Ever noticed white fungus growing on your new driftwood in a planted aquarium? You’re not alone! This fluffy white film is actually a natural driftwood fungus (also called biofilm), and it’s incredibly common in aquascaping.
What Is It?
When submerged in water, fresh driftwood leaches organic compounds—tannins, sugars, cellulose. These feed microbial communities (fungi like Saprolegnia and bacteria) that form a white, cotton-like film.
This harmless driftwood fungus appears only where there's organic fuel—on wood, not on gravel or hardscape.
Is It Safe For Fish & Plants?
Yes! It poses no harm to healthy fish, shrimp, or plants. In fact, it signals that your tank is ecosystem-ready.
The fungus typically vanishes within a few weeks as the driftwood stops leaching.
How to Get Rid of It
- Scrub or siphon the fungus during routine water changes.
- Add aquarium cleaners like Amano shrimp, nerite snails, or Otocinclus catfish—they love grazing on biofilm.
- Boost water flow around the wood to discourage buildup.
- For future setups, pre-treat your driftwood: boil, bake, or soak it for a few days in dechlorinated water before introducing it.