|
Using Driftwood in Water
Just as you would cure other natural structures before adding them to the water in your aquatic terrarium, it is important to thoroughly soak driftwood prior to placement. This helps saturate the wood, loosen debris caught in the grain, and leach out tannic acids, which would otherwise discolor your water. Tannic acid, while unsightly, won't harm your aquatic terrarium, but it will slightly lower your pH levels.
To avoid discoloring your water, soak your driftwood for as long as possible before placement. Total submersion for 1-2 weeks is recommended, since the tannic acids take that long to completely leach out of the dense wood. Boiling your driftwood in a large stockpot for 1-2 hours prior to soaking may help shorten the required cure time down to 48-72 hours. Only use de-chlorinated or RO water, and scrub the wood with an algae brush to remove excess dirt.
Monitor your soaking driftwood throughout the week, watching as the water darkens, and refresh the soak water every other day or so, until you no longer notice any discoloration for several days in a row. The driftwood is then ready for placement.
If your water discolors even after your patient weeks of soaking, we recommend Purigen to help clarify your water again.
Using Driftwood to create "Black Water"
Some people use the tannic acids in driftwood to naturally lower the pH in their aquatic terrariums, and/or to create the tea-colored "black water." If this is your preference, then only a short soak and scrub is necessary before adding driftwood to the water in your reptile's terrarium.
Using Driftwood on Land
The Mopani Wood is a great structure for your reptile to climb on or hide amongst. Place driftwood in desired location.
| 
 "Zoo Med Mopani Wood")
Exotic Mopani driftwood creates a dramatic two-toned look in your reptile's habitat. Provides a natural way to decorate the terrarium, while offering a place for your pet reptile to climb or hide. Deep, chocolate brown and light, sandy yellow colors and striking shapes and textures are sure to be a focal point in any terrarium. Dense, all-natural driftwood is also an excellent way to anchor plants. Small 6" - 8", Medium 10" - 12", Large 16" - 18".
