When your inner designer won’t come out to play, deciding on your tank decor can be a frustrating process.
So I’ve created this guide to make it easier for you.
In this article you’ll learn:
- We’ll talk about 10 types of decorations you can use for inspiration.
- Simple things to consider before choosing your decorations so you can get the right ones for your tank,
10 Different Styles of Aquarium Decor to Inspire you
When choosing which decorations to add to your aquarium, it’s important to consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of each.
1. Driftwood
Natural driftwood is a popular addition to many aquariums and can help create a natural, simplistic feel. It also acts as a great hiding spot for more timid fish.
Driftwood can be bought in many stores and is usually very safe. You can, however, fish driftwood out of rivers and streams, adding it to your tank without spending any money.
You should exercise caution when doing this and be sure to quarantine wild-sourced wood. If you don’t, you run the risk of adding harmful microbes and parasites, having the potential to make your fish seriously ill.
Boiling driftwood before placing it in an aquarium can help remove some of the tannins in the wood. Tannins are harmless to fish, but many people don’t like that they can dye the water brown.
Bestseller No. 1
majoywoo Natural Small Coral Driftwood for Aquarium Decor Fish Tank Decorations, Assorted Driftwood Branch 4.5-7.5" 5 Pcs, Reptile Decor
Bestseller No. 2
WDEFUN Natural Large Driftwood for Aquarium Decor Fish Tank Decoration, 2 Pieces 9-14"" Assorted Branch for Decorations on Reptiles Tank
Last update on 2024-03-08 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Aquarium Stones and Rocks
There are many attractive stones, pebbles and rocks available commercially which serve as great additions to many aquariums. They’re also ideal for nature themed tanks, comforting fish by mimicking their native habitat.
You can also add rocks found in the wild to your aquarium. Before doing this, however, it’s vital that you sanitize the rocks before adding them to avoid bringing in harmful organisms.
Be mindful, too, that some rocks, like lace rock, can be sharp and cause harm to your fish and should be avoided.
Also, some rocks can contain calcium that can leach into water, hardening it over time. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if you have really soft water.
You can test rocks for calcium content with an aquarium liquid nitrate test kit. Nitrate tests contain two bottles, usually labeled bottle 1 and bottle 2. Bottle 1 contains hydrochloric acid. If you put a few drops on a rock, and it starts to foam, it means the rock is calciferous, and will leach minerals into your water over time.
Never bake or boil rocks. This can cause the rock to shatter or even explode. The best way to sanitize rocks is using the bleach method I covered under the “Sanitizing Non-Commercial Items” section above.
Natural Slate Stone 3 to 5 inch Rocks for Miniature and Fairy Garden, Aquascaping Aquariums, Reptile enclosures & Model Railroad. (5lbs)
Last update on 2024-03-11 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Caves
Adding caves to a tank is a great way to provide hiding spots for fish. Sometimes, fish feel shy or threatened and need a little place to duck into.
And some species, like plecos or other catfish, are full time cave dwelling fish. They are nocturnal, spending their days tucked away in a cave and only emerging to eat after dark.
So, adding extra caves can help all of your different fish stake out a little home territory that makes them feel more secure.
Bestseller No. 1
KINGRUI Natural Seiryu Rock Stone, Dragon Stone, Suitable for Aquarium Landscaping Models and Fish Tank Decoration, Reptile and Amphibian enclosures - 11 lbs.
Last update on 2024-03-08 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hygger Sunken Log Resin
hygger Small Aquarium Ornament Poly Resin Wood Trunk Log Fish Tank Decoration for up to 20 Gallon Tank Betta Fish Accessories Hideout Cave(Tree Log)
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6 Pieces Stackable Ceramic Fish Tank Hideout Caves
6 Pieces Aquarium Decoration Rock Caves Stackable Ceramic Fish Tank Hideout Cave Stone Ornaments Hideaway for Betta Shrimp Cichlid Hiding Breeding Spawning Decor
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Police Box Decorations for Fish and Shrimp
I personally own this decoration. I’ve had it in my tank for almost 2 years and it still looks great. My zebra loaches love this and use it as their main cave during the day.
Aquarium Fish Tank Ornament Police Box Telephone Decorations for Fish and Shrimp to Cave Hideouts for Hiding Police One Size
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Ships
Sunken ships can be bought from most commercial retailers. If you’re looking to create a natural, sea-like theme, sunken ships are a safe, fish-friendly option that complement most tank designs well.
Ships also provide great hiding spots for fish, allowing prey species to conceal themselves for security and comfort.
Bestseller No. 1
Penn-Plax Shipwreck Aquarium Decoration Ornament with Moving Masts, Lifeboat, and Bubble Action
Last update on 2024-03-08 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Underwater Treasures Battleship
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SH-RuiDu Aquarium Air Driven Action Shipwreck Decoration
SH-RuiDu Aquarium Shipwreck Ornament Air Pump Driven Action Shipwreck Fish Tank Decoration
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Large Mountain View Aquarium Cave Bridge Decoration
PakyKai Large Fish Tank Decorations, Mountain View Aquarium Ornament with Tree House Cave Bridge Artificial Plastic Plants Aquarium Decorations
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ulifery Walking Land Tank Aquarium Ornament, Large
Sale
Ulifery Robot Cool Walking Land Tank Aquarium Ornament Alien Fish Tank Decorations for Betta Large
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Ruins
Ancient ruins are an excellent addition to Atlantis/mermaid-themed tanks and act as perfect places for prey fish to hide.
Bestseller No. 1
emours Aquarium Decoration Fish Tank Landscape Ornament Vintage Ruins Roman Column
Bestseller No. 2
Pet Products Fish Tank Decorations Ancient Tunnel Ruins Ornaments Ornament for Aquarium Monster Large
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SLOCME Large Angkor Wat Buddha Statue Decoration
SLOCME Aquarium Large Angkor Wat Buddha Statue Temple Decorations - Aquarium Angkor Buddha Decor Fish Tank Large Buddha Statue Ornament
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Statues
Statues of people and animals can add interesting focal points to your aquarium. They’re great for sea or Asian themed tanks.
Also, many statues made for aquariums include caves that make good hiding places for shy fish.
Bestseller No. 1
SunGrow Betta Fish Moai Decor, 7" and 5", Hollow Resin Replicas of Easter Island Statues, Freshwater, Saltwater Tank Decor, Terrariums and Vivariums, 2 Pcs per Pack
SaleBestseller No. 2
RVQIGYP Aquarium Decoration Landscape Small Buddha Fish Tank Decoration Small Buddha Broken Buddha Statue (Small Four-Sided Buddha) Small Fish Tank Decoration
Last update on 2024-03-08 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
JONJUMP Fish Tank Buddha Sitting Statue
JONJUMP Fish Tank Buddha Sitting Statue Aquarium Decoration Tank Ornament Fengshui Praying Sitting Figurine Home Garden Decor
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
POPETPOP Mermaid Figure
POPETPOP Mermaid Figure Resin Aquarium Statue Miniature Garden Fairy Gardens Rockery Ornaments Fish Tank Decoration
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BCSIUHD Aquarium Ornament – Seahorse Mermaid
BCSIUHD Aquarium Ornament - Seahorse Mermaid Decorations,Fish Tank Supplies Accessories,Mermaid Gifts for Girls, Mediterranean Princess Statue Home Decoration
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Bubble Makers
Bubble chests, underwater rivers and air stones not only look attractive, but are often an essential addition to densely-populated aquariums.
If you’re keeping one or more highly-active fish in a single tank, it’s important to ensure that they have an adequate supply of oxygen.
Busier fish will require more than slower species, so it’s important that you keep oxygen levels high by adding in air-producing decorations.
When incorporating bubble makers into your aquarium, ensure that they aren’t too strong for your fish to handle. If your water flow becomes too high, fish will find it difficult to swim and become distressed, often leading to disease.
High water flow can be canceled out by adding dense objects like driftwood.
SaleBestseller No. 1
SZMiNiLED Submersible Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Air Bubble Hole, RGB Color Changing Brightness Adjustable IP68 Waterproof Remote Control LED Light for Aquarium Fish Tank 12 inch
Last update on 2024-03-08 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Number-one Aquarium Bubble Light
Number-one Aquarium Bubble Light LED Fish Tank Bubbler Light, Remote Controlled Aquariums Air Stone Disk Lamp with 16 Color Changing, 4 Lighting Effects for Fish Tanks and Fish Ponds
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Aquarium Backgrounds
Aquarium backgrounds can serve as the perfect finishing touch to your tank.
Both poster backgrounds, flat, 2D pieces that stick to the back of tanks, and structured backgrounds which are 3D and textured can be used to give your aquarium a more realistic and creative feel.
Backgrounds should be secured with silicone or mounting gel and left for 48 hours before adding water and fish into the tank.
ELEBOX 20″ x 48″ Fish Tank Background 2 Sided River Bed & Lake
ELEBOX New 20" x 48" Fish Tank Background 2 Sided River Bed & Lake Background Aquarium
Last update on 2024-03-11 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
ELEBOX Aquatic Plant Reef Beach Aquarium Background Double-Sided
ELEBOX Fish Tank Background Aquatic Plant Reef Beach Aquarium Wallpaper Background Double Sides Background Poster
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Oyunngs Aquarium Background, Underwater Forest
Sale
Oyunngs Aqrium Background, 3D Effect Waterproof Fore Landsce Underwater Fish Tank Backdrop Poer Decoration PVC Adhesive Sticker(6141Cm)
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Zerodis Aquarium Background, Water Grass
Aquarium Poster, Seafloor Water Grass Fish Tank Background Decoration 3D PVC Self Adhesive Fish Tank Wallpaper Sticker for Aquarium Fish Tank Decoration(24.0 x 11.8in)
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Submersible Light Ornament
Submersive lights can also be added to fish tanks, providing a soft, attractive glow without being too bright and invasive for fish.
These serve as a great way to brighten up your aquarium without disturbing your pets.
Submersive lights can also come in a range of colors, allowing you to transform your aesthetic and enhance particular color tones.
GreenSun LED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with APP Control
Sale
GreenSun LED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with APP Control, IP68 Submersible Waterproof Strip Bar Light, RGB Color Changing, 4.5 Watts 15inch/38cm
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fish Tank Light, RGB Aquarium Lights
Fish Tank Light, RGB Submersible Aquarium Lights, Waterproof Color Changing Tank Lights, LED Underwater Aquarium Light, Dim Adjustable Remote Control Hang Lights, 27 inch
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. Ceramic Ornaments
Implementing ceramic ornaments into an aquarium is a contentious practice with some hobbyists claiming it to be perfectly safe and others totally against their use.
The truth is that some ceramic ornaments are, indeed, totally harmless, while others leach toxic metals as their glaze dissolves and can seriously harm fish.
Any object that is stamped as ‘dinnerware safe’ is suitable for use. This means that its glaze has been fired using methods that prevent chemical leaching under acidic conditions. Non-dinnerware pieces do not meet these standards and should be avoided.
If you’re unsure about the safety of a ceramic ornament, dilute a household acid like vinegar to a pH similar to the most acidic conditions your aquarium could reach. A pH of 5 should suffice.
Submerge the ornament, or part of it, in this solution and wait a month before examining it again. Check its glaze. If any of the shininess of the object has deteriorated, this indicates chemical leaching and the object is unsuitable for aquatic usage.
Plain/unglazed ceramics like terracotta are suitable as they come with no risk of chemical leakage. Ceramics with jagged edges can be chipped away and coated in a bead of aquatic silicone to prevent injury.
Saim Ceramic Jar Aquarium Decorations Fish Tank Cave Breeding Cones Cave Fish Tank Ornaments for Betta Fish Amano Shrimp Cichlid Bonsai to Play, Hide and Rest, Yellow
Last update on 2024-03-11 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BCSIUHD Aquarium Decoration – Brown Ceramic Jar
BCSIUHD Aquarium Decoration - Brown Ceramic Jar Fish Tank Cave Breeding Cones Cave Fish Tank Ornaments for Amano Shrimp Cichlid Bonsai to Play, Hide and Rest
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
DOHO Ceramic square shrimp hideout
DOHO Aquarium Cave Ceramic Decoration for Amano Shrimp Cichlid with Fish Hideaway and Breeding
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Norgail Handmade Brown Ceramic Shelters – Breeding Tube
Norgail Handmade Brown Ceramic Shelters - Shrimp Habitat, Breeding Tube, Hiding cave - Hideaway Pipes Reduce Stress, Encourage spawning - Decorative Aquarium Accessories 1PCS
Last update on 2024-03-10 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bonus: Fun Fish Tank Ornaments
Other fish-friendly aquatic ornaments include:
Preview | Product | |
---|---|---|
![]() | Penn-Plax Age-of-Magic Wizard’s Castle Aquarium Decoration – Safe for Freshwater and Saltwater... | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | COOSPIDER Hobbit Miniature Landscape Hillside Fairy Hole House Manor Decor Ideas for Aquariums... | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | Penn-Plax Spongebob Squarepants Officially Licensed Aquarium Ornament – Spongebob’s Pineapple... | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | Uniclife Aquarium Volcano Ornament Kit with Air Stone Bubbler Fish Tank Decorations | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | boxtech Poly Resin Lighthouse Aquarium Decoration - Artificial Decor Lamp House Baby Fish Hiding Fun... | Buy on Amazon |
![]() | Blue Ribbon Small Triceratops Skull Aquarium Ornament | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-03-11 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things you need to Consider when Choosing Aquarium Accessories
![Best Unique & Creative Aquarium Decorations For Your Tank (65) Best Unique & Creative Aquarium Decorations For Your Tank (65)](https://i0.wp.com/modestfish.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/statue-aquarium-decoration.jpg)
When deciding on your decorations, you should think about the following:
1. The Size of Your Aquarium
It’s no good having lots of great big, fancy accessories if your tank just ends up looking crowded and ugly.
It’ll be pretty distressing for your fish, too, if they have no room to move around.
If you have a smaller tank, less is often more. It’s better to have one or two attractive decorations that stand out instead of multiple that leave your fish with little living space.
And, if you’re finding it difficult to make a choice, decide on a theme to follow in your design. That way, you can add in decorations like sunken ships and mermaid kingdoms, making it easier to choose accessories by sticking to a particular topic.
Proper Height of Aquarium Elements
Separate your tank into three zones: top, middle and bottom. Fish tend to spend the majority of their time in any one of these three zones, so it’s important to keep some space free in each.
In order to balance the space available evenly, it’s wise to have one or two tall items that rise up into the top zone (depending on the size of your aquarium) and then two or three that are short – around an inch or two from the bottom of your tank.
Your fish will feel safer if your decorations follow some kind of structure. By using those tips, you can incorporate decorations and accessories without making your fish feel uncomfortable.
2. The Color of Your Fish
If you’re concerned about upsetting the aesthetic of your aquarium, you can prevent this by considering the color of your fish.
The color of your decorations will either compliment or clash with your fish. If you have lots of lightly-colored fish, a dark substrate and dull decorations can help to complement those tones.
Vibrant, bright fish look great against white gravel and pale decorations, making the color of your fish pop against the colorless background. Green plants can also work well.
3. How Active Are Your Fish?
Highly-active fish have a considerably higher oxygen uptake than more dormant breeds.
If you’re keeping such fish, oxygen-producing decorations like bubble chests and underwater rivers and bridges can help to provide plenty of air, keeping your fish healthy and allowing them to remain active.
4. Natural vs. Wild Aquarium Theme
The color of your accessories will set the theme of your aquarium.
If you wish to create a natural-looking theme for your tank, pea gravel and live, green plants are great choices in terms of color.
Neon hues and vibrant shades can create a more wild, showy look and help draw attention to particular areas of your aquarium.
Once you’ve decided on a theme, select the color of your decorations and accessories carefully to complement the feel of your tank.
5. Look Out for Sharp Edges
Decorations like fake plants can sometimes have sharp edges. These can seriously harm your fish by scratching at their scales, creating injuries and opening them up to infections.
When you’re choosing accessories for your aquarium, ensure that you avoid any that have sharp edges, allowing you to create an attractive aesthetic without risking your fish’s safety.
6. Consider Focus Points
When you’re adding decorations and accessories to your tank, it can help to select one or two focal points.
These points should stand out amongst the rest of your decor. Items like mermaid statues and bridges draw people’s attention, setting the scene throughout your aquarium and complementing your overall design.
7. Have Fun, But Exercise Caution When Adding New Things to Your Tank
While it’s easy to get carried away when decorating your tank, adding in household items and things found in the wild, you should always exercise caution when bringing something new into your fish’s home.
Sanitizing Non-Commercial Items
While store-bought decorations are generally very safe, objects like driftwood or rocks found in nature need to be cleaned before being added to your aquarium.
Driftwood should be boiled, or if this isn’t practical, soaked in very salty water for several days. Start out with hot water and it should be switched out as it becomes saturated with tannins.
Tannins won’t harm your fish, but they may decrease your water’s KH and possibly pH, and lots of folks don’t like that they tint the water brown.
To sterilize rocks or other hard decor, follow this process:
Equipment:
- Buckets
- Plain chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
- Dechlorinator
- Tap water
- Measuring cups
Steps:
- I usually recommend doing this in buckets in your bathtub or shower. Make sure you wear clothing you don’t mind getting bleach on.
- Mix bleach and water in a bucket at a ratio of 20 parts water to 1 part bleach. So, for example, if you used 1 cup of bleach, you’d need to add 20 cups of water (1.5 gallons/5 quarts).
- Submerge items and let them soak for several minutes (it may take up to 15 or 20 minutes to remove stubborn algae or staining).
- Dump the bleach and rinse the items until you no longer smell bleach. Return the decor to the bucket, cover with water and add a 4 times overdose of dechlorinator. Let the items sit for 10 minutes.
- Remove items and dump water. The decor is safe to place in the aquarium.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line when it comes to adding decorations and accessories is to add in any decorations that take your fancy – providing that you take measures to ensure that they’re safe and non-toxic.
Your fish are indifferent to the vibrant colors or unusual decorations you may choose to add. It all comes down to personal choice.
By using the tips above, you can add your favourite ornaments to your aquarium without having to worry about harming your fish.