Now that you have a beautiful aquarium complete with a filtration system and everything, you might look at it and feel like it’s a little empty. Your fish might notice it, too, since the roles of the usual aquarium accessories you can see in stores are multiple.
If you’re not interested in spending money on such accessories and decorations just yet, there are some ideas you can try, and they are all about the stuff you might have lying around, doing nothing. Also, you may not want your fish tank setups to look cookie-cutter and boring, and that’s understandable.
Before getting started, make sure that anything you intend to place inside your fish tank cannot have a negative impact on the water quality or affect the wellbeing of your fish in any way.
Damaged terracotta pots
Old pots that you can’t find a useful purpose for anymore can make great decorations for your aquarium. Terracotta is most likely to resist in water, and it won’t modify the water composition or pH in any way, therefore being a solid choice.
Scatter some of these pots on the bottom of the aquarium. Your fish will love to use them as hiding places. However, a little bit of advice is in order. For instance, you need to make sure that there are no sharp edges. Also, any holes that might be drilled through the bottom of the pots should be large enough to let the fish swim through.
Old coffee cups
Many things you might not have a use for can make excellent accessories for your fish tank. Take old coffee cups, for example. They will make your aquarium look more exciting, and, as long as the cups are ceramic, they won’t cause any trouble for the water composition in the fish tank.
Fish love toys, too
There’s nothing more enjoyable than decorating your fish tank, and ideas abound. Another thing you can try is to add some plastic toys to the aquarium. Of course, the same rules about avoiding sharp edges and areas where fish can get stuck apply, so make sure you don’t jeopardize the health of your fish by putting inside some dangerous accessories.
You can even get your kids involved – especially if the said toys are theirs. For example, you can recreate a small battlefield from Star Wars at the bottom of the fish tank. Your fish will love navigating around, and your children will surely love the fish tank even more.
Spread some love and some LEGO toys
The nautical décor of your fish tank could benefit significantly from some additions that enhance its appearance. A LEGO figurine in the shape of an angry Poseidon armed with a trident can be an excellent decoration to consider. So, while you’re on your way to buy some finch foods, don’t forget to shop for some cute figurines, too.
Place some ceramic figurines
Anything made from ceramic works for your fish tank, as you might have already figured by now. So, if you happen to have some ceramic figurines, or you don’t know just yet what to look for around yard sales, this is an idea.
They will make your fish tank more interesting, and it might even turn it into a conversation starter when throwing a party at your house.
Plastic plants make perfect hiding places
Having real plants in your aquarium can be a hassle, although it is true that they contribute to the improvement of the water quality. Since keeping the fish tank clean can become a more significant challenge with real plants in it, here’s a hassle-free suggestion.
Choose some plastic plants and add them to your aquarium. Your fish will love them. They are ideal hiding areas where fish can play or withdraw when they feel more vulnerable. A comfortable aquarium will make your fish happy and will help them thrive.
What should never go inside your aquarium?
Now that you have many ideas on how to decorate your fish tank, here is some advice on what you should never use. Anything with sharp corners, or painted with toxic chemicals, is a definite no-no. Copper is another entry on the list of forbidden things. Add concrete to this list, too, as it can leak chemicals into the water.
