Now that you have already set up your tank and have chosen the types of fish you want to keep as pets, it’s high time that you start decorating your aquarium. Aquarium decorations add more aesthetic appeal to your tank and also provide artificial shelter for your fish. Having a plain-looking aquarium is fine, but if you want to create a stunning vista out of your fish tank, you need to get the right aquarium decorations.
One of the easiest ways to spruce up the look of your aquarium is to use a decorative background. A fish tank background often comes in different plain colors, designs, or landscapes. You can choose the design you want according to theme, your personal preferences, and, of course, according to your budget.
Some people prefer having a plain glass bottom for their fish tanks. But if you want a more natural look, adding the right substrate can improve the look of your tank successfully. The substrate also protects your fish from the irritating glare of the aquarium lights, especially when reflected from the glass bottom.
Many aquarium owners prefer using gravel since this is one of most commonly used fish tank substrate nowadays. You can find gravel in most aquarium and pet stores. Also, gravel does not require heavy maintenance, although you will still need to check them regularly for any trapped food or other impurities.
Fish-only aquariums typically require beneficial bacteria, and aquarium gravel has been known to encourage the presence of such. You can also find coarse gravel types and fine gravel, in sizes ranging from 3mm to 4mm.
One of the most effective ways to lend a more natural look to your tank is to add plants. You can choose among real plants and artificial decorative plants. Artificial plants as aquarium decorations are ideal if you have a fish-only aquarium.
Placing gravel into your fish tank should be done with care. As much as possible, you should aim for a depth of anywhere between 2 inches to 3 inches. If you go any deeper, this may increase the chances of your fish tank developing hydrogen sulfite, or the so-called rotten egg smell, because of trapped food.
Make sure that you go for finer gravel varieties if you have bottom feeders. It is easy for fish food to settle to the glass bottom if you use bigger gravel rocks. For tanks with bottom dwellers such as crustaceans, aquarium gravel may also be used.
Sean Kerring is an aquarium enthusiast and breeder who has been wirking with and raising fish for over twenty years, when his parents gave him his very first fish tanks. He always tries to use new and differently colored aquarium lights to change the themes of each of his tanks, including different aquarium substrate materials.
