquarium

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If you want more information on what driftwood will do to your water parameters check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4a3dmqXbZqlqLc If you want to know what to do about brown water caused by driftwood check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZeWo3aBd8aso5Y Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics For more cool behind the scenes stuff consider becoming a member! kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel! kzbin.info/door/PEZk1MpOTGiBVh6BtWjlRg

[@Whiteknight0721]

Hi Jason , I have several piece that wer sitting in a old garage that were in a my old tank previously I’ve soak them for a few days empty water every other day wire-brushed them now in the hydrogen pexiode mix 30 gallon tote ) should I be ok with this ? Assuming your method was new driftwood

[@cyngo1080]

Igot driftwood from seashore is it ok...

[@aquaticaesthetics5117]

You do not have to boil imported woods such as Mopani, Malayasian, Spiderwood, Tigerwood, etc. Imported wood is required to be kilned and totally dried before shipping to the US. Boiling however will help remove the tanins and help the wood sink.

[@jennaweber1638]

So you can put Mopani directly into your tank after buying it?

[@danikaflute]

@@jennaweber1638 I mean yes but you’ll have a lottt of tanin

[@879-07hjkmkl]

@@jennaweber1638 tannin can be a good thing if thats the water color you want, it isnt pollution and it makes a nice brown river color, goes good with large cichlids in planted tanks.

[@coletteerescon4508]

Any wood can be a good idea to be cleaned/boiled whether you know where it's been or not, to avoid it getting fungus etc.

[@othelopescasio3603]

My wood didnt sink after 1hr of boiling

[@jessicashou768]

I love that you put captions in the video that tell us what we're seeing in the videos! A lot of times I wonder what kind of fish is in the video or tank size and I never get an answer. This is a much easier way to know!

[@downstairsaquarium6670]

about to add driftwood to my tank for the first time! this video could not have come at a better time!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good luck!

[@kalieka]

How did it go? "-)

[@Mouse-dd7dn]

How is it looking

[@edkruzel]

For those in the NE, anywhere you find coal or slate where white birch grows, you'll find toppled trees with the root systems nearly petrified. Used as driftwood, is beautiful and sinks.

[@KarAashika]

Finally! Someone who actually tells what to do

[@renato2354]

Wife: Hey, why is my favorite pot brown? Me: Oh, um... I made chocolate pudding

[@DarrylMcCullough]

😂😂😂

[@lilianubia3648]

This video appeared right when I needed it, I just bought some driftwood and was about to prepare it for the aquarium, thanks!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@FrederickDunn]

All outstanding advice, thank you so much! I have access to lots of beachfront driftwood and was wondering how feasible it is to use it for aquaria. You've answered all of my questions here :)

[@Kyle_Hubbard]

A, it's Frederick. Love the videos and the really informational bee videos.

[@1SillyTilly]

Holy blueberries! What crossover episode is this with my two favorite podcasters?! Did not expect to see my favorite bee expert over here!

[@asier2001]

I love tanins' efect in water, it gives to the acuarium a natural view

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Me too. And besides, after a couple of years in the aquarium a lot of the tanin has disappeared.

[@joen714]

Same here plus the tannins can be very beneficial

[@saltycat662]

Me too. Makes the fish look like they're in a natural environment.

[@kaquarium7888]

This video was entirely refreshing Jason! You thoroughly covered the topic in a scientifically correct manner, and I don't typically say that lightly. Thank you for the enjoyable and factually-sound coverage of this topic. I've been using many of these methods over the years, and my only wish is for a much more concentrated solution of hydrogen peroxide to be available (having worked with the stuff myself, I know why it isn't, but it sure would be convenient). Since the stuff in the bottles sold OTC is only 3%, I've gotten quite a few strange looks when buying enough to soak some driftwood!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@edjdj2330]

How much hydrogen peroxide should I put? What should be the ratio to the water? Thanks!

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Hello Jason, great topic!! I remember when I first started setting up these aquariums that was one of the things that I searched for were videos like this! This is great and is going to help so many people including myself! Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a wonderful day! 🙏🌿🐟🌿💚

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You have a great advantage being surrounding by it. Haha

[@akira3871]

If your wood is turning your water brown you can always throw some activated carbon in your filter. It'll remove the tanins in a few hours.

[@dotslashsatan]

How do you get active carbon? Is it expensive / easy to make?

[@ushakirantonjam2827]

@@dotslashsatan btw don't make activated carbon urself pls buy it

[@hexagod1313]

​@@dotslashsatan It's about $10 and you can buy it from a fish/pet store or from the internet

[@jawjagrrl]

So glad I found this. I've got really BIG pieces for a pair of 75s and I like the peroxide idea way better than other methods I had seen used like salt. Being freshwater only here, I wouldn't have a good way to be sure I has soaked all the salt back out.

[@kirstenpatel]

The salt shouldn't be an issue if its proper aquarium salt, or iodine free salt like sea salt. I add aquarium salt to my fresh water tank to help with electrolytes and to buffer the PH.

[@calibuttafly]

Hi, I just purchased a big piece of Grape wood driftwood for my freshwater tank. I have been soaking it for 24 hours now. I poured out the cold water and poured hot water over it again. It's now soaking for another 24 hours. I have a bin that it's in. Can I run boiling hot water over it in the bin and let it soak for 20 mins or so then repeat to speed the process so that I'm not waiting a week to put it in? I'm attaching plants to it as well. The peroxide step...What's the ratio? I'm soaking in a 5 gal bucket. Need to know how many bottles to get. I'm actually out of peroxide lol. Also, it's slimy. Do you now what can cause that? Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for an awesome vid!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can use the boiling water method. The slime is normal - just either bacteria or fungus coating the wood when it is new. Since there are no fish too worry about in the bucket you can dump a half bottle in there without having to worry about anything.

[@SassyHippo]

This video was perfectly timed! Thank you so much. I’ve had problems with wood before but I want to try again with quality pieces.

[@ljgizzle]

I live by the beach and found some great driftwood and empty shells. They were small, manageable, pieces for my tank, so I boiled them for several hours (with water changes) over a few days (not constantly!). No issues with it after a month or so, my corys love nibbling it and other fish love darting through it! There's no mould, my water is clear with a tannin glaze and it worked a treat!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You are lucky!

[@ljgizzle]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Lucky because I'm putting the fish at risk or because I can get the pieces for free? Now I'm worried haha

[@dennisvanopstal7360]

I have seen a lot of videos of you in the last few weeks. And i agreed with all of it. Learned a few new things along the ride. But this is the first No for me. You dont need to boil wood. In fact, its can even be detrimental for the woodfibers causing it to rot faster. Especially with thinner pieces and softer woods. Presoaking it is enough, and if you are worried about pests, just add vinigar to the water. Or liquid Co2 (glutaraldehyde) This will decontamimate everything. And the wood will definitely last a lifetime. Much cheaper as having the stove on for hours also. As for the tannins before someone asks. Just filter over carbon to remove it.

[@redbull8536]

Depending on your stocking, tanins can be very benificial for some fish. But i personally soak it for weeks, smaller peices i will boil

[@katm8122]

I recenly started my first thank with river rock, spiderwood and a few teeny plants. Used Seachem Prime and Stability as directed. Tested the water and it is not showing ammonia, nitrites and very little nitrates. I then added some Easy Green fertilizer. I am starting to see some fuzzy white growth on the driftwood like you mentioned. Is that a good thing? Does that mean the tank is starting to cycle?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yep - you may be able to add a few small fish!

[@estherchi340]

I need to do the hydrogen peroxide soak method with "hydrogen peroxide 3%" solution that I buys from pharmacy. Do I spray it on? If so, spray it and leave it on for how long? or buy dozens of "hydrogen peroxide 3%" 32 fl oz bottles to fully submerge the driftwood in a 10 gallon plastic tote? Or can I dilute the "hydrogen peroxide 3%" in the plastic tote? If dilution of the ""hydrogen peroxide 3%" in water is what you meant can be done, what should the dilution ratio be? Thank you so much for your wonderful videos!!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would spray it

[@awesomeTai]

Thanks so much for posting!!! I got my kids (me) a fish tank for Christmas and I’m setting up my first community/aquascaped tank. Would love a natural looking tank but the cost for attractive wood pieces at my LFS are..quite a bit lol so I’m trying to set this up the most cost effective way. Super informative video!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Have fun!

[@LMatRC]

I know this is old but Have you considered trying to look for it? I found many good pieces of driftwood in a river.

[@adamworley196]

Big stock pots at flea markets or yard sales. Get one. It's cheap, reusable, and keeps you safe from using 'just a pot' for your aquarium needs. I'm lucky, and my wife told me not to use her 'good' pots before I made what I assume, ASSUME, was a very unsafe decision. 😁👍 Cool vid man! Very informative!

[@Simon-rx7sv]

I boil mine then change the water and boil again then simmer for a few hours, then I change the water again and I leave it soaking it in de-chlorinated water for it to become water logged, my thinking is my tank is de-chlorinated and a water logged log with chlorinated water might not be good for the tank? just my thinking I don't know if my way is the best way or not, would be good to hear some thoughts on it as we are all aiming to do the best for our fish

[@amymandeville8342]

Thank you for this video! My sons gave me some beautiful driftwood pieces for Christmas and now I know how to prep them properly.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Have fun!

[@amymandeville8342]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks, will do!

[@LMatRC]

Thanks! I collected a few pieces of drift wood in a river now I know how to clean it!

[@bethanycirota1099]

Hi, Jason! Thank you for all of the helpful content. I just recently added a very large piece of driftwood to my 75 gallon tank and I’m having a lot of trouble with my Corydoras. I wasn’t able to nil the wood, but I didn’t know that I could use hydrogen peroxide, either. Do you think I should remove the wood now and soak it in hydrogen peroxide? I’m actually treating the tank with Maracyn and ParaClense. Would the meds get rid of anything harmful on the wood? Thanks so much in advance. I really appreciate your channel.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great question - my guess is the meds will do a better job of killing microbes/parasites on the wood than in the fish just because the microbes don't have a body to inside of to escape the medicine.

[@bethanycirota1099]

Great! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question!

[@Stargazer3131]

Just over a week ago I bought a large piece of driftwood for my setup, got it cut into slightly smaller pieces and since then I have been soaking them in a Extra-large tote box from IKEA. Allot of the tannins have been leaching out which is good, I change the water daily(hot) and leave for 24hours. [Because of this video I ordered the Hydrogen Peroxide from Amazon and it came today. I have now dosed my driftwood with the solution and I think I will leave it for 48hours before another water change.] The wood is looking more water logged, the smaller pieces are 90% underwater, so they'll sink soon, and the larger pieces I think will take a bit longer. Just wondering how long do you think I should keep soaking my driftwood?(other than once it sinks/the tannins are mostly gone).

[@lacrosseguy108]

i have a piece of mopani woodin a tank with a nerite snail. when it started to grow the white foggy algae all over it, my nerite made it look like a brand new piece lol. nerites are pretty awesome for cleaning from what ive seen so far. highly reccomend them!

[@PhotokidDeb]

Just over 2 years ago I added a driftwood tree to my 30 gal tank. Mainly had tetras, angel fish, black skirts, mollies. Have really plants and moses balls in the tree. Two weeks ago I inherited (My niece is moving) a 5 inch common pleco, a snake fish (I think, maybe rope? fast little guy. hides all the time) and 2 zebras. Couple of questions; Do driftwoods need to be removed over time? I think some of that tannin coloring is happening again. Could the Pleco eating it cause that, even after years of be submerged? I have syphoned out broken sticks since he has been in there too. Thanks... Just found and LOVE your channel

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The wood will break down over time. I usually don’t remove it, but will remove the pieces that break off. I don’t think the pleco is causing the issue - at least ours have never caused that to happen.

[@cw9306]

I know this is an older video, but I am trying to find an answer! I soaked my Spiderwood pieces for my new tank, for several days (putting in new hot water multiple times a day) to release tannins. I am currently doing a fishless cycle, and I did see the white film on the driftwood a couple days into the cycle. Now almost a week and half in I am seeing my parts of my drift wood turn black? Not like it is darker because it is wet, because it has been wet, but almost like it is rotting. Those pieces however aren’t mushy and the black doesn’t scrap away. In these same areas the parts that aren’t black are very light and have almost a “broken branch”/sunken appearance. Like they have been broken or eaten away into the inner part of the driftwood? Should I be concerned about this and remove it from my new tank? Thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think I’ve seen that too. I didn’t worry much about it.

[@cw9306]

@ thank you!

[@hmprobob]

My local fish store was running low so dude sold me a piece out of one of his tanks 😎 a G

[@fxr120]

Really helpful video. In the process of redoing my tank right now with sand bottom and driftwood. I have a question about live plants if you could shed some light on it for me please. First time every having live plants, my tank was always crystal clear, i put live plants in and the water got green and merky, done about 50% water change and made it better but was still merky. Is that normal?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Could be too much fertilizer and green water as a result?

[@fxr120]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Haven't used any fertilizer at all. Just put the plants in and the water turned like it did

[@raven69600]

I’m glad I found this channel! I’ve been trying to detoxify two huge pieces of decorative driftwood I used in my iguana enclosure. I thought scrubbing it would be enough since it had been sitting in the sun for a year. Big mistake! I nearly killed all my fish! The ammonia and other water parameters went off the charts. Since then I have been soaking the wood in my 150 gallon out back, I’ve done this for the past month while changing the water every week and testing the parameters. I’ve noticed everything but the ammonia levels have returned to normal, the ammonia is slowly getting lower but it’s getting expensive dumping 100 gallons of water every week!

[@rustyshackleford6819]

I've always been told that once a tank or decoration has been used in a reptile enclosure it can never be used for fish again because of something toxic in their feces.

[@gabriellaolguin4614]

Thank you for this video! It was very helpful. Setting up a new tank for my betta with driftwood🐠❤

[@CaptainHero10]

@prime time aquatics Hello. Big fan here. I recently bought mopani wood from fluval. Do you think it's safe to just put it in the tank as is? Or should I steriliz it first?? What do you recommend?? If it helps, some info about my tank. 10 gallon. 1 betta. 1 sword plant. 1 java fern. Thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We usually try to boil ours when possible.

[@CaptainHero10]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you so much for the prompt response. Another question. Recently bought seachem flourish for my sword plant. I read root tabs shouldn't be planted in inert substrate. I have gravel. What's your opinion?

[@babyfishbreeder]

I soak my large pieces of driftwood in old bathtubs. When we got our house renovated, I asked my parents to let me keep the replaced bathtubs for pet purposes.

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

I collect driftwood around the US and Mexico, a hobby i developed during my desert hikes. I find beautiful pieces of ancient driftwood, extremely dense and heavy. I don't have to worry about pathogens since this wood has been in the desert sun forever. I do have to worry about tannins and wood types that have natural defenses (poisons) to prevent insect attacks which is not uncommon with desert woods. An example is iron wood. I have not been able to buy or find other woods that are as beautiful as sun bleached ancient desert hardwood pieces. Sorry for the long story but I love aquascaping with this wood

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

That is cool!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That really is cool!

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

@@user-ik5gf5xs1z I have 1400 gallons of aquariums so I use most of it. Now I am using smaller pieces to grow anubias plants on. I have thought about hiring some kids in Mexico to collect for me but have not gone that far yet. My brother collects it too and sells it, he is in Arizona, but only deals with the huge pieces

[@michelletoni3067]

Great video, I bet your a great College teacher, You explain things so well.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@avo089]

I didn’t do enough research and put my large piece of driftwood weighed down by some stones on the first day I bought it. It’s been about a month and a half and the biofilm still hasn’t disappeared. Both of my goldfish actually ate it and one of them developed some fungus on its body. While they are both alive, how do you think I can get rid of the biofilm for good? I’m also seeing brown appear on the wood and when I check on my HOB filter, it is just covered with brown stringy bits.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can often siphon the bioflim off with a gravel vac or scrape it off and suck it out with the siphon.

[@kirkscobey3031]

I take a gallon of vinegar and box of baking soda.. coat everything with baking soda and pour on vinegar.. it boils up nicely removing debris aggressively. Then I soak it in water s couple days rinse repeat and done. I let it dry off awhile before adding it to tank

[@makiarn777]

Thank you I may try this method

[@879-07hjkmkl]

If it doesnt leak tannins (and wont float) and is too big to boil, wash it clean and keep it in somewhere dry for days and days. You should be fine, thats what ive done for years and nothing bad has ever happened.

[@tahahussain1481]

Hi, i got some questions please

[@jodyrudd1831]

I had a load of driftwood sitting in my lean too for about 4 months. I'm just gonna wash it with hot water and hydrogen peroxide I think.

[@janicelange8987]

Great video, Love my Tannins, Love my biofilm. Both have great benefits. Love from Wisconsin.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I like them too. :-)

[@hvhjvfgjknj]

are there any specific tree out there to make drift wood or can i go out to my creeks and canals and just pick any and throw it in my tank ... and also what's the difference from store drift wood from the one u find in the creeks

[@StaticRay11]

What kind of pleco was that with the long fins, was beautiful.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Those are long fin blue eye albino bristlenose!

[@rogerhuggettjr.7675]

I've been fighting to get a large roundish piece of driftwood to sink. I've had it for 2 weeks in a 5-gallon green Menard's pail that is just narrow enough to wedge it down, but it still won't stay on it's own. It's home will be a 55-gallon goldfish aquarium and my Minneapolis city water is relatively soft. Is the ph dropping effect of driftwood a problem? I've heard conflicting information.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For soft water the driftwood can lower pH. You could always glue the wood to a rock?

[@joshkramer394]

It was great meeting you at Aquashella!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It was great meeting you!

[@craighalstead680]

​@Prime Time Aquatics how much of what percentage H2O2 are you using per gallon of water to make your 3-5% solution? I have tried to figure out a way to calculate this but haven't yet to find a definitive answer. If you have an equation to calculate that would be helpful! Thank you in advance! I'm planning to try collecting some wood in the future do you know if there is a few specific species that are safe?

[@seanangowski7202]

Awesome video thank you for the tips very helpful finally a legit video with good information

[@shawnnoh899]

When I have driftwood too large to boil on the stove top, I put it in a tote and boild several large pots of water on the stove, then I pour those into the tote with my wood. I will keep boiling more water and adding it into the tote until it is almost full.. I kno this isn't the same as boiling it for at least 20 mins, but I feel that it is better than just soaking in room temperature or hot tap water. It takes awhile to boil enough water to nearly fill the tote, so by the time this is accomplished, the wood has been soaking long enough, and is usually ready to rinse and add to my tank! Hope this suggestion helps someone who finds themselves with driftwood too large to boil normally!👍

[@richardness3537]

Very helpful intructions. Thankyou. I really would like a reply to a queatiin about the fish shown in this video. Could you tell me what the orange/yellow fish at 3min50sec in this video is as well as the pink/whiteish fish at 4min10sec is. I am looking to set up a 4'x2.5'x2' tank and was taken by these.

[@lynnberg7812]

I live in New Mexico and have lots of mesquite, is that wood safe for aquariums if harvested, cured and cleaned well?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I’m not sure - I don’t recall ever seeing it in an aquarium?

[@lynnberg7812]

Thank you, you are so good to always reply. I won't take any chances.

[@dezmanforjesus]

Do you soak the driftwood and 100% of 3% hydrogen peroxide? Or a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water? I have a 4 ft long piece of driftwood to soak. Thank you

[@catfishcave379]

For soft woods that tend to disintegrate I use a toothbrush. For something like my 30 yr old grape root or Mopani root wood, I use dynamite-er-wire brush to clean it. Everything gets boiled when I acquire it. Don’t clean the white film/fuzz that grows on the wood once it is in the aquarium. Otocinclus and other brown-algae eaters love it! Other plecos usually eat it as well. I would guess shrimp would like it too.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great points!

[@mrmorales408]

Do you ever sand your wood? I bought mopani cholla and spiderwood and I have a small group of 3/4" pygmy cory fish. Worried about sharp edges 😕

[@catfishcave379]

@@mrmorales408 If you see long spear-like points, you can sand them down, otherwise, for normal bumps or rough cholla wood, I just leave it alone. I worry about lava rock in a tank with fast fish who are always moving, but have no worries with small things like shrimp.

[@pipex4257]

Very informational video! thanks

[@moraisins]

Such a helpful video Jason!! 🙏❤️ Can I ask how you do your peroxide solution for the larger pieces? How many parts peroxide to water for soaking?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For the larger pieces I usually just soak them in a tote. You could easily add a bottle in a large tote.

[@moraisins]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics oh! Like soak it directly in hyrogen peroxide! Wow, ok thanks. Didnt realize we could use that much!

[@rhondazeiders1259]

Just wanted to know if driftwood is boiled dose it still provide benefits for fish health kinda a newbie any info would be great!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Not really - it will lose the tannins which have antimicrobial properties. However, boiling also reduces the likelihood of bringing pathogens into the tank.

[@rathishm9120]

Hi, will sudden change in ph by introducing driftwood in my established tank cause any issues to the fish? Reply please, informative content btw!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Depends on how much, but it could have an impact.

[@rathishm9120]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics it's decreasing from 8.8 to 8. Will that be a problem if I introduce them? Or what should I do to safely introduce them? Suggest me please🙏

[@DeniseSlack]

I’ve got some dried/dead apple wood.it is from a branch that broke 3 winters ago so it never touched the ground, and all bark has fallen off....I cut a few pieces off and I’m currently soaking in water to remove tannins...they are too large (3-4 ft) to boil. What else do I need to do to ensure they are safe?

[@Andyyy444]

I have a question. I have had driftwood in my tank for about a year now and I boiled the wood and it sinks and it’s all set except it still releases crazy amounts on tannins. Is there a way to fix this or do you have any other suggestions for decor?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It will become less pronounced with every water change. Other than boiling there’s not much else.

[@agbro9329]

I cut down a live guava tree and got some nice pieces. How to process them. Will boiling multiple times work?

[@Kaikoura26]

Would you consider sun baking? My current driftwood project has been sitting in the hot sun for about a week now. It's been 95-102 degrees. Thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That certainly helps!

[@jbravo7505]

Great info , I always boil the wood so my PLECOS can easily chew on it , and I have a piece in my soft shell turtle tank and he always bites on it ,, I don’t know why but he does it a few times a day Keep up the good info videos 👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Turtles can be so funny sometimes. You have to wonder what they are thinking about!

[@foxever101]

Hi! Does this method work with saltwater ocean driftwood for freshwater tanks? Also would this work with ocean coral/shells or rocks?

[@willymariani6010]

Do you suggest using oleander wood for a cichlid tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven’t used it?

[@Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

Just what I needed to know after buying a sweet-looking piece of spiderwood. Thank you! Was so excited to put it in my tank but I have it in the peroxide-water soak instead and it's floating around in the tote. I was able to boil the tannins out of some of it but all the crazy squiggly things wouldn't fit in the pot :)

[@lauradahlus]

Hi , Thanks for the video. What if I am using a driftwood from the beach (saltwater) to put in my freshwater tank. I just poured hot water over it three times as it's quite big.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hard to say. While many pathogens that inhabit saltwater have a tough time surviving in freshwater, there’s still risk unless the piece had been thoroughly sun dried and then boiled.

[@RaceSmokie]

All in all, there are only benefits from adding driftwood?

[@juanname5599]

Hey I found some red cedar wood on the beach that is very old and bleached. It’s a very thin piece that is full on tiny branches. Would you say that’s safe ? It has the red cedar interior color and smell but it’s dried out so I’m not entirely sure about it

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven’t heard anyone put that in their tank?

[@Goldengatevideo]

Im a driftwood newbie so this video has great information! One thing im wondering - can i use drift collected from the shore of my local river using the hydrogen peroxide method? I think the piece id use would be too big to boil.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Use the hydrogen peroxide along with thorough drying! Have fun!

[@rusticways]

After boiling/soaking driftwood, is it okay to put it in my new tank just before I start cycling it or should I cycle the tank before adding the wood? Thank you.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would add it after boiling.

[@rusticways]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you! I meant to ask: add the boiled wood before or after the initial cycling of the tank. Does it matter to the cycling process?

[@jessiecooper8532]

2:40 the most important advice in this video 😂

[@emihayashi7725]

Is tannen from backyard trees are safe in a nano tank if boiled? Same for backyard pine cones? Some say yes, some say no. I'd like to grow java moss on a pinecone or two.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I don’t take a chance because of the sap associated with most common trees.

[@whanethewhip]

I bought a nice looking relatively small piece of driftwood from petco and have been soaking it 24/7 in a bin. I change the water every day. Every video I've seen says it may take weeks but 6 months later... it is STILL leaking tannins. I may have to pass it on to a relative to continue this process in case I die before the tannins are gone.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Or embrace the tannins. 😀

[@benitouchiha]

Is galapos driftwood safe? Saw a lot of mixed reviews and ppl used for terrains and aquarium for fish.

[@BENfromSUNDIAL]

Have I ruined everything by not realizing how important the microbe thing is? I just put my small wood in, and my big wood is too big to boil. I've had different types of driftwood from Amazon soaking together for months while not getting my tank setup done. Now I've put a couple pieces in two different tanks with seeds nicely growing and already added water to one, hoping the plants and Stability will make it betta-safe soon. Should I remove it to boil? Have I contaminated my substrate and plants and everything with harmful microbes now?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Probably haven't ruined anything. You can add the betta and see how everything does.

[@everfreeeeee]

I just brought a 473mL food grade 12% hydrogen peroxide. How many should i put if the wood is in a 5 gallon bucket and its full of hot tap water? Also i already put the wood in that bucket with full water , change water everyday but stil make the water becomes yellow. The yellow is lighter then the first time but after 1 week of water change still.some colour...i wonder should i put it in fish tank or need to keep this cycle till i see clean water.Pls advise. Thx

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Just depends on how much you don’t like the water changing color? I don’t mind tannins so our wood goes right in the tank after boiling. As for H2O2. You could probably add half the bottle. Leave it over night and then soak it in water for a day.

[@littlepinkdot2916]

What about wood I found? I chopped a Birch tree down last fall that was too close to the foundation of my house. It's been sitting in my backyard all winter. I chopped some nice pieces yesterday. Some of it still looked a bit green. I boiled the hell out of it, tannins turned the water dark. I stripped off all the bark after. Now I'm assuming I dry it out now?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, definitely dry it out

[@markhunter2244]

Great advice, I’m afraid it’s came a bit to late though. I’ve already got into trouble a while back for using a cooking pot for boiling the driftwood 😳🤓

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Well, at least now you have the "driftwood pot". Haha

[@makiarn777]

Nice excuse for your partner to request a new set of pots! Lol!

[@annalee7403]

If you need that type of relationship advice, you've got bigger problems.

[@markhunter2244]

Yip 🤪

[@markhunter2244]

@@annalee7403 to true, I’ve absolutely no common sense 😳

[@bradleybraaf8231]

Can pool acid be used to clean big pieces of driftwood? Also, can I use a dried guava tree stump from the garden as driftwood for my tank?

[@davidrix804]

Thats was a fantastic video very informative thank you.

[@Thiriously]

I was getting frustrated with a medium-sized driftwood. I have two, one smaller, sank easily within the first day. The second larger, however, is not. It is going on day three of soaking. I've been using our sink with as hot of water as it can produce. A little sad to hear it can take a week but it's good to be comforted.

[@jake032597]

I have a piece of driftwood that has been sitting on the porch, in the sun/rain for about 4 years. I have already introduced it to my tank, with my mystery snails. I did nothing to the wood. Any thoughts on how this will turn out?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

All depends if the wood was exposed to any animal waste or spore-forming microbes during that time. Might be ok though.

[@Agentshadowolf]

I dont have any big pots for the driftwood I ordered so I will just have to soak mine in a container, how much of that peroxide should I use and how long do I need to soak the driftwood with it?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can soak the driftwood in it to allow the tannins to release if you want. H202 breaks down pretty fast into water and oxygen gas. At 10% solution works fine.

[@martyborst5645]

Greetings Jason and Joanna.(Did I spell your name correctly Joanna?) I have had so many questions around driftwood. I think it might look good in my 150 gallon discus tank. This video was timely. By the way that orange Severum is strikingly beautiful. Sincerely, Marty Borst.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You spelled it correctly! Haha - Driftwood would look very cool.

[@makiarn777]

Yes that Severum is magnificent!

[@wesstaff2493]

If I'm doing the hydrogen peroxide soak method......do you soak it with hot water or just room temp water?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great question - room temp. Hot water will make the H2O2 break down faster!

[@stephanieguyot]

How did you know I needed this info right now?!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I used the Force! Haha

[@makiarn777]

Dang! I did it all wrong! Hope it will be ok! Been in my tank for weeks! But now I know what to do with my other pieces for my 125 gallon!

[@salvolondon]

Just subscribed , I love aquarium you tube channels . It relaxes me to listen to these videos while I watch my fish in my tanks . Can you make a video on tubifex and if in your experience they are a good fosh food ? I’ve given my first live tubifex to my fish today and by reading some articles I’m getting worried I made a mistake . I bought it from a reputable fish store so I guess it should be disease free

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for being here! I will add it to my list!

[@salvolondon]

Prime Time Aquatics gonna buy my fist driftwood ever for my female bettas tank . I wanna watch this video very careful as I wanna be sure I won’t make a mistake to buy it .

[@Sirtuner]

I have a root structure from a juniper that has been soaking for over a year in my outdoor pond. Would love to boil it but too large. Thoughts on using a strong potassium permanganate soak to steralize it?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I'm not sure how or if that would absorb into the wood? I'd go the H2O2 route if it were mine.

[@Sirtuner]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Further research indicated that PP in used much like chlorine in water treatment and to clean up wells. It would absorb into the wood just like the H2O2.

[@kirkscobey3031]

Lowes sell flagstones fairly cheap and large! What’s your thoughts on flagstones? Are they safe ? I had something I thought was flagstone but it eventually sloughed off and turned everything to mud.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We use flagstone in many of our African Cichlid tanks. It will sometimes increase pH in water that has a low KH and pH, but for us it does not alter water chemistry.

[@reboot530]

Hello. I have a 125 gallon tank. I am going to get African Cichlids for my tank but waiting for my tank stand to get finished. I have albino brissle nose Plecos. IS driftwood good for them?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If your KH is high the driftwood probably won't alter water parameters very much.

[@MridulSinghMusic]

Great topic! I for one like the tannins in the water, so I only waterlog the driftwood.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I like the tannins as well.

[@amx1820]

Last week I collect driftwood for my oscar tank and I have no idea what tree it is:)) its still in the process of sun dried & peeling off the bark bits by bits. Thanks for the video, perfect timing

[@dennisvanopstal7360]

As long as isnt Pine wood it will be fine.

[@emihayashi7725]

@@dennisvanopstal7360 Is pine toxic to fish?

[@dennisvanopstal7360]

@@emihayashi7725 not exactly toxic. But it contains loads of resin. This makes the water dirty and it stinks. You can only use it when its really old and 100% dried out. Or mechanicly treated. Just avoid any conifer/pine when you collect yourself.

[@emihayashi7725]

@@dennisvanopstal7360 Chilean Mesquite tree, manzanita, Eucalyptus, orange, lemon, tangerine, persimmon, juniper tree, bamboo branches are my backyard choices

[@BenOchart]

Thanks Jason.

[@FRamirez1A]

Can i just use vinegar for large pieces? Thanks!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hydrogen Peroxide might be better because it will eventually break down in water.

[@DianSonyaPrasetya]

Do you have a solution if the wood is very large? I can't cut in small pieces because it will remove the asthetics

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You could soak it in a tote or large rubber garbage can (that has never been used).

[@laurieloverde466]

I have a new 55-gallon tank that I am letting sit for a month before I add any fish or plants. I put untreaded store bought driftwood in the tank so it will soak a month. Do I still need to treat the wood?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

A this point I would just leave it in the tank.

[@laurieloverde466]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I am new to fish aquariums and have been binge watching your videos. I have leaned so much. thank you!!!

[@RampartPh]

I've soaked a driftwood -to- be for about a month now and it's already water logged and I've already skinned it. Do I have to boil it still?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It can help reduce the likelihood of parasites entering the tank in the wood.

[@johnwood738]

Hello drift wood I’m John wood. LFS are asking for more of my super reds,said they look better hold up better for the little time they have them on the floor then what they have can get shipped in.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They can be a huge source of profit for sure!

[@morgantough]

thank you so much , for this video . I was gifted a store bought drift wood and I was unsure what to do and scared to put it in my tank.