When it comes to keeping plants in an aquarium, every aquarist goes through the turmoil of choosing the best ones. I have often seen people stressing with confusion about real bamboo and lucky bamboo. Lucky bamboo definitely makes the tank look more aesthetic but it is completely different from that of real bamboo. You may like to keep dried bamboo in the tank to give a new look to your tank, But can you put dried bamboo in an aquarium? Is it safe to keep dried bamboo in the tank with fish?
Yes and No. You cannot directly keep dried bamboo in an aquarium however there is a loophole you can go for. Choosing a wild bamboo and treating it with certain steps will make your dried bamboo safe for the aquarium as well.
But I don’t think this is all the answer you want. You want a deeper outlook on this topic. So you ask, we serve.
Here is an entire article dedicated to answering your questions: Can I put dried bamboo in an aquarium? Is it even safe or are you putting your fish in a risky path?
What Is Dried Bamboo?
First of all, we must understand that dried bamboo is a dried version of true bamboo. Similarly, after 2 or 3 weeks of cutting down bamboo, it takes 5-12 weeks to dry out naturally. But I have also heard that to dry out depends on the moisture present within the bamboo.
Having said that, dried bamboo is previously known for its Phytochemical. This chemical is considered a great alternative to dietary fiber. So they are consumed to maintain a healthy heart and a strong body.
Likewise, in many countries, people enjoy dried bamboo in the form of food. And, people make pickles and shoot out of them. Then, some sell them whereas some gift to their relatives, friends, and family.
They are pale yellow or light brown. And, sometimes they might seem a little discolored due to the light effect.
Hence, dried bamboo is an amazing plant for consumption indirectly by humans. Else, I see not much identity in them.
Can I Keep Dried Bamboo In An Aquarium?
Yes, you can keep your dried bamboo in an aquarium but is your aquarium fish- full or fish- empty with only water? Many people because of similarity in appearance confuse normal bamboo with lucky bamboo. Initially, I had confusion too.
But, with a closer look, you will realize these two plants are different. Dried bamboo is not made to be dwelling inside the water. These plants are terrestrial so putting them inside the water will make them release a certain amount of toxin that will kill your fish sooner or later.
Likewise, lucky bamboo matches the need to be with aquatic species but, dried bamboo does not. That is why keeping dried bamboo in an aquarium with fish is not suggested from my side.
Don’t lose hope. There are ways to help you to keep dried bamboo in the aquarium while making it safe for the fish too.
I know this may sound like a pull after the whole paragraph of denying you. However, further down in this article, you will find a solution to your problem.
I have mentioned a clear way to make dried bamboo safe in an aquarium. This may ask a little effort but trust me it can be worth it.
You might like to gain a little more knowledge about Aquarium Decorations: What To and What Not To Add – Beginners Guide
Is It Safe To Keep Dried Bamboo In An Aquarium?
For your fish? NO! Then for your bamboo? Again No. Dried bamboo is not structured to be in the aquarium by nature. It might work for a while but after they start decaying the ammonia level in the water rises fast and that might end up hurting your fish.
Let me give you an example. What happens if you force a terrestrial being to live in the water? Firstly of they will not be able to breathe and secondly, we cannot override the nature drive.
It is what it is. Your dried bamboo will attract bacteria and fungus present in the tank and make itself vulnerable.
These bamboos will start to rot and decay in the tank. And as you know the dead and decaying things are the mortal enemy of tank water quality.
You are pushing your fish to their death bed by using untreated and chemically rich yet dried bamboo in an aquarium.
Keeping dried bamboo in an aquarium is not healthy for your fish because of toxins that dried bamboo releases when placed in water for a while.
Therefore, it is not safe to keep dried bamboo in an aquarium.
Here is an article on Beneficial Bacteria In The Aquarium: What Are They And Is It Essential?
Do People Keep Dried Bamboo In Their Aquarium?
Actually, yes. I have a friend who is quite fond of bamboo. He has this weird fantasy of seeing fish live in the same environment as bamboo.
First of all, it was all about lucky bamboo and the way you can keep it in the tank. Later on, he wanted to experiment with dried bamboo and real green bamboo as well.
And yes, he failed a few times but a kindred spirit with the goal to make the impossible happen is unstoppable.
But he, then, managed to keep the dried ones in the aquarium after he treated them properly. So, yes I have seen people who have happily welcomed dried bamboo in the tank.
Will A Dried Bamboo Affect Water Quality?
Oh yes, absolutely. There is no doubt that your dried bamboo which will be on the verge of rotting as soon as it touches water will affect the water quality.
If you indeed want to see what your water will be like if you add bamboo to the tank, do as I say. Take a bucket of tap water and keep the dried bamboo in it for some time.
After a while, you will see your water changing color and your dried bamboo is secreting something. This secretion of chemicals is actually toxins and will harm your fish.
Firstly, your rotting bamboo will make the ammonia rise and the spike of ammonia will make it harder for fish to breathe.
Aquarium ammonia poisoning is a real deal and when you fail to maintain the zero level of ammonia, you will end up with dead fish floating in the tank.
You might like to read an article entirely dedicated to How To Lower Ammonia In An Aquarium? Cause And Effect Of Increased Ammonia
Have you looked closely towards the bamboo plant? Have you noticed the black dry spot in it? Yes, that very black spot is the dormant mold which will undoubtedly become another of your problem in the tank.
The dropping of oxygen level and the uprising of ammonia will make it impossible for your fish to live in the aquarium.
Here is an article on How To Maintain The Oxygen Level In Aquarium? Have a look!!!
So, think twice or thousands of times before you put dried bamboo in the aquarium. The rotting plant which was lacking water for so long will make a mess in the water it finally comes in contact with.
How To Make Dried Bamboo Safe To Keep In An Aquarium?
First of all, I will again tell you to drop this idea because sometimes a little complication will make it quite unbearable for the fish in the tank.
Remember if any of the toxins present in the dried bamboo release into the water in an aquarium, then you are doomed and your fish is merely on its death bed.
With that warning given and said, I will tell you how you can remove the toxins present in the dried bamboo.
If you are certain about putting dried bamboo in an aquarium, then be it that way. I will do everything in my power to help you make it safe for your fish. It can get quite tiring and too many steps and you might want to give up after a while.
But don’t. It is easier to make dried bamboo safe for your fish and this can help you keep it safely in an aquarium.
You can go for the shortcut technique and dip the bamboo into the resins and give an outer layer to it.
I have seen people make wooden furniture safe from decaying even in the water with the help of resins. And resins definitely give a new shine to any wooden object.
Now, let go of this topic for now and getting back to the main topic here. Here are the things you can do to make your dried bamboo safe for your fish in an aquarium.
Step By Step Guide To Treating Dried Bamboo For An Aquarium
When I divide tasks into certain steps it makes me easier for me to do it. And I hope that is the same for you as well.
When you are certain about the things you are about to do, it will be easier to decide what you need and what you are supposed to do next.
There are five steps to make your dried bamboo safe for the fish present in an aquarium. I know you might think this as an extreme thing to do to just make a simple bamboo safe.
However, these steps can be quite crucial and will help you avoid a nightmare in the future. Now, let the steps begin.
Step 1: Choosing The Right Bamboo And Cleaning It
You cannot keep a chemically treated bamboo in the tank now, can you? You need to make sure the piece of bamboo you have in your hand is completely wild and fresh from Mother Nature.
Now, take that small piece of dried bamboo you want to keep in the tank and clean it properly with clean water.
Check if there are insects, dirt, or any other materials attached to the dried bamboo. And if there are any, take a simple brush and dust it off from the bamboo piece.
Also, look at the bark fragments that may be sticking out from the dried bamboo. Remove it immediately so that these fragments do not get detach after you place them in the aquarium.
Step 2: Submerging The Dried And Cleaned Bamboo In The Aquarium
When you are done cleaning your bamboo, now it is time to move into the next step. You have to take enough water in a bucket or some holding can in order to submerge the dried bamboo entirely in the water.
You need to make sure that your bamboo is entirely soaking in the water for an entire week. Do not take any harsh steps and let something hold your bamboo inside the water.
Floating bamboo will do no good so you need to make sure it is fully submerged in the water. This will help you to remove the air pockets from the bamboo. After a while, your bamboo will start to lose its floating capacity.
The natural ability of a dried bamboo to float in the water will subside or starts to subside after a week.
Step 3: Boil The Dried Bamboo
Now that you are done soaking your dried bamboo for a week and not more, it is time to move on to the next step.
You need to now boil the soaked bamboo in order to remove all the toxins present. Do this for nearly an hour but do not boil water and bamboo together.
First, let the water boil for a while and drop the dried and soaked bamboo into the vessel. This will help you eliminate all the pathogenic substances present in the tank and dilute them into the water.
The bacteria, viruses, or even small insects hiding in the nooks and corners will be properly destroyed when you drop the dried bamboo in the boiling water for an hour.
Not only the pathogenic living beings, but this boiling process will also help you remove all the tannins, but toxins, humic acids as well as the amber yellow color of the bamboo also get removed easily.
Step 4: Repeat The Submerging Process
After boiling the bamboo for nearly an hour, remove it from the hot water and let it cool down for few minutes.
Clear all the waste substances that bamboo leaked out during the boiling process. After the cleaning process is done, you need to repeat step 2.
Boiling can be quite important for you apart from the features and positive aspects I told you about in the above step.
Boiling will fill in all the air pockets and make your dried bamboo sink in water if it wasn’t sinking properly previously.
Take a bucketful of clean water again and drop the clean and clear dried bamboo in it. If there is any hint of acidic substances or even tannins present in the dried bamboo even after the boiling process, this step will drain them all out.
All the chemical substances present in the dried bamboo will get diluted in the water when you leave it for another week to soak.
Step 5: Check The Quality Of Water Dried Bamboo Was Submerged In
Now, when you are done with all the steps, first of all, hats off to your patience. I couldn’t hold myself for two long weeks to keep a simple bamboo in the tank.
I was so desperate that I couldn’t wait for a whole week and tried to keep the bamboo in the aquarium. Yes, I know I made a mistake and cause chaos in the tank so do not repeat this. I hope you have enough patience to wait for a while.
Now, here is what you need to do. Check the quality of the water you have been submerging the dried bamboo in.
If you see clean and transparent water with no pigmentation or ammonia spike then you can keep the bamboo inside the aquarium as well.
However, if there is a foul smell or pigmentation in the water you have been using, you need to repeat the submerging process for another week as well.
Change the water and submerge the bamboo in that water for another week and check the water again after that.
Repeat this till you get your desired results and water quality needs to be optimum the end remember that.
Can I Treat Bamboo With Resins?
Yes, you can my dear friend. In point of fact, it is even better to treat dried bamboo with resins. If you ever come across an expert who deals with dried bamboo in the aquarium, s/he will unquestionably give you this suggestion.
When you deal with the resins, you will be locking all the pigmentation and toxins present in the bamboo inside it.
Resins will not only lock the toxins inside but also prevent the water from decaying the bamboo. This is like killing two birds with one stone.
Neither your bamboo will decay nor will your fish be harm, thanks to the resins which will happily provide an outer layer to your dried bamboo.
How Do You Make A Bamboo Sink?
Bamboos will not sink but float in water and this is an undeniable fact. It can be quite impossible for you to make your bamboo sink in the aquarium water.
I am still not a big supporter of keeping bamboo in the tank, let alone making them sink. But if you certainly want to try to put one dried bamboo in the tank, do as I say.
Firstly do all the steps I have mentioned above and once your dried bamboo is treated well, you can keep them inside the tank.
However, your dried bamboo even after all the treatment will float in the water. So, here are the things you can do to make sure your dried bamboo sinks in the aquarium:
- You can boil your dried bamboo to the point till all the air pockets in that bamboo are removed. This will make them sink faster and easily.
- If you have some weights from like any decorations from the tank, attach your dried bamboo with them. And once you are done attaching, place the bamboo in the water to soak for nearly 2 days. This will remove the air pockets and make your bamboo sink in the aquarium too.
Lucky Bamboo VS Dried Bamboo: Are They Similar Or Different?
It can get quite confusing when you are dealing with bamboos. You might find an article telling you to keep bamboo in the aquarium to make it more beautiful while another one might deny this knowledge.
Both of them may be right and you may have mistaken lucky bamboo with real bamboo. You see everything has a type and these two are completely different types of bamboo.
You can buy lucky bamboo directly from amazon. I recommend you to go for Greenpro Lucky Bamboo Dracaena Sanderiana or Jm Bamboo 10 Stalks of 8 Inches Straight Lucky Bamboo.
It never gets easy but doesn’t worry I will help you. I have tried to list all the differences between dried and lucky bamboo.
Hope this helps you to understand the difference.
Difference Between Lucky Bamboo And Dried Bamboo
| Difference based on | Lucky Bamboo | Dried Bamboo |
| Nature | Lucky bamboo is a non-aquatic plant but these plants are fish and aquarium-friendly. | On the contrary, dried bamboo is a terrestrial plant that cannot be used inside the aquarium else in the long run it will degrade the water quality and might kill the fish too. |
| Color | Lucky bamboo is a natural green in color. | Likewise, dried bamboos are pale yellow or light brown. |
| Benefits for fish | The first and foremost benefit is, lucky bamboo acts as a natural filter that helps in preventing ammonia and nitrates level in the water. Hence, clean water is your fish’s everyday choice. | There is no benefit of using dried bamboo for your fish. |
| Usability | Lucky bamboo is used both as an indoor plant and an aquarium plant. They shine both the way. | Dried bamboo is primarily cooked and is made out of it. These bamboo are useful to make the home décor such as plates, chairs, tables, etc. is made. |
| Lifespan | Lucky bamboo lives up to 2-3 years. | The lifespan of dried bamboo is 10 years on average. |
You might like to read more about How Can I Keep Lucky Bamboo In An Aquarium?
Frequently Asked Question For Dried Bamboo (FAQs)
You may have more questions related to bamboo and its features. So, I have answered a few of the FAQs people often ask to make it easier for you.
What Fish Can Live With Bamboo?
None! Yes, you read this right. No fish can live with true bamboo/bamboo because bamboo is not an aquatic plant which means these plants cannot adjust to the marine environment.
Likewise, if you will introduce bamboo to the aquarium, your bamboo will start rotting in 2 days or so. The rotten bamboo will release a spike of ammonia in the water which is not healthy for your fish.
Thus, you should drop the idea of keeping fish and bamboo together in an aquarium. However, there is a simple window for you to keep any fish you want along with the bamboo.
If you treat your bamboo with resins or any other method I have mentioned above they will be safe for your fish too.
For example, Bettas are well-known to live in the tank where there is bamboo present in their proximity.
Does Bamboo Clean Water?
No, Bamboo does not clean the water. These plants cannot clean the water at all. However, they can purify the water for drinking purposes if used as bamboo charcoal filters. Also, Bamboo charcoal filters are 85-98% carbon one of the reasons how they can absorb impurities from the external or internal environment.
Hence, the filtered, bamboo water is a discovery that every person wants to try in today’s date wising to slow down their aging process naturally.
Can You Submerge Bamboo Fully In The Water?
This is possible but not practical. Yes, you can submerge bamboo but the question is, will they survive? Bamboo does not need much water to thrive they will survive with a very minimal amount of water and with no care at all.
Therefore, do not submerge your bamboo if you want them alive.
Does Dried Bamboo Rot?
Dried bamboo will not rot as the dried bamboo already is rotten with no smell or greenery in it. However, if you keep them in the water or when they are somehere4 near moisture, they will attract bacteria and fungus thanks to the stored starch.
You will see them start to rot after a while and they will decay too badly, to be honest. This is also the reason why they become unsafe for an aquarium.
How Long Does Dried Bamboo Last?
Once dried, these dried bamboo live an immortal life. Meaning they will never die or decay so technically these bamboos will last till your fourth generation.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, dried bamboo may not be safe for your fish but there is always a loophole and a trick under the sleeve of a magician. You just have to know what to do and voila there you have it. Keeping dried bamboo can be tricky and risky but sometimes few things are worth the risk. Just make sure you do not get the bamboo that is chemically treated or from the area with low-quality soil. A wild bamboo which is fully dry and you have taken necessary steps and the various process I have mentioned above is the ideal choice for your tank.
Be careful and notice if there is any secretion from the bamboo. If you see any pigment coming out of them, remove them almost immediately.
You can never be too careful when it comes to raising delicate fish in an aquarium.
If you have any more queries, drop them in the comment below. I will try to get back to you as quickly as possible.
Good Luck!!!
Happy Fishkeeping!!!
