Galapagos Cholla Wood Branches 6" 3-Pack | Aquarium Driftwood for Shrimp, Plecos & Bettas

The Galapagos Cholla Wood Branches (6" 3-PACK) is the dried inner skeleton of the cholla cactus — a porous, hollow, naturally aquarium-safe driftwood that shrimp, plecos, bettas, and small fish absolutely cannot leave alone. The riddled surface grows biofilm fast, releases gentle tannins to soften and acidify water, and gives shy livestock a maze of hides to explore.

Pair it with our Freshwater Invertebrates (shrimp colonies love this stuff), browse our Freshwater selection, or shop more Fish & Invert Food.

Why Cholla Wood Works

• Biofilm magnet — the porous, fibrous surface is the perfect substrate for the micro-foods shrimp graze on.
• Natural tannins gently lower pH and soften water — ideal for blackwater, betta, apisto, and shrimp tanks.
• Hollow tube structure — fry and small shrimp duck inside the branches for refuge.
• Anchor for plants & moss — tie Java moss, Anubias, or Bucephalandra to the wood for instant aquascape detail.
• Plecos & algae-eaters love it — the soft fibrous wood gives them something to rasp on (also great as a chew toy for hermit crabs & iguanas in terrariums).
• 3-pack of ~6" branches — enough variety for a 10–20 gal nano or to scape one focal area in a larger tank.

Setup & Use

1. Pre-soak in a separate tub of dechlorinated water for 1–2 weeks, changing the water daily. This removes excess tannins (which turn water tea-colored) and waterlogs the wood so it sinks.
2. Tip: boiling for 15–20 minutes speeds the process and helps sterilize the wood.
3. Once it sinks on its own, arrange in your tank — wedge into rockwork, attach to slate, or let it sit free on the substrate.
4. Optional: tie plants like Java moss or Anubias to the wood with thread or super glue gel.
5. If you want the blackwater look, skip the long soak — the tannins are non-toxic and beneficial for shrimp and bettas.

Specifications

Pair It With

• Assorted Dwarf Neocaridina Shrimp — the classic shrimp colony tankmate for cholla.
• Blue Diamond Shrimp — stunning blue Neocaridina that pops against the warm-tone wood.
• KatsAquatics Shrimpsicles — high-protein food stick for shrimp colonies.
• Aquavitro Shrimp Small Hut — add a ceramic refuge alongside the wood for varied hides.
• Freshwater Aquarium Plants — Java moss & Anubias to attach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my water turn brown?
Some, yes — cholla wood releases tannins. Pre-soak it for 1–2 weeks to minimize the effect, or embrace the natural “blackwater” look (good for bettas, killifish, and shrimp).

How long does it last?
Most cholla wood breaks down over 6–12 months in the tank as shrimp and microfauna graze on it. That is normal — the wood is food.

Will it lower my pH too much?
For most tanks the drop is gentle (0.2–0.5). Tanks with very high KH/GH may see little change. Test before and after to verify.

Can I use it in saltwater?
No — cholla wood is meant for freshwater only. The tannins and organic load are not reef-safe.

Will it scratch acrylic tanks?
No — the wood is soft. It will not scratch glass or acrylic. Just place gently to avoid impact damage.