Spiderwood and Malaysian driftwood are two of the most commonly used woods in planted aquascapes, prized for their fine branching structure that provides natural anchor points for mosses and epiphytic plants like Anubias and Java fern. Both will leach tannins initially, tinting the water amber — harmless to fish, but worth pre-soaking for one to two weeks if you want clear water from day one.
Always source driftwood specifically sold for aquarium use rather than wood collected outdoors. Untreated wood can carry mold, insects, or chemical residues, and species not suited for long-term submersion may rot and foul the water within weeks rather than lasting for years.
Good hardscape looks like it was found, not placed. That illusion takes more planning than people expect.
For rock, seiryu stone and dragon stone are aquascaping favorites, but both can raise pH and hardness over time since they contain calcium carbonate — worth testing before committing to a soft-water biotope. Inert rocks like slate or lava rock won't affect water chemistry and are a safer default if you're keeping fish that need stable, soft water parameters.
Grouping hardscape in odd numbers, varying the size and orientation of pieces, and leaving genuine negative space between groupings reads as far more natural than evenly spacing uniform pieces across the substrate. Study how wood and rock actually settle in a streambed — rarely symmetrical, often clustered where current has pushed debris together.
Why you should trust this guide. FishkeepingCo does not accept payment for product placement. When we recommend a product, it is because it works in our own tanks, not because a manufacturer asked us to say so. This article was written by Marisol Kade, editor in chief. See our editorial team for full author credentials.
Our methodology. Care guidance in this article reflects current husbandry practice and, where relevant, hands-on testing in our own aquariums. Articles are revisited when new information emerges, and the last-updated date above reflects the most recent review.
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