Top 9+ Best Driftwood for Aquariums (Reviews & Costs)

Anyone who owns an aquarium will surely agree on one thing: driftwood adds an impressive character to the overall look and design of a fish tank. Fortunately, these days, you no longer have to rely on limited shapes, colors, and designs. You have tons of choices! Though that’s where another problem arises – which product should you choose?

This is where our review comes beneficial too. Here, get to know 9 of the best driftwood for aquariums. Don’t worry. They won’t pollute nor discolor your tank!

Driftwood  Introduction

Driftwoods are continuously becoming a sought-after accessory in every homeowner’s aquarium tank. Well, that’s unquestionable. They provide the ability to make comfortable and natural-looking, visually catchy habitat for your snails, fishes, or shrimps. It looks fantastic. But just as not all dresses are fit to your taste and body built, driftwood cannot be used in all aquariums.

Back to the basic…

Aquarium Driftwood: What is it?

The name itself will tell you otherwise. It is a piece of wood generally in the form of ruins, marine vegetation, marine wreckage, and seaweed. Driftwoods have been injured by winds, tides, or waves that have water-washed on a shore, beach, or bank. It is usually weathered–looking, gray, and knotted – which all adds up to its popularity. Aside from giving your aquarium a striking appearance, its other role is to provide fish with a good cover.

Types of Driftwood

There’s a long list of driftwood available that you can purchase. But know the different types of driftwood for aquariums first. Each is as unique as the others when it comes to characteristics and look.

Bonsai: This designer driftwood has a resemblance to the bonsai tree, providing a gorgeous and distinct look with live plants.

Manzanita: This is perceived as the most popular aquarium driftwood today. It comes with a branchy appearance and possesses the most exceptional shapes. Though, the pricier option available.

Spider: This is known for its multifaceted branched look. This type of wood is fast to get waterlogged and only has low tannin count.

Tiger: Resembles the claws or strips of a tiger. It has a thicker branched look and pale appearance.  Mostly ideal for attaching mosses and ferns.

Cholla: Another expensive type of driftwood, but it is worth considering to purchase if you want a cheap long-term investment. It’s available in a hole-like structure.

Rose Wood: Comes with a rare and thick branch. Another entrancing as well as extremely valuable and robust driftwood for your aquarium tank.

Mesquite: It’s a costly yet lovely accessory for the aquarium. It is usually found in very big shapes. Those with small tanks might opt for mesquite as you can break down the branches into small pieces.

Mopani: Another exceptional driftwood that contains a combination of two-tone colors. It also has a high tannin count and lowers the pH.

Malaysian: This is perfectly suited to aquariums with massive space. It is uncommon but could be found in a tiny wood piece.

Ribbon: A recommended option for small aquariums, which gives your tank a river-style design.

A List of the Best Driftwood for Aquariums

So, what are some of the best aquarium driftwoods on the market? Know the pulse of consumers with our top nine products!

1. Marina Decor Driftwood

One positive thing about Marina Decor is that its shape and size both make a fun playground for fishes of any sort. It is mangrove root, hence providing your tank a splayed out shape and brown hue. Make your aquarium tank more natural-looking with this popular driftwood while giving your fish an ideal breeding and hiding spot. It is completely safe to use and won’t danger the health of your little fish.

Pros

• Non-toxic polyresin
• Safe to use
• Secured placement
• Adds appeal to the tank
• Gives a natural and authentic look
• Available in various sizes

Cons

• May product a foul smell especially if not prepared right

2. Fluval Mopani Driftwood

When it comes to high-quality driftwood with an interesting and gorgeous finish, GEOsystem Fluval doesn’t disappoint. It is made from natural wood. However, it is more than just a visual look. The wood also gives you tank a natural look and provides your fish with a secure hideaway. It serves as an anchor for live plants, too—one of the pocket-friendly options out there. Sandblasted finish prevents water pollution.

Pros

• Certified natural hardwood
• Offers a very natural look
• Serves a beautiful, robust hiding spot for tank inhabitants
• Sandblasted finish
• Cost-efficient

Cons

• Not ideal for people who want a massive-sized piece

3. Zilla Reptile Decor Malaysian Driftwood

Perhaps Malaysian driftwood entices you more with its sturdy built and natural-looking appearance? If so, your plants and fish will surely love the Zilla Reptile. It caters to both wet and dry environments. The dark brown wood is natural-looking, plus it is easily sinkable in water and known to be water-resistant. While it is cheaper in price compared to other models, its quality is never compromised.

Pros

• Deep brown color
• Sinks in water naturally
• Varies in size (10-12 inches length)
• Works both in submerged and parched environment
• Good for terrariums and fish tanks
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Can be too small for the average tank reptile

4. Emours Aquarium Driftwood Fish Tank Decoration

If you’re looking for a fun, safe hiding and playing place for your fish, EmoursTM might lure you. It is made of durable, solid, and high-grade wood. Long-lasting both in a waterless and submersed environment. A beauteous, nice centerpiece for freshwater tanks. Available in small, medium, large, and x-large sizes to make it a lot easier finding the right measurement suitable to your aquarium.

Pros

• Good quality, firm
• Has a natural, authentic look
• Comes in different shapes and sizes
• Ideal to both wet and dry environments
• Offers an excellent hiding spot for shrimps and fish

Cons

• Some wood pieces tend to float on the water
• Secure placement is required

5. SunGrow Natural Cholla

Another safe wood highly recommended for freshwater aquariums is the SunGrow Natural Cholla. Also, it is regarded as the best budget option in the market today with its extreme durability (came from the Cholla cactus’ dried husk). Included in the pack are three pieces of wood – five inches long each with a hollow center. This makes the wood perfect for hiding and playing.

Pros

• A dazzling aquarium tank ornamentation
• Safe to use
• Serves as a food source
• An ideal hiding and playing spot for small fishes

Cons

• People who have dwarf shrimp may find the driftwood extremely narrow
• Mold issues

6. Pisces AM-GOLD018 Medium Spiderwood

Gold is beautiful, and we’re talking about Pisces AM-GOLD018! It greatly complements any aquarium tanks, regardless of how small or large they are. The first thing you’ll notice about this wood is its shape and appearance, which we think will suit those who are looking for extremely unique yet beautiful and eye-catching tank decoration. It has low tannin and doesn’t harm the fish or other living inhabitants. Being offered in two sizes: medium and small.

Pros

• Eye-striking ornament
• Natural rare wood
• Good quality
• Has a decent size
• Affordable
• Reptile safe

Cons

• Requires extensive soaking and boiling before use
• Some durability issues

7. My Pet Patrol Organic Aquarium Driftwood

This product is available in a single pack as well as varied sizes to accommodate different aquarium tanks. What makes it special from other driftwood aquariums is its ability to buffer and lower down pH levels. Also, it forms a biofilm to make the tank more stable. While it is ready to use, boiling, or soaking, it may still require (though you should prepare sufficient time doing so)—nevertheless, a good option to consider owning to let your fish enjoy their aquatic life.

Pros

• Adorable tank decoration
• Outstanding quality and functionality
• Safe for use
• Can be customized
• Helps in reducing and buffering pH levels

Cons

• Curing it (soaking or boiling) may take a while

8. Zoo Med Laboratories Mopani Wood

If you own a terrarium and fish tank at the same time, Zoo Med might be what you really need to impress your guests and let your fish swim around with a secured spot. It is a two-toned hardwood with tons of textured details and a smooth surface. It is highly recognized for being the toughest and densest driftwood.

Pros

• Very dense and hard natural wood
• Textured details
• Smooth surface
• Releases a huge amount of tannin
• Designed for fish tanks and terrariums
• Not prone to rot

Cons

• Small size

9. Bonsai Driftwood Aquarium Tree

Lastly, we have Bonsai Aquarium Tree. Another recommended driftwood thanks to its superior quality, robust design, water conditioning, and pH stabilizing effects, and being safe to use. Printed and handcrafted well to ensure your fishes will be comfortable swimming around. It is best suited for turtles and shrimps, aside from fish. Although the price is not within everyone’s budget, the whole appearance and function will prove to you otherwise.

Pros

• Makes an adorable theme
• Easy to install
• Stabilize the environment
• Balance water pH levels
• Easy maintenance
• Chemical-free

Cons

• Quite expensive

Conclusion

Contrary to some beliefs, aquarium driftwood is more than just a random piece of wood you can install on your fish tank and then display. It is also a great source of food and hideout for fish and other living inhabitants. It is a gorgeous ornament that transforms an old, dull tank into homier and more impressive.

Finding the right driftwood for your aquarium doesn’t need to be time-consuming and stressful. Consider the options above, and you’ll surely love them as most consumers do!