If you’ve ever placed a beautiful piece of driftwood into your aquarium, only to watch the water slowly turn the color of steeped tea, you’ve seen tannins in action. These natural compounds, released from driftwood, are totally safe for most fish and even beneficial for some—but they can tint your crystal-clear tank water a murky brown.
So the big question for aquarium keepers and DIY decorators alike is: does boiling driftwood remove tannins?
The short answer is yes—boiling driftwood significantly reduces tannins, though it may not completely remove them. The heat and water work together to pull the tannins out faster than just soaking alone. But if your goal is driftwood that releases zero tannins, you’ll need more than one boil.
Let’s break down how boiling works, what it does (and doesn’t) remove, and how to prepare your driftwood properly—whether for your aquarium or a home décor project.
What Are Tannins and Why Are They in Driftwood?
Tannins are organic compounds found in plants, bark, and wood. In driftwood, they leach out slowly when submerged in water. This is a natural process—imagine what happens to fallen trees in rivers or lakes.
In aquariums, tannins:
- Lower the pH of water (which can be good or bad, depending on the fish)
- Soften water naturally
- Tint water a brownish or amber hue
- Are harmless and even beneficial for species like bettas, tetras, and shrimp
However, if you’re keeping fish that prefer higher pH levels or you just like sparkling clear water, tannins can be a nuisance.
How Boiling Helps Remove Tannins
Boiling driftwood forces tannins out quickly using two main mechanisms:
- Heat opens the wood’s pores, allowing trapped tannins to be released faster.
- Water acts as a solvent, drawing out the tannins and turning visibly brown as they dissolve.
In short, boiling is a fast-track method for leaching out tannins compared to soaking driftwood in cold water for weeks.
How to Boil Driftwood to Remove Tannins
Here’s a step-by-step to boil driftwood properly:
- Step 1: Choose your pot. Use a large stockpot or something you don’t mind getting stained. The tannins can discolor the pot, especially stainless steel.
- Step 2: Submerge the wood. Fill the pot with water and place your driftwood inside. If it floats, you can weigh it down with a smaller lid or rock.
- Step 3: Boil for at least 1–2 hours. You’ll notice the water turning dark brown. That’s the tannins coming out.
- Step 4: Dump the water and refill. For best results, repeat this process 2–3 times or until the water is much lighter after boiling.
- Step 5: Let it cool and inspect. If the driftwood still feels oily or sticky, it may need more time.
Will Boiling Remove All the Tannins?
Probably not all—but it can remove most of them.
Some driftwood, especially pieces from hardwood trees like oak or mopani, will continue to release small amounts of tannins for months or even years. You may still see some tea-stained water over time.
If that’s a dealbreaker, you can:
- Continue soaking it in a bucket for weeks after boiling
- Use activated carbon or Purigen in your filter to absorb tannins
- Choose pre-treated driftwood, sold in aquarium stores as “pre-cured” or “low tannin”
Bonus: Other Benefits of Boiling Driftwood
Boiling doesn’t just remove tannins. It also:
- Kills pests, parasites, and bacteria that might be on the wood
- Softens the wood, helping it sink faster
- Speeds up the curing process, making it safe for aquariums sooner
This is especially important if you’ve picked up driftwood outdoors. Wild wood can carry fungi, algae, or even tiny bugs you don’t want in your fish tank or terrarium.
How Long to Boil Driftwood?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Small pieces (under 12”): 1–2 hours
- Medium pieces (12”–24”): 2–4 hours, changing water halfway
- Large or thick pieces: May require multiple rounds over several days
For extra large pieces that don’t fit in a pot, try pouring boiling water over them repeatedly in a large container or tub.
Driftwood Types and Their Tannin Levels
Not all driftwood is created equal. Here’s a look at how some common types compare:
- Mopani Wood: Very high tannin content, needs long boiling and soaking
- Malaysian Driftwood: Medium-high tannins, good for darkwater tanks
- Spider Wood: Low tannin, but floats for a long time
- Manzanita Wood: Low tannins, often used for aquascaping
- Cholla Wood: Low tannins, soft, good for shrimp tanks
How to Know When It’s “Done”
The truth is, you may never get all the tannins out—but you’ll know you’ve made progress when:
- The water from boiling turns only faintly brown
- The driftwood sinks easily
- There’s no sticky or oily residue
- It no longer has a strong earthy or musty smell
At that point, you’re good to go. A little residual tint won’t hurt your fish—and some aquarists actually love the look of a gentle tea-colored aquarium.
Final Thoughts: Is Boiling Worth It?
Absolutely. Boiling is hands-down one of the best ways to prep driftwood for aquarium use or crafts. It drastically reduces tannin leaching, speeds up curing, and keeps your fish safe from unseen hitchhikers.
Just remember—it might take more than one boil, and some woods are more stubborn than others. But a couple hours on the stove can save you weeks of soaking and give your tank a much cleaner start.
If you want even more control, combine boiling with soaking and filtration, and you’ll enjoy the beauty of natural driftwood without the dark water.