The orange ring nerite snails that I received are larger and darker than I expected. They are very active and quite the escape artists. Make sure you have a tight fitting lid. I have at least a few nerites in each of my aquariums.
Description
Tiger wood, often referred to in the aquascaping hobby as tiger driftwood, is a visually striking and highly sought-after type of aquarium décor. Known for its unique, patterns and naturally twisted, branch-like shapes, tiger wood adds a dynamic and naturalistic look to both freshwater and planted tanks. Its dark, contrasting textures mimic the look of submerged forest roots, making it ideal for creating a dramatic focal point or a natural habitat for fish and shrimp.
Tiger wood is aquarium-safe, releasing minimal tannins and requiring little to no curing. It offers plenty of crevices and surfaces for biofilm growth, making it beneficial for grazing species and fry. Whether used as a standalone piece or as part of a larger hardscape, tiger wood brings both aesthetic appeal and biological function to any aquascape.
Key features:
Visual Appeal
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Natural, gnarled shape: Adds a realistic and dynamic look to aquascapes.
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Dark, rich tones: Creates contrast against plants and substrate.
Aquarium Benefits
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Fish and shrimp habitat: Provides shelter, hiding spots, and grazing surfaces.
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Biofilm support: Encourages healthy biofilm growth beneficial for fry and shrimp.
Water Chemistry
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Minimal tannin release: Slight darkening of water may occur but typically not excessive.
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pH buffering: Can help slightly soften water and lower pH, depending on tank parameters.
Usability
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Aquarium-safe: Safe with minimal pre-treatment.
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Sinks relatively quickly: May require initial soaking but becomes waterlogged fast.
Aquascaping Flexibility
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Compatible with planted tanks: Works well with mosses, epiphytes (like Anubias or Bucephalandra).
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Versatile size and shape options: Can be used as a centerpiece or structural base.
How to prepare:
1. Clean the Wood
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Rinse it thoroughly under hot tap water.
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Scrub with a clean brush to remove dirt and dust.
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Don’t use soap or chemicals. That can be toxic in your tank.
2. Soak or Boil the Wood
Goal: Saturate it so it sinks and leaches out any leftover tannins or debris.
Option A: Boiling (best if the wood fits in a pot)
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Boil for 1–2 hours. This kills bacteria and speeds up waterlogging.
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Change water if it gets dark—this helps remove tannins faster.
Option B: Soaking (for large pieces)
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Submerge the wood in a tub or bucket of fresh water.
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Use a rock to hold it down.
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Soak as needed, changing the water every few hours.
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You'll know it's ready when it stays fully submerged and the water stops turning brown (or only lightly tinted).
3. Place It in Your Aquarium
If it still floats, you can:
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Weigh it down with rocks/substrate
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Tie it to a slate or aquarium-safe weight
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Use fishing line to secure it temporarily
Keep in mind that:
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pictures above are a simple representation of the shapes you might get;
- pictures above are all taken from pieces we have received and have or had on hand;
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you will always receive a piece with great aesthetics.