5 Awesome Decorations to Put in a Fish Aquarium

The aquarium hobby isn’t only excellent for learning about marine biology and biochemistry but also for adding a nice touch of interior to any living space. A fish tank by itself is visually appealing thanks to colorful tropical species, but there’s more that can be done to enhance the look of an aquarium. No matter the size of your tank, decorations can improve the look of any aquarium as long as they don’t take up too much space. A good rule of thumb to remember (depending on your filtration) is that each inch of fish requires one gallon of water to swim in, so each inch of decoration will be similar to adding smaller fish to the tank. Here are some of the coolest decorations you can get for your aquarium.

1. Colorful Plants

Aquatic plants aren’t all green. They run the gamut of primary colors and in some cases display various colors depending on the amount of light and nutrients in the water. Bucephlandra, known as “arrogant blue,” is a plant that will thrive in freshwater aquariums as long as it has a substrate for rooting. Ludwigia repens, more commonly called aquatic primrose, turns a nice shade of red with minimal upkeep.

2. Rocks and Pebbles

Substrate that features colorful river pebbles can be found at a trusted aquarium supplier. However, the most popular style today by a long shot is to use natural wood and rock made for aquariums found in hundreds if not thousands of pieces at Aquatic Warehouse. We’ve even set-up an “customer sandbox” set at eye level for you to try out your decorating skills to get your “aquascapes” just right and know exactly what it will look like by taking a picture of your creation then reassembling at home with your new decorations.

3. Aquarium Caves

Smaller and territorial fish will appreciate this decoration even if it’s not natural. One of the most popular caves for tanks consists of a coconut shell cut in half with holes on both sides. Decorative caves made with plastic materials can be as basic as sections cut from large PVC pipes, but they should be dipped in a hydrogen peroxide solution prior to introducing them to the tank. Remember to not use black ABS pipe designed for drains, as this isn’t potable and will secrete toxins that could harm your fish.

4. Classic Aquarium Decorations

Shipwrecks and old-fashioned divers are traditional decorations that will never go out of style, particularly the diver that opens a sunken treasure chest and can be connected to the air pump hose for aeration. Some shipwreck decorations sold at aquarium shops can also double as shipwrecks for smaller species.

5. Statues and Sunken Ruins

Ever since Greek philosophers ruminated about the lost city of Atlantis, our collective imagination has run wild with theories about what this place may look like underwater, and this is one of the reasons sunken ruins are popular aquarium decorations. Famous statues and sculptures, particularly from the Renaissance period, can also add a touch of class to your tank. The Statue of Liberty is a nice decoration, and some fish keepers have even cut the top section so it looks like the destroyed version from Planet of the Apes.

Decorating an aquarium is fun, but don’t forget the most important thing is having all of the necessary supplies to keep your tank running smoothly. Whether you need an aquarium temperature controller, beneficial bacteria, LED lighting, a protein skimmer, or any other essential aquarium supply, Aquatic Warehouse has you covered. Stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, order what you need from our website, or give us a call at 858-467-9297 to speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives.