Zoo Med Mopani Wood Aquarium Decor

I was first attracted to Mopani wood because of its beautiful texture and the enchanting interplay between the dark and light sections of the wood. Searching for it in my LFS had amounted to disappointment at how overpriced it is for the tiniest pieces of wood lacking in impressive contortions. At first, I was a little skeptical about ordering a piece of driftwood online for such a low price since you aren’t really able to pick out what you feel might be an ideal piece for your tank. However, I went with it. The first piece of Mopani wood that I received from Chewy was roughly in the shape of a dragon and I fell in love. Since then, I’ve ordered approximately 5 separate pieces of medium Mopani I was first attracted to Mopani wood because of its beautiful texture and the enchanting interplay between the dark and light sections of the wood. Searching for it in my LFS had amounted to disappointment at how overpriced it is for the tiniest pieces of wood lacking in impressive contortions. At first, I was a little skeptical about ordering a piece of driftwood online for such a low price since you aren’t really able to pick out what you feel might be an ideal piece for your tank. However, I went with it. The first piece of Mopani wood that I received from Chewy was roughly in the shape of a dragon and I fell in love. Since then, I’ve ordered approximately 5 separate pieces of medium Mopani wood from Chewy. For the most part, I have been more than happy with the selection! So I would highly recommend! Also, all driftwood releases tannins. As a darker wood, Mopani wood releases a lot of tannins. These are beneficial, help to lower pH, and soften water. For those complaining about it, it’s natural and you could have patiently soaked or boiled the wood and added a charcoal cartridge to speed up the process of tea-colored water was truly such an issue. … more

This was a great addition to my aquarium! I followed the directions of the reviews and boiled this piece (as it is real wood) to reduce coloring to my tank. The only reason I give it 4 stars is that it was a bit sharp for my ideal liking for my betta. I don't want to clock it too much on that as it was cheap and a real price of wood (you can easily sand it down). I love the natural feel it gives to my tank and I actually prefer the small tint it gives my tank as it helps prevent fin rot and gives a more comforting feel for my fish.

I use Mopani wood in my terrariums and two of my aquariums. I love the natural look to it and when I order a piece or find one in a store they’re always different, some people don’t like that aspect, understandable. But I love how it’s always a surprise when opening the chewy box because the wood is so diverse you can place it anywhere. Yes it does turn your water a tea color, even after soaking for a long period of time my water was still tea colored. After a few water changes and activated carbon cartridges the water will return back to normal. The tannins don’t hurt the fish, wood actually lowers PH. Fish love swimming and going under the wood and my ball python and crestie can be found climbing I use Mopani wood in my terrariums and two of my aquariums. I love the natural look to it and when I order a piece or find one in a store they’re always different, some people don’t like that aspect, understandable. But I love how it’s always a surprise when opening the chewy box because the wood is so diverse you can place it anywhere. Yes it does turn your water a tea color, even after soaking for a long period of time my water was still tea colored. After a few water changes and activated carbon cartridges the water will return back to normal. The tannins don’t hurt the fish, wood actually lowers PH. Fish love swimming and going under the wood and my ball python and crestie can be found climbing and basking on the wood. … more

I was hoping this would be small enough for a large two-gallon fishbowl. Boy, was I surprised! It's pretty big, but I cut it into two pieces and now it works just fine. Be aware that you should soak it first for several days and change the water until it runs clean before putting it in your aquarium. Great natural look in my aquascape with live plants.

I have ordered many of these from chewy and have always been very happy. Very nice selections and size. Yes you should soak it for a week before adding it to the tank with a few water changes. It will still give the water a tea color look which is very natural for your tank. I have tanks with and without and will take the tea colored water any day over clear. I also noticed my shrimp and fish reproduce better with this added. I guess water color is up to personal taste but I love it. Love Chewy... Keep up the great work.

The appearance of the product is a gamble. We ordered two pieces, one was nice, the other was 'meh' at best. Don't expect large elaborate pieces. Ours was basically large sticks. Still nice for the price, though. Don't put these into your tank unaware they will release a dark tannin residue. Some people say they like that color added to their water for authenticity. Not me. I soaked the pieces in a five gallon bucket. I dumped the old water out each day and added new. After one week the water has lightened greatly and now I feel comfortable putting into the tank with my Oscars. Check your Ph and filters on a very consistent basis after you add your Mopani.

I wasn't sure what to expect since I can't see the exact piece of wood I'm ordering, but my LFS has been out of mopani wood and I decided to take a chance with these - boy am I glad I did!!! These are large pieces (I ordered 2 mediums) and are stunning. They are much bigger than what my LFS sells, at a very good price. I love them and they will make great additions to my tank - my fish are going to be so thrilled!

The Mopani piece I received was not mostly light brown, the front was, but the entire opposite side was the raw dark color, looked like the inside of the wood. I've been soaking this thing for weeks and the water keeps getting dark, so I am unable to put this in my aquarium as intended. I'm sure there are much better pieces, I just didn't get one.

This piece of wood looked like it would be beautiful in my fish tank. The write up on Chewy didn't mention what the tag on the wood said. We are told that the wood has tannin in it and you needed to soak it to get the tannin out since it would turn your fish tank water brown. I soaked it for 5 days, changed the water 5 or 6 times a day, maybe more. After 5 days of still dark brown water I put it in my yard. It is not appropriate for a fish tank. I don't know if tannins would hurt the fish but a tank full of dark brown water would be very upsetting if I didn't read the tag and not use it! Don't buy this product.

For those complaining about the wood turning their water brown: you soak it until the water you are soaking it in doesn’t turn brown anymore. That’s how you know it’s ready. And here’s another tip: use HOT water. Hot as will come out of your tap. That’s how you get the tannins and sticky sap stuff to dissolve out of the log.