Why wood preparation matters
Purchased driftwood can carry loose debris and may change the aquarium's appearance after it is submerged. In a shrimp-focused aquarium, the choice should also support steady routines, visible livestock, and access for basic care.
Before you act, check whether the wood is intended for aquariums and whether it needs soaking or rinsing. Compare the item with the rest of the setup and note any recent change that could affect what you are seeing.
A careful way to proceed
prepare it outside the aquarium as directed, then add it without disturbing the filter. Make one adjustment at a time and watch how the aquarium responds during normal observation.
Avoid boiling, treating, or chemically cleaning wood without checking material guidance. Labels, products, and tank conditions differ, so use a reliable guide as context and record what you directly observe. If uncertainty remains, ask an experienced shrimp keeper before making a consequential change.
Use these as general hobby references. Test your aquarium and confirm product guidance before making changes.