How to Choose The Right Aquarium Decorations

An aquarium is so much more than a tank with some fish in it. Many elements need to come together to create something beautiful and functional. Aquarium decorations are one of these elements.

An aquarium decoration can be any item that can be added to an aquarium to enhance its appearance and provide additional elements for the fish to interact with. These decorations can include,

• Substrate
• Artificial plants
• Live plants
• Rocks and pebbles
• Driftwood and bogwood
• Artificial ornaments
• Backgrounds

By creatively using these items, you can create a basic natural setting, or you can try to build something more specific. You can also use them to make a themed aquarium. The options are endless. Apart from all of this, some of these aquarium décor elements can also provide the fish with hiding spots, territories, and other forms of interaction, all of which can help to improve the overall well-being of the fish and other inhabitants in the tank.

Decorative elements can serve multiple functions in the aquarium other than just improving the aesthetics and are often great ways to kill two or multiple birds with one stone.

Things To Remember When Choosing Aquarium Decorations

When choosing aquarium decorations, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Consider the needs of the fish species: Some fish species may require specific types of hiding places or territories, while others may prefer a more open environment. Make sure to choose decorations that will suit the needs of the fish species in your tank.
• Size of the tank: The size of your tank should be considered when choosing decorations. Be sure to choose decorations that will not overcrowd the space and will allow for proper swimming and movement of the fish.
• Safety of the fish: Ensure that the decorations you choose will not harm the fish in your tank and will not contribute to the growth of harmful bacteria. Choose décor made with aquarium-safe materials and don’t just plop any random object into the tank no matter how cool or cute it looks.
• Durability: Make sure the decorations you choose will not become dislodged or break apart in the tank, as this can create debris that can harm the fish and create a mess.
• Aesthetics: Choose decorations that will complement the overall look and theme of your tank. It’s great to have a variety of items in different shapes and sizes to create visual interest. It can be quite easy to end up placing too many or brightly coloured ornaments in the tank. They may look great but will distract attention away from the fish. They will also take on a very ugly appearance when covered by even a thin layer of algae which is inevitable in an aquarium. Choose something rustic that will look good even with some algae growth on it.
• Compatibility: Some decorations may not be compatible with certain water conditions, pH levels, or fish species. Research the decorations you’re interested in to make sure they are suitable for your tank.
• Realistic: Many aquarium decorations are made to mimic the natural environment of the fish species in the tank. It will be great if you can choose realistic decorations as it will give a natural look to the tank and can also mimic the natural habitat of the fish. This guideline can be ignored if you are purposefully going for a whimsical look.
• Cleaning and maintenance: Keep in mind that some decorations may require more cleaning and maintenance than others. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into cleaning and maintaining your decorations when making your selection.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose great aquarium decorations that will enhance the overall appearance of your tank, while also providing a safe and healthy environment for your fish.

Let us take a closer look at each of the aquarium décor options.

Substrates

Substrates are generally not seen as a decorative element, but they do play an important role in the aesthetics of the aquarium. A substrate that is visually wrong can stick out like a sore thumb. There are a few defining characteristics of substrates that will help you decide on how to use them as a decorative element in the aquarium:

Colour: Substrates come in a variety of colors, such as natural-looking earth tones or vibrant shades like blue or pink. Choosing a substrate color that complements the fish and plants in the tank can enhance the overall aesthetic. Avoid something too bright as it will take the attention away from the fish. Brightly-coloured substrates will require more frequent cleaning as well.

Texture: Some substrates have a rough texture, such as crushed coral, which can add visual interest to the tank.

Ability To Be Layered: Creating a layered effect with different colors and textures of substrate can add depth and dimension to the aquarium.

Substrates can be broadly classified into two

• Artificial Substrates: Some specialty substrates, like coloured sand, can be used to create unique and interesting designs in the tank. These are perfect for themed aquariums. They are generally not suited for live plants that draw nutrients from the substrate.
• Natural substrates: As the name suggests, these are substrates made from natural materials like sand, gravel, or soil. These are perfect for natural aquascapes and for keeping live plants.
• Live Substrates: Live sand or live rock can also be used as a decorative element as they provide a natural-looking environment for the aquarium inhabitants and also promotes beneficial bacteria growth. These are mostly used in marine aquariums.

Make sure the substrate does not affect the chemistry of the water in an adverse manner. The functional requirements should be met first before worrying about aesthetics.

Artificial Plants

There is something about planted tanks that makes them captivating and desirable. However, not every aquarist can or wants to put in the extra effort needed to keep live plants. Artificial plants are a great alternative.

Artificial plants can also be great at providing hiding spots and areas of cover for your fish. When used correctly, they can give the aesthetics of live plants while requiring only minimal maintenance. When using artificial plants as aquarium decoration, it is important to keep a few things in mind.

• Make sure the artificial plants you choose are made out of non-toxic materials that will not harm your fish or other aquatic life.
• Use aquarium-safe glue or silicone to secure the plants in place, so they don’t move around or float to the top of the tank as they cannot take root like real plants.
• Arrange the plants in a way that creates a natural-looking environment and provides hiding spots and areas of cover for your fish.
• Be mindful of the lighting in your tank, as this can affect the appearance of the artificial plants. Adjust the lighting as needed to ensure the plants look as realistic as possible. Avoid intense lighting as that will lead to increased algae growth.
• Clean the artificial plants regularly to remove any algae or other debris that may accumulate on them.
• If you want to enhance the look of artificial plants, you can use a dark background to make them stand out more.

Live Plants

Even the best artificial plants can’t completely replace live plants. If you are willing to put in just a little bit of extra effort, using live plants can be a very satisfactory way of decorating an aquarium. 

Live plants provide many benefits for both the fish and the overall health of the tank. Here are a few tips for using live plants as aquarium decoration:

• Choose the right plants for your aquarium. Some plants are better suited for low-light tanks, while others need more light to thrive. Research the specific needs of the plants you want to use and make sure they are compatible with what you can provide.
• Plant the live plants in a substrate or soil that is appropriate for the type of plants you are using. This will help the plants establish their root systems and grow properly. There are some plants like Anubias that do not need substrates though.
• Make sure the plants have enough space to grow. Crowding the plants will inhibit their growth and make them more susceptible to disease.
• Provide the right amount of light, fertilizers and CO₂ if necessary.
• Regularly maintain the plants by trimming off dead leaves, cleaning the leaves, and removing any dead plants.
• Monitor the growth of the plants and adjust the lighting, fertilization, and other factors as needed.

Keep in mind that live plants can consume fish waste, help to maintain water chemistry, and provide oxygen to the water, which can make your tank healthier for the fish. Check out my guide on how to aquascape a tank for more information.

Rocks And Pebbles

Rocks and pebbles may seem like humble additions to a tank but can enhance the aesthetics of a tank in a variety of ways. One way is to create a natural-looking landscape by arranging the rocks and pebbles in a way that mimics the look of a real-life environment. This can be done by stacking larger rocks to create cliffs or caves, and then filling in the gaps with smaller pebbles to create a beach or riverbed look. This is known as a hardscape and is a great way to get a distinguished look.

Another way is to use the rocks and pebbles as a substrate for live plants by placing them on the bottom of the tank and planting the plants in the spaces between the rocks and pebbles. It is important to make sure that all the rocks or pebbles you use in your aquarium are safe for aquarium use and are not harmful to the fish.

There are several types of rocks that are commonly used in aquariums, each with their own unique properties and benefits. Some of the best options include:

1. Slate: This type of rock is very durable and can be cut into different shapes and sizes. It’s also smooth and non-porous, making it easy to clean and less likely to harbour harmful bacteria. Their flat surfaces are great for fish to lay eggs and are highly recommended in breeding tanks.
2. Granite: This type of rock is also durable and non-porous, making it another great option for aquariums. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, which can add visual interest to your tank.
3. Limestone: This rock is porous and can help to buffer the pH of the water in your aquarium. It’s also relatively inexpensive and can be found in a variety of colours. 
4. Lava rock: This type of rock is lightweight and porous, which makes it great for providing oxygen to beneficial bacteria. It is also good for creating caves or hiding spots for fish in the aquarium. It is the one I would recommend.
5. Artificial Rocks: This has become an interesting option in recent times. Often made from aquarium-safe epoxy, it is a great option as it tends to be lighter and relatively cheaper.

Some rocks can release harmful substances or change the pH level of the water. Get rocks specifically meant for aquariums to avoid any nasty outcomes.

Driftwood

Driftwood is another great addition to an aquarium as it can add a very natural look that ties everything together. Here are some tips on how to use driftwood as aquarium decor:

1. Soak the driftwood before adding it to the tank: Soak the driftwood in water for a few days or weeks to remove any excess tannins, which can discolour the water.
2. Clean the driftwood thoroughly: Scrub the driftwood with a stiff brush to remove any dirt, debris, and loose bark.
3. Sterilize the driftwood: If the driftwood is from an unreliable source then boil it for about 30 minutes to kill any harmful bacteria or parasites that may be present.
4. Arrange the driftwood in the tank: Once the driftwood is clean and sterilized, you can place it in the tank. You can use it to create fake branches, mini-trees, hiding spots, etc.
5. Monitor the water parameters: Driftwood can affect the water chemistry of your tank. Monitor the pH, hardness and other parameters of your tank water to ensure they are within the correct range for your fish.
6. Keep an eye on the growth of algae on the driftwood: Algae growth on the driftwood is natural, but if it becomes excessive it can be removed by scrubbing it with a stiff brush.

Driftwood can provide a lot of visual interest. I would recommend buying them from a place where you can check out multiple options. Choose something with plenty of detail and one that inspires your creativity.

Artificial Ornaments

Artificial ornaments, such as toys and decorations, can add visual interest and provide hiding spots for fish. They are also great as thematic elements. Here are some tips on how to use artificial ornaments in an aquarium:

1. Choose the right size and type of ornament: Make sure that the ornaments you choose are the appropriate size for your tank and that they are safe for aquarium use.
2. Clean the ornaments before adding them to the tank: Rinse the ornaments with water to remove any dust or debris, and then disinfect them with a salt solution before adding them to the tank.
3. Arrange the ornaments in the tank: Once the ornaments are clean and disinfected, you can place them in the tank. Don’t overdo this and use them to supplement the look of the aquarium instead of overpowering it.
4. Regularly maintain the ornaments: Clean the ornaments regularly to remove any algae or debris that may accumulate on them.

I have this Groot (from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” universe) that is made from aquarium-safe epoxy. I added it to the tank with some moss balls around it and it just looks stunning. Artificial ornaments go a long way in making the aquarium truly yours.

Background

This is optional and depends on the overall placement and setup of the tank. When located centrally, you can leave the back of the tank open. This option works best if there aren’t wires and tubes dangling at the back. Since most aquariums will have stuff hanging from the back, it is best to add a background. Follow these tips to get the best out of them:

1. Match the background to the theme of your tank: Think about the overall theme of your tank and choose a background that complements it. For example, if you have a natural-looking tank with live plants and natural-looking decorations, you might choose a background that looks like a natural rock or wood wall.
2. Choose a background that is easy to apply: Aquarium backgrounds can be difficult to apply. Choose something that is easy to apply and won’t leave air pockets.
3. Consider the lighting of your tank: Think about how the lighting in your tank will affect the background. Some backgrounds may look great in low light, while others may be more suitable for tanks with brighter lighting.
4. 3D Backgrounds can be a good choice: You can get these in different styles such as rockwork, moss-covered reliefs, brickwork, etc. They add a lot of depth. There are some cool DIY options as well.

Avoid anything that has pictures of fish or plants as they will just look wrong. A solid colour or something with subtle details depicting inanimate objects tend to look great.

Aquarium Decorations FAQ

What types of decorations can be used in an aquarium?

There are many types of decorations that can be used in an aquarium, including live plants, rocks, pebbles, driftwood, bogwood, artificial ornaments, and backgrounds.

Is it safe to use rocks from outdoors in an aquarium?

It is generally not recommended to use rocks from outdoors in an aquarium as they may contain harmful chemicals or bacteria that can harm the fish. It is best to use aquarium-safe rocks specifically meant for use in tanks.

Can I use sand as a substrate in my aquarium?

Yes, sand can be used as a substrate in an aquarium. However, it is important to choose a sand that is safe for aquarium use and to keep it clean to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.

How do I clean and maintain my aquarium decorations?

The cleaning and maintenance of aquarium decorations will vary depending on the type of decoration. Live plants should be pruned and fertilized as needed, rocks and pebbles should be rinsed with water and disinfected with a salt solution, and artificial ornaments should be cleaned regularly to remove any algae or debris that may accumulate on them.

Can I use multiple types of decorations in my aquarium?

Yes, you can use multiple types of decorations in your aquarium to create a visually interesting and varied environment for your fish. However, it’s important to choose decorations that complement each other.

Can I use a background in a saltwater tank?

Yes, you can use a background in a saltwater tank.

Can I change the decorations in my aquarium regularly?

You can change the decorations in your aquarium regularly, but it is important to do so gradually to avoid disrupting the natural balance of the tank. Also, you should make sure that the new decorations are safe for aquarium use before adding them to the tank.

Conclusion

In conclusion, aquarium decorations are a great way to add visual interest and create a natural-looking environment for your fish. There are many types of decorations to choose from, including live plants, rocks, pebbles, driftwood, bogwood, artificial ornaments, and backgrounds. It’s important to choose decorations that are safe for aquarium use and to clean and maintain them regularly to ensure the health and well-being of your fish. Additionally, you can use multiple types of decorations to create a visually interesting and varied environment in your aquarium. Remember that when adding new decorations, it should be done gradually. With the right decorations, you can create a beautiful and thriving environment for your fish to call home.