Spider Wood | Driftwood
Spider wood is a very unique type of wood used in the aquarium hobby. The wood has lots of extensions giving it a tree like appearance. Spider wood is often a popular choice when aquascaping aquariums do to the amount of plants that can be attached to the branches.
Spider wood is different than most driftwood in the fact that it has been dried out to be lightweight for shipping purposes. This means that it will not sink immediately and will need weighted down for about a week until it is fully saturated again. The amount of tannins released by spider wood is much less than Mopani and Malaysian driftwood which is appealing in some cases. Once your spider wood has been submerged there is a potential for a white film to develop. The film is not harmful.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Driftwood |
| Appearance | Tree-like with multiple branches |
| Weight | Lightweight (dried for shipping) |
| Tannin Release | Low compared to Mopani and Malaysian driftwood |
| Submersion Time to Saturate | About 1 week with weighting |
| White Film Formation | May develop after submersion; harmless |
FAQ
Does spider wood release tannins when submerged?
Yes, spider wood releases tannins, but at a much lower rate compared to Mopani and Malaysian driftwood.
How long does it take for spider wood to fully saturate after being placed in water?
It typically takes about one week for spider wood to fully saturate after being weighted down and submerged.
Is the white film that forms on spider wood harmful to fish?
No, the white film that develops after submersion is not harmful to fish or aquatic plants.
Evan Mackay –
I used spider wood in my 55-gallon tank and it looks great with my live plants. The branches provide plenty of surface area for moss and small plants to grow. It took about a week to fully sink after I weighted it down. The water color stayed clear, which is a plus since I don’t want strong tannins. No issues with the white film forming, and my fish seem fine.
Boris Peake –
The wood arrived in good condition and has a natural, rustic look. I attached a few mosses to the branches and they’ve grown well. It’s lighter than other driftwood, so it floats initially, which is normal. After a week with a weight, it settled properly. Tannin levels are low, so the water stayed clean.
David Walsh –
Great for aquascaping. The branching structure adds depth and visual interest. I didn’t have to worry about staining the water. The white film appeared after a few days but didn’t affect anything. It’s a reliable choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.