The Best Way to Prepare Driftwood

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In today's video, I show you how to properly prepare driftwood before putting it in your aquarium. I have now soaked driftwood and boiled driftwood. Boiling is DEFINITELY much better and quicker!

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

What do you think of the tips in this video? If you have any questions feel free to ask me! If this is your first time watching one of my videos and would like to subscribe to see more, click here to subscribe: kzbin.info Check out my other videos here: kzbin.info/door/v1e92KmXSBt5jrej5pB-9Qvideos I appreciate you watching! 👍🏼 #FishOn

[@CJ23taylor-animales]

"I got this wood at my local drift store'' 😂

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

This was my 6th video! 😅😂

[@CJ23taylor-animales]

xD better than my 6th. Great channel thanks!

[@audrawajda7005]

We knew what he meant lol

[@stackemhigh1]

Bloody hell wish I had seen this before...purchased similar large piece of wood for my large tank four months ago and have religously every day since buying it had it soak in a large bucket of boiling tap water and allow it to soak for 24hrs before emptying the brown tannin water..I do this every single groundhog day and the water is STILL dark brown after four months..I will carry out this stove boiling process in next few days and hopefully, just hopefully I can get rid of the dark tannins and get it in my established planted tank! Thank god for you tube..fingers crossed.......

[@cloverconnections]

Beautiful tank and design ... Makes me want to start this hobby...

[@thieutienanh7945]

Uk

[@plantsnthings9140]

What’s stoppin u dude

[@mildredpadilla5734]

That looks beautiful

[@Blazed__Baby420]

Just got a nice piece of driftwood for 2 dollars !! boiling mine right now thanks for the video!! Definitely going to subscribe😊

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Emily Miller Great to hear! Where did you score that?!

[@Blazed__Baby420]

Long Island Fish Guy Hey thanks😊 && a local pet store near me is going out of business sadly-but I did get a few awesome plants and my driftwood! 😊

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Emily Miller Sorry to hear about the pet store! But that’s good for you! 😅

[@Blazed__Baby420]

Long Island Fish Guy 😊😊

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

James Dean Yeahhhhh you DEFINITELY need to boil that!

[@ivanmerinochavez1210]

Hello, in how many days the drifwood its totally soaked and stay at the bottom of the tank

[@minibatman2.016]

I boiled mine for an hour and 3 out of 4 of them are able to sink but ones half floating. I put the 3 that sink into a bucket of cold water and I’m gonna boil the 1 floater for another hour or until it sinks then put it in the bucket. Is this a good strategy or should I boil them even more even though they sink?

[@RichardBoo]

how do u treat the wood for chlorine

[@DaveE99]

can i do this to then make wood chips or make wood pulp or sawdust and then plant seedlings in this stuff as part of a seed starting mix. the problem with sawdust for instance is the tannins etc. seed starting mix also does best when its innert so id likley put wood chips or sawdust through my pressure cooker, im just trying to figure out if this removes enough of it to grow plants from as that would be a decent do it yourself process.

[@TM-ti3md]

how long did you boil it for?

[@skyhigh5442]

It's always good to do this to your driftwood and rocks b4 u getting them in the tank . Let each side boil for about 30 min. Just make sure its boiling up too 190 degrees . N be safe lol dont burn your self lol

[@frankthetank1369]

Water boils at 212. If it's boiling it 212 degrees.

[@nikyfrost968]

How long do I boil it for ??

[@dotesnstuff6332]

Thanks you :3

[@danizg9081]

I bought two mopani wood pieces (very heavy) from petsmart, and I soaked them for two days changing water in between and it still making our water yellow, but I think cause we have a heater in our tank, I will be taking them out and boiling them

[@tcraig44]

how did that go? i just bought some 😊

[@louizelizaga4307]

I’ve boiled mine 3 times already and it’s still turning my tank yellow is that normal

[@sirpfa]

Im boiling and then washing it few times a day for the past 4 days and each time i boil it still gives out colour... What to do? How can i get rid of the colour?

[@paigerachel2840]

Did you figure it out? I'm having this problems at the moment

[@bryconator1021]

What type of wood is that?

[@CivicGang24]

How soon after do you put the driftwood in your tank after you boiled them ? Should we let it sit out for a day or so ?

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

You can put it in right away!

[@herobrineslayer1585]

I made a huge mistake in not boiling my huge piece of driftwood and it’s too late because I have plants growing on it. It’s been almost 3 months and I’m still dealing with a 6.0-6.4 ph constantly and it causes my tank to always be cloudy

[@audrawajda7005]

The hive mind said purigen bags in the filter is the way to go to remove the tannins in the water.

[@ThisIsMyOpinion707]

I have a question, I think boiling it is a great idea, but can it release molds and other bacteria into the air since you're doing it indoors?

[@redciroc1211]

It’s does before it’s released

[@PartnerProAlliance]

Hi- Can I book and store in a box in my garage for a week or two before putting it in my aquarium?

[@jimothyj2638]

What's that big active catfish?

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Jimothy j Hoplo Catfish, seen here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnrVkmidiptnirs

[@manny4547]

I've boiled mine like 5 times still tannis

[@frandegroat7943]

I have boiled it , &changed the water in between each boiling , boiled for 6 hrs.& It's still very dark brown water !is it always this difficult ?

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Fran DeGroat it can take months for these tannins to be released from the wood completely. I’ve actually grown to prefer it! 😁

[@thegiftlady1]

Long Island Fish Guy, Well I searched for a solution til I found one. API CRYSTAL BIO-CHEM ZORB. It is truly MAGIC! There was a visible improvement in 8 hours. In 24 hrs I could see the wall behind the tank but it was a little yellow. In 3 days it was CRYSTAL CLEAR. I bought the size 4, 4 pack and put one folded packet in each of 2 filters, one internal, one HOB. It's been a little over a week since they were placed and my tank is still clear. Some off the wood is a little skummy but the fish and my plecos are helping with that. Had to tell you, in case you decide not to deal with it. Happy fish!

[@russkiebetta]

@@thegiftlady1 is this biological media?

[@jenniferbunker2757]

Can you do this with almond leaves for shrimp?

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

I’ve never tried it before as I have never kept Neocaridina shrimp before. I do know the prefer softer water so I probably would be good for them

[@juanstime172]

So boiling drift wood water logs it ? . Thanks in advance 🙏

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

supercross Aragon Yes!

[@riteshfamily369]

Thank you its helpful great video nd channel ❤️😊👍#riteshcichlidtanks

[@zobius9191]

So I've been letting my driftwood soak in a 5gal bucket, is it normal for a foul smell to be present after 4-6 days?

[@20scousersoldier09]

Have you changed the water? you should change it everyday till it stays clear if you don't the water will turn stagnant and smell foul

[@zobius9191]

@@20scousersoldier09 Ahh okay, I figured to change it after 3-4 days before the smell, but sometimes it happened after and I didn't know if that meant the driftwood was rotting or if there was fungal/bacteria present in the wood. I found a huge pot to boil it all in.

[@20scousersoldier09]

@@zobius9191 boil it for an hour or two that should kill any bacteria and it is the quickest way to remove tannins! you can use salt in the water when you're leaving it to soak that will help deal with any bacteria aswell.

[@20scousersoldier09]

@@zobius9191 also try and add more carbon to your filtration to help combat the tannins once you've added your driftwood it tends to turn your water brown

[@robertdillon9989]

run carbon ! pulls out tannin no need for hundreds of water changes!

[@thegiftlady1]

Robert Dillon Caution with carbon. NG for shrimp and some fish. I used API's ZORB. Magic stuff and Works fast!

[@cmonbroitsme]

What does "run carbon" mean?

[@Ryan-nh6sb]

@@cmonbroitsme put activated carbon in your filter

[@momol3082]

how to collect drift wood? is it just from beach and lake?

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Fish store

[@AngieIsIn]

Is it still necessary to soak it until its clear if there are no fish in the tank or is this just for aestheic purposes? I'm also from LI, which store do you buy these from?

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

IamTheWhiteCrayon Mainly to get the majority of the tannins out. Sometimes wood can leech for months... Glad to see another Long Islander in the comments! 😅 This wood, and most of my wood, comes from Pets Warehouse.

[@AngieIsIn]

@@LongIslandFishGuy awesome I'll check them out. I got my first piece from petco and I'm really not impressed I'd like to find some nicer pieces for my 20g 🤔🧐

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

IamTheWhiteCrayon That Petco wood is mopani. That’s not supposed to be submerged. Long term, you’re gonna get fungus on it and it will cloud the aquarium. It’s “soft” wood.

[@AngieIsIn]

@@LongIslandFishGuy As far as I'm aware they're labeled separately on the tags right? The one I had said driftwood on the tag but I have heard mixed reviews. A friend of mine has had their petco bought wood for years with no issues so maybe its just luck of the draw 🤷🏻‍♀️ I'll keep an eye on it. Right now its in an unstocked 3g so I guess it won't hurt if I got a bad piece. 🙁

[@zx9rrider720]

To bad I cant put my 3-5 foot long sections into boiling water :/

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

zx9rrider I’d suggest soaking it in a big tote or a clean garbage can

[@thegiftlady1]

I boiled my mopani wood about 10 times, I soaked in room temp water for many days (changing it daily). It's still leaching tannins. WAY to much work with no measurable results. Think I'm done with it.

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

thegiftlady1 I wouldn’t recommend using mopani wood. It’s a soft wood and will foul your water over time

[@thegiftlady1]

Long Island Fish Guy tx, but my budget has me looking for affordable tank decor so mopani and discounts/sales is the choice for now. This is a pricey hobby. I requested an Innovative Marine20 NUVO FUSION AQUARIUM for Christmas. 6mm Crystal clear GLASS! I'm pumped just waiting. BTW, I did get rid of the tannins with API's ZORB. Stuff is MAGIC. Within a few days my tank was clear as a bell. Thanks for your guidance. ;-) Joanne

[@ronplucksstrings7112]

...me too...I boiled and made mopani tea I can't remember or count how many times...put it back in the 55g, and within a few days, the water looked like tea again...no more for me either...it's in my aquarium supplies closet collecting dust and available for someone who prefers a tank with natural tannin water colors...but not me! Cheers

[@awaisiqbal8934]

@@ronplucksstrings7112 i dont think that tannis shall harm fishes because it softens the water and lowers its ph a little bit. You may try using charcoal filter which absorbs some chemicals in water. I hope that shall reduce tannis some how

[@ronplucksstrings7112]

@@awaisiqbal8934 ...it's not a question of tannins harming fish (beside the fact that they lower pH, and I don't need that either!)...I know they don't, but few fishkeepers like water which looks like urine (unless you are doing a jungle biotope). As I said, I'm done fartin around with mopani...contact me if you want it...cheap!

[@sumankhadgi931]

Two month before i made driftwood i boiled wood for more than 3 hours after boil wood sinks into the water. i not use this driftwood in aquarium for 3 weeks. now i put it in the aquarium the driftwood not sink in the water how it happen? after some day i again boiled it 45 minutes its sink now. 3 weeks before i put it in cold water bucket after 1 day i see water dirty than i change water daily for 4 to 5 day. now i change the water after 6 days still dirty but less dirty than before. this driftwood is safe for water. whan can i do suggest me?

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Suman Khadgi not sure what kind of wood you are using, but tannins are not dirt. Tannins are actually good for your fish and provide nutrients to them! If your wood is making the water “dirty”, I wouldn’t use that wood. As time goes on and water changes are completed, the tannins in the water will beginning disappearing.

[@thegiftlady1]

You'll have to weight it doen til it absorbs whai it needs. I borrowed a pretty heavy, hollow metal thingy from my husband's shop (stainless I think as it has not corroded or altered my water). I threaded a pipe cleaner thru the hole and tied in around the wood with a pipe clearer, thingy to the back. Pipe cleaners are colorfast. A little moss can cover it to. Took s few weeks. Worked well.

[@stevelafrance32]

How long you boil for?

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Stephen christopher No set time, just until it’s that dark tea color

[@Nostalgiacola]

As mine is boiling in a giant stock pot while I write this 🤣

[@xoeiloveg2587]

Same tbh I have no patience

[@DYS_Productions1323]

Mine too I’m tired of waiting

[@raggiejamel9115]

I boiled my and the water is still brown what can I do help me pleaseeee

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Raggie Jamel Boil it more!

[@flatearthcrypto6991]

wife comes home. wtf kinda dinner is this honey. and why u fuk my pots up. r u going to buy more. oh no u didnt. now u gotta buy the jamie oliver collection. 600 bucks later. hahahahha

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

flatearth crypto Ain’t that the truth! 😂

[@thegiftlady1]

😂. Women do have a way of getting what they want. Use stainless or porcelain pots. They clean ez.

[@mdredwan497]

how long boiled?

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Md Redwan I boiled each of these pieces for about 5 minutes each. Depending on the size of the wood, if cans be more or less. You just want to see that tea color!!!

[@ocrown5937]

For how long did you boil

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Emiliano .Gam4 you want to boil based on the density of the wood... Meaning, the bigger/wider the piece, the longer you want to boil it. I boiled these pieces for about 10 minutes each. Boil until you see that dark tea color.

[@Zodiac178]

I have heard people boiling driftwood for 6 hours!

[@awaisiqbal8934]

@@Zodiac178 Yeah. I have seen some youtuber videos. In my opinion, boiling a bog wood more than 2 hours is over do which may result in loss of some nutrients from wood. Any comments

[@PENFOLD1962]

I've just paid big buck's for a piece of driftwood with a healthy Anubias rooted around it. It's been in my Aquarium for 2 days and my water is really brown like Tea! I can't boil the driftwood because of the Anubias. Any idea's will be very much appreciated. I have tried 50% daily water changes and the tannins don't seem to weaken!

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

I did something similar this summer as an experiment! I had a large piece to a 29 gallon basically untreated. It took FOREVER for the water to be even somewhat non-tea colored. I mean literally months. If you can’t boil it end you don’t want to soak it in a tote or something, then water changes are all that you can do. Just be sure to keep an eye on your pH!

[@stanislavcoros]

But how to clear already yellowish water ?

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Stanislav Coros water changes

[@stanislavcoros]

I bought this product, and will try to put it in filter , but only for 1 day if this helps remove tannin if already happend. Purigen - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWjLh2p8qtaEgs0

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Stanislav Coros using Purigen night throw off your cycle, especially if you don’t want to use it long term.

[@kimkeller8126]

I got my driftwood and my rocks for free from Lake Michigan. (I live a block away)

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

DEFINITELY boil that before putting it into an aquarium

[@kimkeller8126]

@@LongIslandFishGuy yes, I did and they appear to be happy 😊

[@phoenix063071]

Boiling will not remove all the tannins. I been doing this for years...lolol It will help a little but youll never get rid of the tannins. If you want to run a tank with wood, I boiled mine for several hours and in between I emptied the water and boiled for 2 hours each time. So I did this for the whole day. This slows down the leeching of the tannins in your aquarium. If you have south american fish, theyll love these water conditions anyways. After this process your wood will be waterlogged and will stay at the bottom with no rocks to hold it down. Now if you want a great remedy to remove tannins, I would suggest you get 1 liter of purigen on amazon. Split it in half and run 500mg of purigen in h.o.b filter. Purigen has no effect on ph or biological system. and the great thing about purigen, is it can be reused. Don't waste your time on charcoal because once the charcoal is dead, it will leech right back in your water. Hope that helps.

[@SteezLikeButta]

worter

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

SteezLikeButta Welcome to Long Island 😅

[@thefishownergr2922]

Wasting money bruh i git drift wood im boilong it right noe and i got it for free

[@simotylerr534]

Nothing new .. and you've got this piece for 50 bucks lol

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Simo Chernobyl Say WHATTTTT!?

[@orlandosandoval2716]

Ugly ass wood I would never pay 15 bucks for that😂

[@cancel-davis4171]

Just subscribed! Hi from Michigan I've been thinking🤔 HOT WATER TANK! friend? or foe? Normally set at 140* right, is Chlorine still in the water🌊 from🚰 facets? not using cold water! After cooling the hot water. is it safe to use it?

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Hot water is definitely better than cold water! Definitely safe even after cooling!