Mopani Wood Driftwood

What Would Happen If You Use Mopani Wood Driftwood for an Aquatic Environment?

People who are into aquascaping are likely familiar with Mopani wood driftwood. The South African origin wood is known to have a unique and almost gnarly look.

However, that is not the only thing this driftwood is notable for. It has specific impacts on the aquarium ecosystem that it inhabits.

The Effects of Using Mopani for Aquascaping

There are driftwood species that are not obtrusive. This driftwood is undoubtedly not included in that category, as its impact on an enclosed water environment is rather powerful.

Here are some known effects of Mopani wood driftwood:

It May Cause Water Discoloration

Many other driftwoods also tend to release tannins. Mopani is one of the types that will release a moderate amount of tannins into the water. Because of this, the water will have a yellow-brown hue to it after a while. The condition may not improve even in a few days.

To deal with this situation, experts recommend soaking before using. Although Mopani already has a dense structure that does not require soaking, this will encourage tannin release. Another way is to change the water periodically after adding the driftwood.

It Causes the Water to be Acidic

Pure water has a pH of 7. In some areas, the water may exceed that pH level. Adding Mopani that has a high level of tannin, will alter this condition.

The tannin content in the water will soften the hard water. It means that the neutral or even plain water will turn acidic over time. The condition is preferable for freshwater creatures.

Living in a hard water environment will eventually get sick because it is not their natural habitat. Mopani wood driftwood can solve that situation quickly.

Best Way to Obtain Mopani

If you think of adding this driftwood into your aquarium, you need to obtain it from a good supplier.

Sometimes outdoor and hardware shops will offer this driftwood in their catalogs. However, buyers should not purchase it from them.

People can obtain the Mopani driftwood in a specialized store that sells it to pet owners.

The driftwoods sold in a store like this will not have chemical or other toxic contents that may harm your aquarium creatures. There are many Mopani wood models and sizes available in the market.

Using and Preparing Mopani Driftwood

Every driftwood has its characteristics; since Mopani wood produces many tannins, some aquarists use it to make their aquarium seem like a tea-colored appearance. Or a naturalistic looking.

With a dark water appearance in your aquarium, it perfectly combines with tetras fish like neons, rummy noses, bleeding hearts, and cardinals. So you don’t need to soak it for an extended period; just some short scrub and soak it. Natural-looking water conditions Provide a haven for fish.

If you want to use Mopani wood for a bright and clear aquarium appearance, it’s going to be hard because you need some extra time to soak and boil it.

It will help to add some extra carbon to your fish tank filter to remove the dark watercolored. It is soaking Mopani wood for two weeks to remove debris and reduce tannins. Steady pH is more important to fish health.

Learn how to prepare driftwood for your aquarium correctly before adding Mopani Wood to your aquarium.

Mopani wood is a hardwood, and it will sink immediately to your fish tank and have good longevity.

Mopani driftwood characteristic

  • Mainly have a two-tone color with tan and dark brown
  • Hardest and densest wood for an aquarium, it’s heavy and sank to the bottom of your tank immediately
  • As a place for biofilms to grow that good both for shrimp or fish
  • Suitable for any environment from aquatic and desert terrariums enclosures of aquascaping
  • Mopani driftwood has a Smooth surface, textured detail, and unique mottled color
  • All driftwood leaches tannin and also with Mopani wood
  • Mopani wood Colors may vary from light yellow-brown to a rich dark brown

Summary

Here is an essential summary about Mopani wood driftwood for an aquascaping enthusiast:

  • It is likely to cause water discoloration that may not improve over time.
  • The driftwood lowers the pH level of an enclosed aquatic environment.
  • People need to obtain it from a specialized store to ensure that the driftwood does not contain toxic chemicals.