What’s the best branched wood for aquariums?

[Tropical Tony]

Hi guys.

tim looking on adding some woody branches/roots to my setup but I’m not sure what’s the best type of wood to go for. I’ve heard stories about Azalia roots rotting in the aquarium so was just curious as what people are using?

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I hear spier wood is good? Although, @Byron has said something about it being bad for tank? I don't remember.

 

[CassCats]

I like using young elm root stumps if you can get some aged ones, not fresh as they will rot. Need to be driftwood type wood.
I collect mine locally

 

[Byron]

Azalea is poisonous so never use that in an aquarium. It is OK in dry habitats for reptiles but not submersed.

Spiderwood has been known to carry a toxic fungus that can kill fish; not every piece, but some, so I would avoid this. Same goes for grapewood--these two may be the same, common names stores use can often get mixed up.

Malaysian Driftwood is generally safe, I have had many pieces with no issues over 30 years. Finding it as branches is difficult though. I have collected dead dry oak branches in my back garden. Hardwoods like oak, beech, elm are safe as far as the tree goes, provided you collect them after they have come off the tree and been on the ground long enough to fully dry to being brittle.