Collection: Decorations

Wood Is Where an Aquascape Starts

Hardscape wood sets the structure of a freshwater layout before a single plant goes in. It anchors mosses and epiphytes, breaks up sightlines into natural territory, and gives shrimp and bottom-dwellers places to graze and hide. Each type has its own personality.

Choosing Your Wood

• Spider wood — thin, branching arms for airy, tree-style scapes.
• Mopani — heavy, richly grained hardwood that sinks fast and holds up long-term.
• Cholla — porous, tubular wood that doubles as grazing material for shrimp and plecos.

Two practical notes before you scape: new driftwood usually releases tannins that stain the water amber — safe for fish, and easy to reduce with a pre-soak or activated carbon if you prefer clear water. Fresh wood also floats until it's fully saturated, so soak or anchor it before final placement. Need help picking pieces for a layout? Email info@jlaquatics.com.