Stone Wood — like stone. Bumpy, brainy textures for bold, sculptural layouts. Perfect for creating expressive Iwagumi-style layouts with wood, or paludariums and terrariums with epiphytic plants and moss.

Stone Wood is an extraordinary hardscape material that blurs the lines between wood and stone. Featuring bumpy, brain-like textures and sculptural mass, it mimics the appearance of rugged rocks, making it possible to create a wood-based Iwagumi layout — a concept once thought exclusive to stone. Each piece is naturally heavy and rich in character, with colors ranging from deep brown to ochre and golden tones. Its forms are bold and expressive, offering aquascapers and terrarium artists an opportunity to break creative boundaries.

Stone Wood provides structure and shelter for aquatic and terrestrial species, while serving as a striking centerpiece in any environment. It is ideal for paludariums and terrariums where its brainy natural texture encourages epiphytic plant and moss growth.

The WIO difference: Our woods are responsibly sourced, untreated, and selected for their artistic potential — opening up new creative frontiers for habitat design.

Key Points

• Stone-Like Texture: Unique bumpy and brainy surface mimics the shape of stones
• Expressive Design: Ideal for Iwagumi-style layouts using wood instead of stone
• Color Variety: Rich mix of dark brown, ochre, and golden hues
• Bold Shapes: Naturally heavy and sculptural — each piece is one of a kind
• Versatile: Suitable for aquariums, paludariums, and terrariums
• Packaging: Sold by piece — available in Small (S), Medium (M), and Large (L)
• Origin: Naturally aged and untreated

Preparation & Curing

• Curing Required: Natural wood should be cured before introduction into aquariums or terrariums
• Basic Curing (new setups or small loads): Soak in warm water for 24 hours; rinse thoroughly before use
• Intensive Curing (established aquariums with livestock): Boil for 30–60 minutes to eliminate potential contaminants; follow with daily soaking in fresh water until it runs clear
• Gradual Introduction: Introduce slowly to monitor potential water chemistry changes; start with small pieces if uncertain

Initial Buoyancy

• Wood may float initially — soak for up to a month or secure temporarily using rocks, anchors, or WIO ScapeGlue until fully waterlogged

Water Monitoring

• Wood releases tannins that may tint water a warm amber tone — harmless and even beneficial, minimized with pre-soaking or boiling
• Maintain kH ≥ 3 for a stable buffer and monitor pH regularly
• Test pH, kH, and gH weekly during initial setup
• Perform partial water changes as needed to manage coloration
• Biofilm or saprolegnia may appear early on — this is natural and harmless; remove manually if desired, it will subside over time

Placement

• Position Stone Wood like rocks in Iwagumi layouts — use odd-numbered groupings or asymmetrical placement to enhance natural flow
• Combine with sand or minimal planting for a raw, sculptural look, or pair with mosses for softness and contrast
• Slightly embed pieces in the substrate to anchor the composition and enhance realism

Available from Cuboid Nature Aquarium — Authorized Retailer for WIO.