Do-It-Yourself Decorations That Are Safe to Use in a Freshwater Aquarium

Once you’ve acquired all the freshwater aquarium supplies you need, your next step is likely going to be decorating your tank. One solution is to create your own decorations, which allows you to embellish the aquarium however you want, and you get to have fun while doing it. Try some of the following DIY decorations to bring your aquarium to life.

Prints and Pictures

One easy way to decorate an aquarium is to print or draw pictures that can be taped to the back outside of the tank, using packing tape or another product made for this application. Ask your aquarist experts at Aquatic Warehouse. This option is cheap, quick, and allows for your fish to live in whatever setting you choose.

Rocks/Stones and Silicone

You should be able to find rocks in your yard, your neighbor’s yard (ask first), or somewhere else close by, and they make great decorations for any aquarium. Many people use interesting looking rocks when creating aquarium decorations like this, but any type of rock will do as long as it didn’t originate from the ocean. The reason for this is that you don’t want the hardness and alkalinity this type of rock brings. First, grab rocks that seem visually interesting to you, then clean them thoroughly, which can be done with warm water and light scrubbing. Cleaning your rocks prevents the aquarium from getting dirty. Next, plan a design that gives your fish an exciting area to live in while leaving enough room for them to swim freely. Lastly, use the HoldFast or any underwater aquarium epoxy to attach the rocks together. The epoxy will cure underwater within a few minutes to an hour, depending on the mass. Now your new decoration is ready to go.

Tiny Trees

Find hard wood, fishing line, and Java moss (which you’ll need to buy at your local aquarium store) to create the next decoration. Clean the wood and attach the moss with the fishing line. You can add as much moss as you desire to make your wood look just like a tree.

Small Toys

If you find yourself short on cash, small toys are a great option for aquarium decorations. Some people still have old toys from their youth. Certain toys can be placed in your aquarium to play out a scene, provide friends for your fish, or even showcase your belongings with a sense of style. Make sure to only use the types of toys that won’t rust.

PVC Pipe Logs

If you have access to PVC pipe, this next decoration will be a breeze. You can use a grinder to make grooves on the outside of the pipe to make it appear to be a hollow log. If you don’t have access to a grinder, you can still make the log, so don’t fret. Use Sch 80 pipe (dark gray), and make sure you don’t use black ABS pipe—it’s toxic! Cover the pipe in Java moss with the fishing line, crisscrossing it a lot to keep the moss in place. Don’t worry about needing a strong plant light, as Java moss can grow in a low-light environment. If you’ve made multiple logs, you can attach them together with epoxy to create a large hollow structure. After the pipes have dried, lower them into the aquarium for your fish to enjoy.

If you’d like additional suggestions for decorating your fish tank, get in touch with the friendly aquarium experts at Aquatic Warehouse. We carry all the supplies you need to keep your aquarium running smoothly, and we also have an array of tanks that make ideal freshwater planted aquariums. Check out our website, stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, or give us a call today at 858-467-9297.