UNS · Wood
Accent Driftwood
Filling gaps and adding detail around an existing hardscape rather than as a main piece.
4 models
UNS · Wood
UNS Mopani Wood
A dense African hardwood with a two-tone light and dark brown finish, knots and gnarled shapes. It sinks quickly and lasts for years, but it leaches a lot of tannin.
Updated
Best for
Blackwater, African biotope and long-term layouts where you want wood that sinks with little fuss.
Worth knowing
Expect tea-coloured water for weeks unless you pre-soak or run carbon.
What stands out
- Three sizes from about 18 cm to 56 cm
- Heavy and dense, sinks far sooner than most driftwood
- Distinctive two-tone colouring
- Very durable and slow to break down
Models and specs
| Model | Length |
|---|---|
| S | 18-25 cm |
| M | 25-41 cm |
| L | 41-56 cm |
- Brand
- UNS
- Effect on water
- Releases a lot of tannin, lowers pH slightly and stains the water
- Colour
- Two-tone light and dark brown
- Texture
- Gnarled, knotty, dense
- Buoyancy
- Sinks quickly
- Origin
- Southern Africa
- Prep
- Pre-soak for several days to cut the tannin release
- Packs
- Singles, 3-packs and 5-packs
Figures from Glass Aqua's product listing. Makers revise products, so check the current figures before buying. Photos supplied by the brand or its distributor.
What mopani wood does to your water
High tannin release. It stains the water a strong tea colour and lowers pH modestly, especially in soft water. The tannins are harmless and even welcomed in blackwater and soft-water tanks. Staining fades over months.
Full Mopani Wood guideCompare with
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Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about the UNS Mopani Wood, drawn from its specs.
Does Mopani Wood affect water chemistry?
Releases a lot of tannin, lowers pH slightly and stains the water.
How do I prepare Mopani Wood before use?
Pre-soak for several days to cut the tannin release
Who is the UNS Mopani Wood best for?
Blackwater, African biotope and long-term layouts where you want wood that sinks with little fuss.
Is there anything to watch out for with the UNS Mopani Wood?
Expect tea-coloured water for weeks unless you pre-soak or run carbon.
What are the alternatives to the UNS Mopani Wood?
Other hardscape worth comparing: UNS Accent Driftwood, UNS Amazon Wood, UNS Basin Driftwood. Add any of them to the compare table to see the specs side by side.