Aquariums can be a beautiful addition to any home, and they can also be a great source of entertainment for you and your family. But if you’re like most people, you may not know how to decorate your aquarium in a way that’s both beautiful and functional. In this blog post, I’ll share with you some tips on how to do just that.
So whether you’re just starting out with aquariums or you’re looking for ways to improve your current setup, keep reading for some ideas on how to make your aquarium look its best.
What Should I Put On The Back Of My Tank?
One of the most critical aspects of designing a new setup is deciding what you’re going to put on the back of your tank. For those that don’t know, this is often referred to as the ‘decoration’ or ‘background,’ and it’s there for a few different reasons; not only does it help make your aquarium look nicer, but it also helps you hide the cords and tubes that go along with your filter and heater (but more about these later).
Just like choosing an appropriate substrate is essential for setting up a natural-looking environment, so too is choosing the best aquarium decoration.
However, if you’re planning on keeping hardy shoaling fish, avoid anything reflective such as polished rocks or mirrored backgrounds. It will only cause them stress due to light reflecting off their bodies all day long. Instead, opt for darker colored stones or wood.
If this isn’t possible, then consider using a backdrop instead. These are usually dark in color and may even have objects printed on them to create the illusion of natural scenery.
What Can You Put On The Bottom Of My Tank?
Aquariums can be set up in a vast variety of different ways, and the decorations that go on the bottom are no exception! Here’s what you need to know:
- Sand is one of the most common choices for substrate in both fresh and saltwater tanks. It works well because it provides lots of surface area for beneficial bacteria (which help keep your water healthy) and looks natural when placed correctly.
- Gravel is another common substrate for aquariums, though it’s mainly seen in freshwater setups. It’s highly durable, requiring only occasional rinsing, but be careful when choosing the color! You might not want to use black or dark brown Gravel because this could make your tank look too dark when supplied with blue lighting (commonly used by aquarists).
- No substrate can also be used, particularly when keeping bottom-dwelling species! It usually works best when the aquarium is relatively small (60 gallons or less), although it does rely on your fish having someplace to hide when they feel the need.
What Can I Put On The Top Of My Tank?
The surface of your tank can be decorated in all kinds of different ways, but they’re usually are only two choices available:
- Rocks are typically used to make an artificial cave for your fish! They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them highly versatile, but before you buy any, you should always check with the store assistant that they’re safe with both fresh and saltwater tanks. It is because rocks sold as decorations for freshwater tanks might contain lots of nasty chemicals that could harm the delicate ecosystems in your tank.
- Artificial plants are also a popular choice because they add color and can help to make your aquarium look more natural. In particular, aquarists often use tall plastic plants to recreate a tropical environment similar to streams or rivers! If you’re going for this type of design, then it’s important not to overcrowd the tank – remember that fish need space to swim around freely!
Can I Put A Wood Or Driftwood Piece On My Tank?
Wood and driftwood are other common ways to make a natural decoration, which can also help provide hiding places for your fish. However, it’s not always suitable because wood releases tannins into the water!
These are great for giving your aquarium a dark brown tint, but they can cause problems because they’re known sometimes to cause gill damage in certain types of fish. For that reason, you should always thoroughly research any wood before adding it to your aquarium – if there’s a chance it could harm your fish, then don’t buy it.
Can I Put A Heater In My Tank?
Heaters are a vital piece of tank equipment that helps keep the temperature stable so that your fish stay healthy! They come in many shapes and sizes but are typically either round or flat. It’s also possible to get combined heaters with an in-built thermostat; this type is usually much more expensive because it can often be programmed to maintain a range of different temperatures around the tank.
What Other Tank Accessories Will I Need?
You’ll also need to get some accessories to make your tank look even better! A few examples of this include:
- Decorative stones or gravel – if you want to create an artificial substrate on the bottom of your aquarium, then most types of stone will work fine (although not all are safe with saltwater tanks!) These can come in many different colors, but they may require special lighting conditions like fake plants.
- A water conditioner is a chemical additive that neutralizes harmful substances in tap water and makes it safe for your fish to live in! It’s recommended that you use this for any new tank because otherwise, some of the chemicals or residues from cleaning products could kill your fish. You’ll also need it if you want to replace some of the water once in a while without completely changing all of it.
- Nets are useful for catching hold of larger fish if they try to jump out – although most importantly, they’re an essential tool when adding food or doing maintenance work on your aquarium! Float nets are perfect for ensuring that your plants stay submerged underwater.
- A gravel vacuum is used to clean out your Gravel to remove dirt particles, which can help keep your water clear and ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage to the pump. There are many types available – some are designed to be big enough to suck up larger pieces of debris, while others have an integrated filter so that you don’t even need to change the bag!
- Electrical cable. After the tank and electrical equipment are set up, you’ll need to ensure electrical equipment like heaters and filters are working correctly. This step is self-explanatory and requires no particular know
Wrap Up!
In this article, we have covered many different types of decorations you can use in your aquarium to make it look more natural. Artificial plants are one of the most popular choices because they allow you to create a realistic environment without worrying about harming any fish.
Other accessories like decorative stones and gravel also help to replicate an authentic landscape, while key pieces like heaters and filters ensure that your tank is well-maintained for your pets!
