Hey Zach! Driftwood needs to be boiled for at least four hours to help release the tannin in it. Then soak it for another day changing the water freq, until the water runs clear. Some will still seep out of it after it's in your tank. It will sink a soon as it is water logged.
Driftwood from the beach might be attractive and look ready to pop in an aquarium just as it is. However, the wood may carry a range of pathogens and parasites that make fish very ill. Further, driftwood tends to absorb salt, which is not helpful in a freshwater tank. The tannins in driftwood can raise the acidity of an aquarium as they leach into the water. Because many species of fish need a very specific pH, it is helpful to soak out most of the tannins before putting the driftwood in the tank.
