Contrary to popular belief, freshwater fish can make great pets. While it’s true that fish are often known as easy pets to take care of, but what many people don’t realize is that setting up an aquarium can be a much larger project than many anticipate.
Among the tasks of setting up an aquarium is to find out what I can put in my fish tank for decoration. While this may seem like a minor detail, the decorations you choose can make a big difference in the look and feel of your aquarium.
Below you’ll find a handy list of some of the best things to put in your fish tank for decoration:
Rocks
This is a classic choice for many aquariums, and for good reasons. Rocks can provide a natural look that can help to recreate your fish’s natural inhabit. They can also be used to build hiding spots for other inhabitants, which can make them feel more secure.
Store-sought aquarium rocks can be expensive, so many fish keepers choose to use outdoor rocks they hand-picked themselves. If you go this route, be sure to test these collected outdoor stones thoroughly before adding them to your tank since not all rocks are safe for fish.
Plants
Real or artificial, plants are another popular decoration for aquariums. Not only do they add a splash of color, but they can also provide hiding spots and help to oxygenate the water. There are many different types of plants available, so be sure to do some research on which ones will work best in your aquarium.
If you’re not sure you want to deal with live plants, there are many beautiful artificial plants available that can give your aquarium that same natural look without maintenance.
Ornaments
Believe it or not, you can find almost any movie-themed fish tank decoration that you want. How about an AT-AT for a Star Wars Aquarium or a Hogwarts castle for your Halfmoon betta fish tank? Maybe you want to keep it more low-key with some simple pirate treasure.
If you want to get really creative, you can even make your own aquarium decorations. There are many tutorials online that can show you how to make everything from pirate ships to coral reefs.
No matter what you choose to put in your fish tank for decoration, be sure the materials are safe for fish and won’t leach any harmful toxins into the water. With a little bit of planning, you can create an aquarium that is both beautiful and functional.
Wood
Wood can provide a unique and eye-catching addition to any aquarium. It can also provide hiding spots and help to create a more natural environment for your fish. In addition, They can provide an optimal surface for algae to grow.
There are many different types of wood available, such as driftwood, mangrove root, and bamboo. Keep a close eye on your water quality if you choose to use wood in your aquarium, as it can release tannins that can lower the pH of your water.
LEGO
You probably never thought LEGO could be used in an aquarium, but it turns out that it’s actually a great decoration. Not only can you use it to build structures for your fish to explore, but the bright colors can also help to make your aquarium more visually appealing.
There is no worry about the LEGO pieces leaching toxins into the water since they are made from non-toxic ABS plastic.
Clay Pots
Last but not least, clay pots are one of the most popular decorations for aquariums. They have a couple of advantages:
- They are very cheap
- They can provide perfect hiding spots when carefully positioned
- They are considered the best “breeding caves”
- They can be used to hold plants in bare-bottom tanks
- They are also fantastic decorations
Similar to outdoor rocks, be aware that these flower pots in your garden are not safe because they have been exposed to a variety of chemicals, such as fertilizer, weed killers, and bug spray.
They are dangerous to your aquarium!
Conclusion
As you see, decorating an aquarium is a fun activity with friends or your children, and there are many interesting things that will turn your fish tank into a masterpiece.
However, it is important to make sure the materials you use are aquarium safe. After all, as a fish keeper, the safety of your fish and other inhabitants should always be the #1 priority.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If so, please share it with your friends or family who is looking to decorate their aquariums. Thank you for reading!
