Cholla Wood – Natural Aquarium Driftwood, Various Sizes
Cholla Wood is a natural aquarium hardscape made from the dried woody skeleton of cholla cactus. Its distinctive hollow, honeycomb-like structure makes it especially popular in freshwater shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, planted aquascapes, and natural-style displays.
Each piece is unique and may vary in length, diameter, color, texture, and opening pattern. Various sizes may be available depending on current stock.
Key Features
- Natural cholla cactus wood
- Available in various sizes
- Unique hollow and porous structure
- Excellent for freshwater shrimp aquariums
- Provides natural hiding areas for shrimp and small fry
- Develops biofilm that shrimp can graze on
- Great for attaching aquarium mosses and rhizome plants
- Adds natural texture to aquascapes
- Can release natural tannins into aquarium water
- Each piece is naturally unique
Product Information
- Product: Cholla Wood
- Product Type: Natural Aquarium Hardscape / Driftwood
- Material: Dried Cholla Cactus Skeleton
- Sizes: Various Sizes
- Primary Use: Freshwater Aquariums, Shrimp Tanks & Aquascaping
- Color: Natural Tan to Brown
- Shape: Naturally Variable
Perfect for Shrimp Tanks
Cholla Wood is especially popular with freshwater shrimp keepers.
As the wood remains in the aquarium, its surface can develop a natural layer of biofilm and microorganisms that shrimp may graze throughout the day.
Its many openings also create small sheltered areas that can be useful for shrimp, especially juveniles and freshly molted individuals.
Natural Hiding Spaces
The hollow structure and natural openings in Cholla Wood create visual cover and hiding areas within the aquarium.
It can be useful in tanks containing:
- Freshwater shrimp
- Small fry
- Nano fish
- Small bottom-dwelling species
- Other appropriately sized freshwater livestock
Important: Always select a piece appropriate for the livestock being kept. Larger or curious fish may attempt to enter openings that are too small and could become trapped.
Great for Aquatic Plants
Cholla Wood provides an excellent natural surface for attaching aquarium plants and mosses.
Popular choices include:
- Java Moss
- Christmas Moss
- Flame Moss
- Anubias
- Bucephalandra
- Java Fern
Plants can be secured using aquarium-safe thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe cyanoacrylate gel until they attach naturally.
Natural Aquarium Hardscape
Cholla Wood adds texture and structure without overwhelming smaller aquariums.
It works especially well in:
- Shrimp aquariums
- Nano aquariums
- Planted tanks
- Natural-style aquascapes
- Blackwater-inspired displays
- Fry grow-out tanks
Natural Tannins
Like many natural aquarium woods, Cholla Wood may release tannins into the water.
Tannins can give aquarium water a light yellow, amber, or tea-colored appearance. This is a normal characteristic of natural wood and generally decreases over time.
Pre-soaking or boiling the wood can help reduce the amount of visible tannin staining before the piece is placed in the aquarium.
Will Cholla Wood Sink?
Cholla Wood is lightweight and may float when first placed into an aquarium.
Pre-soaking the wood can help it become waterlogged and sink more quickly. Depending on the size and density of the piece, this may take anywhere from a short period of soaking to several days or longer.
How to Prepare Cholla Wood
- Rinse the wood thoroughly under clean water.
- Use a clean brush to remove any loose debris if needed.
- Pre-soak the wood in a separate container until waterlogged.
- Change the soaking water periodically if you want to reduce tannins.
- Place the wood into the aquarium once it is clean and prepared.
Preparation requirements may vary depending on how the wood was processed before sale.
Natural Variation
Cholla Wood is a natural product, so no two pieces will look exactly alike.
Natural differences may include:
- Length
- Diameter
- Branching
- Color
- Texture
- Hole size and pattern
Photos should be considered representative unless the exact piece is specifically shown.
Available Sizes
Cholla Wood is available in various sizes depending on current inventory.
Please select an available size option or visit Tropical Treasures Wyo to view current pieces in person.
Important Aquarium Safety
- Inspect openings before placing the wood into an aquarium.
- Avoid pieces with openings that could trap larger fish.
- Rinse and prepare natural wood before use.
- Natural tannin release is normal.
- Cholla Wood is a natural material and will gradually soften and break down over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cholla Wood?
Cholla Wood is the dried woody skeleton left behind after a cholla cactus dies and the softer plant material decomposes.
Is Cholla Wood good for shrimp?
Yes. It is especially popular in shrimp aquariums because its porous surface develops biofilm that shrimp can graze on and its openings provide natural shelter.
Can plants be attached to Cholla Wood?
Yes. Mosses, Anubias, Bucephalandra, and Java Fern can be attached to the wood to create a natural planted hardscape.
Will Cholla Wood change my water color?
It may release tannins that create a yellow or tea-colored tint. Pre-soaking can help reduce this effect.
Does Cholla Wood sink immediately?
Not always. Because it is lightweight and porous, new pieces may float until they become fully waterlogged.
Are all pieces the same?
No. Cholla Wood is natural, so size, shape, diameter, color, texture, and opening patterns vary from piece to piece.
Is it safe for all fish?
It is best suited to shrimp, fry, and small aquarium inhabitants. Always inspect the openings to make sure a fish cannot become trapped inside.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Cholla Wood in various sizes is available from Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.
Eligible dry goods are available for shipping.
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