How Long Does Driftwood Last?

[stanleo]

The large piece of driftwood in my tank has been in two tanks over the course of 4+ years. It was dry for 3 months during a move. How long does the driftwood last before it degrades to a point that could be damaging to a system?

 

[Alasse]

I have pieces here that are 10+ yrs and have changed very little to not at all since original

 

[Asteria]

They can last ages. But if you have plecos that will strip down wood for food they won't last that long. Since having mine in a tank with my clown place I have noticed a difference. 

 

[Bubbelzzz]

Generally, it could take ages and even decades. Some pieces of wood in lakes lay there for more then hundred years.
 
However, there are some factors that play along. You could think of the amount of oxygen or the acidity level of the water. But also do the type of wood and the size matter. Oak will last longer then spruce for instance.