How should I decorate my fish tank?
An aquarium for fish is an exciting option, and the addition of aquarium decorations is also fun. Aquarium decorations add personality to the fish tank and draw more attention to the overall design.
Our selection of creative Christmas fish tank decoration ideas will create an aquarium that is an effective habitat for your aquatic pets and adds interest to the room’s design.
Decorating your aquarium with corals, driftwood, seashells, sand, and gravel is the most natural aquarium decoration, but you can incorporate handcrafted characters and distinctive designs to personalize the look of your aquarium.
If your creative side doesn’t let loose, choosing your tank’s decor could be a difficult task.
So, I’ve put together this guide to make it simpler for you to follow.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- We’ll go over 13 different kinds of decor you can choose from to get ideas.
- Things to think about before deciding on the decorations you want to use to ensure that you choose the perfect ones for your tank.
What Can I Use for Creative Christmas Fish Tank Decoration Ideas? – Best Unique Ideas
What can I use as fish tank decorations? When deciding on the creative Christmas fish tank decoration ideas you want you add to your aquarium, you need to take into consideration the advantages and drawbacks that each could bring.
1. Driftwood
Natural driftwood is an extremely popular accessory to aquariums of all kinds and is a great way to give a natural, simple feeling. It can also be an ideal hiding place for shy fish.
Driftwood can be purchased in a wide range of shops and is typically secure. It is possible to take driftwood from streams and rivers, and then add it to the tank with no amount of money.
Be cautious in this regard and be certain to keep wood from wild sources in quarantine. If you do not, you run the risk of adding dangerous parasites and microbes that have the potential to make your fish very sick.
Boiling driftwood before placing it into an aquarium will help to remove some tannins from the wood. Tannins are safe for fish; however, many dislike the fact that they make the water appear brown
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2. Aquarium Stones and Rocks
There are a variety of attractive stones, such as pebbles, stones, and pebbles that are available for sale, which make an excellent addition to aquariums. They are also great for tanks that are themed to nature and can soothe the fish in the same environment as their natural habitat.
You could also include rocks from nature in the aquarium. Prior to doing this, it is essential to cleanse the rocks prior to adding them in order to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms.
Be aware that some rocks, including lacy rock, could be sharp and cause injury to your fish and should be avoided.
Additionally, certain rocks contain calcium, which can be absorbed into the water, which can harden it over time. However, this is not necessarily a negative situation, especially if it has very soft water.
It is possible to test the rock samples for calcium content using an aquarium liquid testing kit for nitrate. Tests for nitrates are made up of two bottles, which are usually identified as bottle 1 and bottle 2. Bottle 1 is filled with hydrochloric acid. If you apply just a few drops of the acid on a stone, and it begins to form a foam, this means that this rock is calciferous. This will release minerals into your water over time.
Never boil or bake rocks. The rock could cause it to shatter or even explode. The most effective method to clean rocks is to use the bleach method that I discussed in”The Sanitizing Non-Commercial Items” section above.
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3. Caves
The addition of caves in a tank can be a great method to create hiding places for fish. Sometimes, fish can feel intimidated or scared and need some space to hide.
Some species, such as catfish and plecos, are full-time, cave-dwelling fish. They’re night-time creatures, spending their time in caves and only coming out to eat after it gets dark.
Therefore, adding additional caves could help diversify your fish. Each fish establishes a home turf that helps them feel safer.
Hygger Sunken Log Resin
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Stackable Ceramic Fish Tank Hideout Caves (6 Pieces)
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Police Box Decorations for Shrimp and Fish
I own this design. I’ve been keeping the tank in place for over 2 years, and it looks fantastic. My zebras are awed by this and make it their primary home during the day.
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4. Ships
Sunken ships can be bought at most retail stores. If you’re looking to build an authentic, sea-like look, sunken vessels are a safe, sustainable alternative that will complement many tank designs.
Ships also offer excellent hiding places that fish can use, which allows predators to hide for safety and safety.
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Underwater Treasures Battleship
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SH-RuiDu Aquarium Air-Driven Action Shipwreck Decoration
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Large Mountain View Aquarium Cave Bridge Decoration
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Ulifery Walking Land Tank Aquarium Ornament, Large
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5. Ruins
Ancient ruins are an excellent addition to Atlantis/mermaid-themed tanks and act as perfect places for prey fish to hide.
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SLOCME Large Angkor Wat Buddha Statue Decoration
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6. Statues
Statues of animals and people are great focal points for your tank. They’re ideal for tanks with Asian or sea themes.
Furthermore, numerous statues specifically designed for aquariums contain caves that are ideal hideouts for fish that are shy.
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JONJUMP Fish Tank Buddha Sitting Statue
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POPETPOP Mermaid Figure
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BCSIUHD Aquarium Ornament – Seahorse Mermaid
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7. Bubble Makers
Bubble chests, rivers under the water, and air stones do not just look beautiful, but are usually a necessary element in aquariums that are crowded.
If you’re keeping a few actively active fish in one tank, you must make sure they are getting enough oxygen.
Fish that are busier will require more effort than slower species. Therefore, you must keep the oxygen levels up by adding decorations that produce air.
Incorporating bubble makers into your aquarium, make sure they’re not too heavy for your fish. If the water flow is excessively high, your fish will struggle to swim and will become stressed, which can result in illness.
The flow of water can be reduced by adding large objects such as driftwood.
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Number-one Aquarium Bubble Light
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8. Aquarium Backgrounds
How do you decorate the back of a fish tank? Aquarium backgrounds can be the perfect finish for your aquarium.
The poster backgrounds that are flat 2D items that adhere to the tank’s back, as well as structured backdrops that appear 3D and textured, are utilized to give your tank a more realistic and exciting appearance.
Backgrounds must be secured using mounting gel or silicone and then left for at least 48 hours prior to adding fish and water to the tank.
ELEBOX 20” x 48” Fish Tank Background 2 Sided River Bed & Lake
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ELEBOX Aquatic Plant Reef Beach Aquarium Background Double-Sided
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Oyunngs Aquarium Background, Underwater Forest
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Zerodis Aquarium Background, Water Grass
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9. Submersible Light Ornament
Submersive lighting can also be added to tanks for fish to provide a soft, appealing glow, but not too bright and invasive for fish.
These are an ideal way to brighten your aquarium without causing any disturbance to your pets.
Submersive lighting can also be found in a variety of colors, which allows you to alter your look and highlight specific hues.
GreenSun LED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with APP Control
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Fish Tank Light, RGB Aquarium Lights
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10. Ceramic Ornaments
The incorporation of ceramic ornaments into an aquarium is a controversial practice, with some hobbyists proclaiming they are completely safe, while others are completely against their use.
In reality, some ceramics are, in fact, absolutely safe, while other ceramics release toxic metals when their glazes break down and may be extremely harmful to fish.
Anything that is marked as “dinnerware safe” is suitable for use.
It means that the glaze was fired using techniques that avoid chemical leaching in acidic conditions. The non-dinnerware items are not in compliance with these requirements and are not recommended for use.
If you’re uncertain regarding the safety of a ceramic ornament, dilute acid from your home, like vinegar, until it reaches levels that are similar to most acidic conditions your aquarium might be in. The pH should be 5 or higher. It is recommended to suffice.
Infuse the decoration, or a portion of it, into this solution and then wait for a month to examine it once more. Verify the glaze. If the shine of the object has diminished, it is a sign of chemical leaching and that the object isn’t suitable for use in water.
Plain, unglazed ceramics such as terracotta are appropriate since they have no danger of chemical leakage. Ceramics with sharp edges can be removed and coated with a coating of silicone water-based coating to avoid damage.
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BCSIUHD Aquarium Decoration – Brown Ceramic Jar
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DOHO Ceramic square shrimp hideout
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Norgail Handmade Brown Ceramic Shelters – Breeding Tube
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11. Seashells and Corals
Seashells and corals come in different shades. Browns, whites, yellows, and pinks. Reds, pinks, and orange shells can help create your vibrant color scheme.
Seashells create an ocean-like atmosphere in aquariums. Sand pebbles, driftwood, and seashells make a great combination to create gorgeous, natural saltwater aquarium decorations. Boil shells for about 10 minutes before placing them in the fish tank.
12. Plants
Aquatic plants thrive underwater, which makes them a perfect fish tank decoration. They consume nitrogen and create oxygen, which aids in helping to fish breathe underwater. Place the roots into the substrate to ensure that the plants can thrive and grow. The use of various aquarium plants can make your fish tank appear interesting and natural.
13. Plastic Aquarium Decorations
Plastic fish tank decorations, underwater plants, and even animals look like real life and last for quite a while. They can hide the filtration system and also add interest and depth to the aquarium decor by using shells and rocks.
Plastic divers, treasure chests, and mermaids are fun aquarium decorations. A tank fish can appear at the ocean’s bottom with a pirate ship or sunken treasure.
Bonus: Fun Aquarium Ornaments
Other aquatic ornaments that are fish-friendly include:
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Things to Consider When Deciding on Aquarium Accessories
When you are deciding on creative Christmas fish tank decoration ideas to decorate your home, think about the following aspects:
1. The Size of Your Aquarium
It’s not worth having a lot of big, expensive accessories if your tank gets unorganized and ugly.
It’s pretty stressful for your fish also, if there is little space to move about.
If you’re in smaller tanks, it is best to keep things simple. It’s best to pick only a couple of attractive ornaments that stand out, rather than numerous that give your fish very little space to live in.
If you’re having trouble making an informed choice, pick the subject matter that will be used when designing your space. This way, you’ll be able to include decorations such as sunken ships and mermaid kingdoms. It makes it easier to select accessories that are based on an established theme.
Proper Height of Aquarium Elements
Divide your aquarium into 3 zones: top, middle, and bottom. Fish spend most of their time within any of these three zones, which is why it’s crucial to ensure that there is enough space in each.
To ensure that you ensure that the space is evenly distributed, it is recommended to use at least two tall pieces that reach the top area (depending upon the dimensions of the aquarium), and the remaining two or three are small, approximately 1 inch or 2 inches from the bottom of your tank.
Your fish will be more secure if your decorations have the same pattern. With these tips, it is possible to incorporate decorations and other accessories without making your fish uncomfortable.
2. The Color of Your Fish
If you’re worried about disturbing the appearance of your fish tank, then you may stop this by taking into consideration the hue of the fish.
The hue of your ornaments will match or contrast with the color of your fish. If you’re dealing with a lot of lighter-colored fish, a darker background and dull decorations could aid in bringing out the colors.
Fish that are vibrant and bright are great with white gravel and white ornaments, and make the hue that your fish catches the eye against the white background. Green plants are a great choice.
3. How Active Are Your Fish?
Highly active fish have a significantly higher intake of oxygen than dormant species.
If you’re keeping these aquarium fish, oxygen-producing decor like bubble chests, bridges, and underwater rivers will help ensure that you have plenty of oxygen, helping to keep your fish healthy and allowing them to stay active.
4. Natural and Artificial. Wild Aquarium Theme
The colors of your aquarium’s accessories will determine the tone of your aquarium.
If you want to create an organic-looking design in your tank, then pea gravel and green, living plants are fantastic choices of colors.
Neon colors and vivid shades can give a wild, attractive look that will attract attention to certain parts of your fish tank.
Once you’ve chosen the theme, choose the color of your decor and accessories to be sure they match the look that your tank.
5. Look Out for Sharp Edges
Decor such as fake plants occasionally comes with sharp edges. These could seriously harm your fish by scratching their scales, causing wounds, and opening them to infection.
When choosing the items for the aquarium, you want to be sure that you don’t choose any that have sharp edges. which will allow you to achieve a pleasing design without risking the safety of your fish.
6. Consider Focus Points
If you’re planning to add decorations and items to the tank, it may be helpful to choose two or three important focal points.
These elements must stand out from the other decor elements. Mermaid statues and bridges catch people’s attention while setting the scene for your aquarium and enhancing your overall look.
7. Have Fun, But Exercise Caution When Adding New Things to Your Tank
While it’s possible to become swept away creating a beautiful tank, or adding household items and things that you can find in the wild, you should be cautious when introducing something that is new to your fish’s habitat.
Sanitizing Non-Commercial Items
Although store-bought ornaments are usually quite safe, things like driftwood and rocks that are found in nature have to be cleaned before being put into your aquarium.
Driftwood needs to be heated or, if it’s not feasible, soaked in salty water for several days. Begin by soaking it in hot water, and then it can be removed once it has become overflowing with tannins.
Tannins aren’t harmful to your fish, however, they can lower your water’s KH and even pH. A lot of people aren’t happy that they turn the water brown.
To sterilize rocks or other decor made of hard material, follow this procedure:
Equipment:
- Buckets
- Plain chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
- Dechlorinator
- Tap water
- Cups for measuring
Steps:
- I typically suggest doing this with buckets in the shower or bathtub. Be sure to wear clothes that you aren’t afraid of getting bleach on.
- Mix water and bleach in a bucket in a ratio of 20 parts of water to one part of bleach. For instance, using just 1 cup of bleach, you’d have to include 20 cups of water (1.5 5 quarts or gallons).
- Submerge the items in water and allow them to soak for a few minutes (it can take up to fifteen or twenty minutes to remove the stubborn stain or algae).
- Get rid of the bleach and rinse the items until they no longer smell of bleach. Bring the decorations back to the bucket, place them over the water, and add a 4-times dosage of the chlorinator. Allow the decor to rest for 10 minutes.
- Take out the items and dispose of the water. The decor is safe to set inside the tank.
FAQS
Do Fish Like Aquarium Decorations?
Do fish enjoy ornaments in their aquariums? A. For all the fish that you keep in an aquarium, you can decorate it with tank-like decorations, as it provides them with areas to conceal themselves. While your fish might not want their surroundings to look beautiful, the covering the decorations provide helps them feel safe and safe.
Can You Put Legos In a Fish Tank?
Officially, the LEGO Group says that while its bricks are waterproof, LEGO pieces should not be put in a tank.
Can I Put Plastic Toys In a Fish Tank?
Most plastic toys that are rigid ornaments, figurines, and figurines are suitable for aquariums if they’re not painted and are not adorned with stickers or decals. Make sure that the object is clean and that all adhesives or stickers are removed.
What Should You Not Put In a Fish Tank?
Four things you should not place in your aquarium
Plastic
Ceramic
Untreated Wood
The Sand is The Beach and Shells
What is The Best Thing to Put On The Bottom of a Fish Tank?
Gravel is the best choice for freshwater aquariums in the majority of cases. One of the biggest advantages of gravel is the fact that it permits the flow of water through, which prevents the growth of amoebas and bacteria within the substrate. If they are allowed to accumulate over a long period of time, they could cause illness to your fish and an increase in the amount of aquarium mold.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to remember in the matter of the addition of decorations and accessories is to incorporate any decoration that takes your interest, provided you ensure that they’re safe and not contaminated.
The fish will not be averse to the bright colors or the unusual ornaments you can include. All it boils down to is individual preference.
With the help of these tips on creative Christmas fish tank decoration ideas, you can now include your favorite ornaments in your aquarium without worrying about the fish’s health.
