Using Driftwood in Your Aquarium, Reptile Habitat, Or Vivarium

Using Driftwood in Your Aquarium, Reptile Habitat, Or Vivarium

THE BASICS OF DRIFTWOOD expend IN AQUARIUMS, REPTILE HABITATS, OR VIVARIUMS

According to the Webster's Dictionary, driftwood is defined as "Wood debris which has been washed up or is floating in a body of recent or salt water". For aquarium, habitat, and vivarium lovers, it is highly desired, especially when the driftwood is of a rare variety. Driftwood adds a natural, esthetically lovely touch to these environments.

VARIETIES OF DRIFTWOOD

Although there are several different types of driftwood on the market, the four most celebrated varieties include standard, African, and Malaysian driftwoods, and Savanna or African root. Each variety offers its gain unusual characteristics.

Standard driftwood is found in any body of water throughout North America, and is often the remnants of branches which fell into the water. These pieces are washed by the water over time, removing all bark, and finally resting upon the shore. Because standard driftwood pieces float, something heavy will have to be attached to it in order to develop it sink in an aquarium. In a reptile environment or vivarium you may decide to slightly anchor the pieces to prevent movement as well.

Savanna or African root is the second most commonly found type of driftwood. Like African driftwood, it is also self-sinking. Its appearance is gnarled on one side while peaceful on the opposite. It is relatively inexpensive.

African driftwood looks very similar to standard driftwood. The dissimilarity between the two is that the African variety is self-sinking, meaning that it will sink to the bottom of an aquarium without any sort of weight or anchoring. The wood also exhibits darker colors and is more intricately patterned, with a ribbed or hollow appearance. honest African driftwood is commonly more than a hundred years former and is quite expensive.

Malaysian driftwood is similar to standard and African varieties in appearance. It is also self-sinking. The differences in this variety lie in its elongated branches. It is the driftwood of choice for attaching Java ferns or other plants.

HOW TO PREPARE DRIFTWOOD

Before a portion of natural driftwood can be former in any habitat, it is vitally distinguished to have it thoroughly cleaned. Driftwood can be exposed to disease or infestation from the ground or the shorelines where they are found. Smaller driftwood specimens can be easily cleaned through boiling. Using a tremendous pot, boil the pieces for about 15 minutes in three separate sessions, draining the water between each boiling. ample driftwood specimens can be cleaned using very hot water and a potato scrubber.

It may seem useless to cleanse a natural product for spend in a natural habitat. In the wild, native fish and animals are able to quit away from distinct fungus, diseases, infestations, and so forth. Likewise, if they were to become exposed, these creatures may be able to fight off the resulting health issues. Finally, the launch air of the wilderness and the wide launch bodies of water greatly dilute the potency of these infestations. In an aquarium or habitat, creatures are not awarded these environmental benefits, and therefore, are more susceptible to severe illness or death. It is better to be capable than to be sorry, especially when it comes to your prized aquariums, terrariums, reptilian friends, and vivariums. One spore of fungus, one microscopic infestation, can extinguish all that you have worked so hard to put!

FINAL WORD

Driftwood can be a graceful addition to any habitat. However, without careful consideration, superb care, detailed preparation, and dependable placement, this seemingly natural decorative can hastily become perilous. If driftwood is properly prepared it can be a appetizing addition, making your aquarium or terrarium eye as if a professional designed it!