I can’t believe I haven’t done a review on the Zoo Med Floating Log yet, especially since one of our best friends bought it for us a few years back.
When I first saw the Floating Log I was worried that Blub wasn’t actually going to use it, which would have sucked because it takes up quite a bit of his tank. (His tank being an Aqueon LED MiniBow 2.5-Gallon Tank). However, I’m happy to let you know that it’s one of his favourite spots in the tank. Speaking of which, it was also one of Flub’s favourite accessories as well.
Size
As mentioned the Floating Log is a good size, measuring in at 6 x 4 x 7 inches. I would say it’s a decent size for 2-Gallons or more, and inside provides enough space for a Betta to swim or sleep.
Durability
We got the floating log about over a year and a half ago, and it’s still intact and hard as it always has been (even though it’s made of some sort of foam. There are a few chips on it from aggressive cleaning, however, these are hardly noticeable and makes me feel like this product will last years.
It’s a perfect place for Bubble Nests
Since Bettas like to blow bubbles in places where they cannot be disturbed, this shelter provides exactly what they need and want. Flub blew the majority of his bubbles inside of the log and we actually had a fairly difficult time taking pictures of them, however, Blub blows bubbles anywhere he so pleases (inside and outside of the log.)
It Moves Throughout the Day
I think my favourite thing about the log is how much it moves. I know that’s a fairly weird thing to say, but because its location changes it gives your fish a variable to play with/get excited by. This is made more obvious when in a larger tank since in the 2.5-Gallon tank we have it only has the ability to move a few inches.
It can feel too light
Unfortunately, the movement can also be negative and we saw this especially in Flubs original tank. The log frequently got stuck under the current of the “waterfall” and would bobble too aggressively for Flubs liking. We don’t seem to have that issue with the Minibow since the waterfall is a lot calmer. That being the case, I wasn’t a huge fan of the Aquafarm anyways, even though it’s a terribly cool idea!
Although we don’t use it, it comes with a feeding hole
To be honest, Blub prefers it when we don’t try to feed him in the feeding hole. He mostly does his napping in the log, so there’s really no point in trying to even train him to use the hole. However, I can see how handy it can be for Betta owners who’s fish like to hide for the majority of their day. Due to the way the log is made, the hole will always be at the top, making sure you always have access to your Betta.
To Address the negative reviews of this product
I noticed there’s a number of negative reviews on this product stating that it is unsafe due to toxins, oils and chipping. Note that I’ve never had this experience with the product. As is with many products, sometimes they come defective. I would recommend buying the product through Amazon to make sure that you’re able to return it (as many pet stores will not refund you for fish products, even if they are defective.) To this day, the only issue with paints, toxins or chipping we had are the exposed bits from overwashing. I wouldn’t put this under a product defect but would say that this is due to my OCD cleaning when it comes to Blub’s tank. My product didn’t smell toxic when soaked in water, even for extended periods of time and it has never caused Blub to get sick (as he got sick for the first time over a year after using this product.)
Conclusion
I would give this product a solid 4.5/5. My main issue is just the fact that it is too light for certain fishtanks. That being the case, I’m glad we got to test it on the Minibow before the Aquafarm because it would have gone into the garbage immediately if it was constantly being submerged/bobbled by the water current.