Pick solid, heavy pieces — Malaysian driftwood is dense and usually sinks on its own.
Avoid pieces with soft spots, cracks, or mold.
Check size — make sure it fits comfortably in your tank without restricting fish movement.
Rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
Scrub with a stiff brush to remove dirt, bark, and loose debris.
No soap or chemicals — they can harm fish.
Soak the driftwood in a bucket or tub of water for 1–2 weeks.
This releases tannins (which can turn your water tea-colored).
Change the water every few days.
Optional: Boil for 1–2 hours (if the piece fits) to speed up tannin release and kill any pathogens.
Check if the wood sinks completely. If not:
Continue soaking longer, or
Weigh it down temporarily with rocks until it stays down naturally.
Position it securely so fish can’t get trapped underneath.
Combine with plants (like Anubias, Java fern, or moss) — they can be tied to the wood with fishing line or thread.
The wood will help soften water slightly and lower pH over time.
A light white fungus film may appear in the first few weeks — harmless!
Remove manually or let shrimp/snails eat it.
Occasional partial water changes help control tannins.
The wood can last many years if undisturbed.
Pick solid, heavy pieces — Malaysian driftwood is dense and usually sinks on its own.
Avoid pieces with soft spots, cracks, or mold.
Check size — make sure it fits comfortably in your tank without restricting fish movement.
Rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
Scrub with a stiff brush to remove dirt, bark, and loose debris.
No soap or chemicals — they can harm fish.
Soak the driftwood in a bucket or tub of water for 1–2 weeks.
This releases tannins (which can turn your water tea-colored).
Change the water every few days.
Optional: Boil for 1–2 hours (if the piece fits) to speed up tannin release and kill any pathogens.
Check if the wood sinks completely. If not:
Continue soaking longer, or
Weigh it down temporarily with rocks until it stays down naturally.
Position it securely so fish can’t get trapped underneath.
Combine with plants (like Anubias, Java fern, or moss) — they can be tied to the wood with fishing line or thread.
The wood will help soften water slightly and lower pH over time.
A light white fungus film may appear in the first few weeks — harmless!
Remove manually or let shrimp/snails eat it.
Occasional partial water changes help control tannins.
The wood can last many years if undisturbed.
