Should ornamental rocks or other ornaments be used?

Let taste be your guide when coming to decide whether ornamental rocks or other ornaments be used. Today many aquarium stores feature rocks of all types, as well as glass chunks. Many of these have sharp edges, but there is little reason to believe that the fishes ever cut themselves on them. Mineral or lime-bearing rocks, of course, should be avoided.

When in doubt as to the danger of a particular rock or type of rock, test it first, placing it in a tank with a few inexpensive fishes for about two weeks. Rocks serve no particular purpose in the community aquarium (unless it’s a community of African cichlids), but many of them are decorative and can be arranged into caves, grottoes, ledges and walls within which or on which some fishes will spawn.

Almost the same could be said of other aquarium ornaments. Bamboo huts, castles, bridges, figurines, frogs, treasure chests, turtles, etc., are available. If you like them and their material and style does no harm, use them to beautify your aquarium.

A word of caution: be sure that all the rocks and ornaments used are set well into the gravel. Do not leave areas under which dirt can drift and accumulate beyond reach. Make sure that such areas do not exist in the ornament itself. And beware of the ornament that has narrow, closed-end passageways. A fish is quite likely to swim up into it and, being unable either to turn or proceed, to die there. Not only will you lose the fish, but its body is likely to be hidden and can pollute the water before being discovered. Many seashells fall into this category.

Coral as well as seashells is composed of lime. A small piece or two of coral or a few small shells probably do no harm. In excess, they certainly tend to make the water hard, if it is originally of the soft, slightly acid type. Coral and seashells should be boiled and scrubbed thoroughly with a stiff brush before use.

Decorating Your New Aquarium

Tropical Fish Tank Decor—-Creating Homes for Your Tropical Freshwater Fish

Now that you have selected your tank, it is time to decorate it!   Tropical fish tank decorations are not only beautiful to look at they also have an important purpose. They provide fishes with homes—- hiding places and natural borders resembling their natural habitat. There are many different types of decorations, for instance Cave dwelling fishes love aquarium decorations that structure like caves, holes and crevices. Whereas Fishes that live in dense vegetation prefer plants and other types of tiny hiding places. Decorations are crucial for a happy and healthy aquarium they also keep fishes from getting bored.

Plants:

Plants are a beautiful addition to your tropical fish tank.  Tropical fish love aquatic plants as they are part of their natural habitats.  They come in all varieties, costing anywhere from a few bucks to hundreds. Plants are very useful as well; they bind carbon dioxide and oxygenate the water. They also use organic waste products as nutrition and remove potentially harmful compounds from the water. Plants can also be used to keep a check on the water quality of an aquarium; the plant will start dying before the fish if the water suddenly becomes toxic.

Wood, Rock and Coral:

Stones and rocks make excellent decorations. One caution; you should never use rocks that affect your water’s pH levels or stones that might contain toxins. Fake rocks that resemble real rocks are available, but are more costly. Tropical fish like rocks and driftwood as they create caves similar to that of their national habitat.  While coral are certainly beautiful, they can be dangerous to fresh water fish tank.

Gravel or sand:

The most popular addition to a fish tank, both come in a variety of colors and are frequently layered for a multi-colored effect.

Glass marbles, Ceramics:

Glass marbles and ceramics are attractive additions to a tropical fish tank.  But beware, ceramics tend to grow algae that might be hard to clean. Plastics are an inexpensive addition to your fish tank.  You will recognize them as the treasure chests, skulls, divers, pirates, plants and ships.

Have fun decorating your tropical fish tank.  You are creating an environment that both you AND your fish will enjoy!