Driftwood Won't Sink In Aquarium
Driftwood is a popular addition to aquariums, providing a natural look and feel to the environment. However, one common problem that aquarists face is that driftwood won't sink in aquarium water. This can be frustrating, as floating driftwood can be unsightly and can even cause damage to equipment or fish. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why driftwood may not sink in aquarium water, and what you can do to fix the problem.
What is Driftwood?
Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto shore or deposited in a river or lake by the action of winds, tides or waves. It is a popular addition to aquariums because it provides a natural look and feel to the environment. Driftwood can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be purchased from aquarium stores or collected from nature.
Why Won't Driftwood Sink?
There are several reasons why driftwood may not sink in aquarium water. One common reason is that the wood is too buoyant. This can happen if the wood has not been properly cured or if it is too dry. Another reason why driftwood may not sink is that it is coated in a layer of slime or algae, which makes it more buoyant.
Another reason why driftwood may not sink is that the water in the aquarium is too shallow. If the water is not deep enough, the wood may not be able to sink to the bottom. Additionally, if the aquarium is overcrowded or if the water is too warm, the wood may not sink as easily.
How to Make Driftwood Sink
If your driftwood won't sink in aquarium water, there are several things that you can do to try to fix the problem. The first thing that you should do is to soak the wood in water for several days or even weeks. This will help to remove any slime or algae that may be coating the wood, and will also help to saturate the wood with water, making it more dense and less buoyant.
Another way to make driftwood sink is to weight it down with rocks or other heavy objects. You can tie a piece of fishing line around the wood and attach it to a weight, such as a rock or a piece of lead. This will help to anchor the wood to the bottom of the aquarium, preventing it from floating or moving around.
If soaking and weighting the wood does not work, you may need to consider using a special aquarium adhesive to attach the wood to a rock or other heavy object. This will help to anchor the wood in place and prevent it from floating or moving around in the aquarium.
Conclusion
Driftwood is a popular addition to aquariums, but it can be frustrating when it won't sink in aquarium water. By soaking the wood, weighting it down, or using an aquarium adhesive, you can help to make the wood sink and stay in place. With a little patience and effort, you can create a beautiful and natural-looking environment for your fish to thrive in.