Decor, Rocks or Plants

Decor in a fish tank is important. Some rocks change your water chemistry, and driftwood often lowers pH and makes water tan. It all depends on what kind of look you want, or what kind of fish you're keeping.

Rocks from your yard? | Plants, live or plastic? | Gravel or Sand? |
Driftwood and Water | Where to get decorations?

Rocks from your yard?

Rocks for your aquarium can be tricky. You need to make sure there are no insecticides, fertilizers, or harmful toxins in the rocks you use. Unless you are keeping hard water species also avoid whitish, or white flecked rocks, as they have a tendency to harden water. Also avoid rocks obviously laced with minerals or metals. Large rounded rocks are best.

I've found great rocks at ocean beaches, as the water has worn them very smooth. You will want to give them a good scrub, to remove any algae or salt. You can also get rocks from a clean stream or river. Freshwater rocks need to be boiled to remove any bacteria or parasites before putting them in your tank. Put the rock in the pot, boil it, then let it cool. Abrupt changes of temperature can cause rocks to crack.

Plants, live or plastic?

Live plants can have many benefits for an aquarium, but several pitfalls. They need lots of light, and prefer nutrient rich water. It is sometimes hard to keep a balance between plants, algae, and fertilizers. Plant Choices here. More on planted Aquariums here.

Plants prefer a 3" or so bed of finer gravel, with either amendments, or full flourite, clay based gravel. Stem plants aren't so picky, but plants like swords are very particular about their substrate. Plants love light, so at least 2 full length stips are needed for medium light plants. More light is required if your tank is deeper than 20". Plants also appreciate the addition of CO2. An article on the Addition of CO2, can be found here.

Gravel or Sand?

Gravel is the standard substrate in most aquariums. Many people are now experimenting with sand or smaller grade gravel. Most of these people keep bottom feeders who are often more interested in a softer substrate. Most upper level schooling fish don't care what the substrate is (though they often show better color on a dark background.)

Sand can be bought at most home improvement stores, and is fairly cheap. You only need enough to cover the bottom in an 1/2" - 1". Unless you have very energetic digging fish it isn't very safe to pile it deeper, as sand makes anaerobic pockets if not kept mixed. Click here for more about sand tanks.

Driftwood and Water

Driftwood is normally best bought through an aquarium source. Ordinary or new wood may leech toxins into the water, and rot in water. The best driftwood is store bought, though some driftwood from a river, or ocean can be used. It must be boiled if coming from an outdoor source. You may also want to boil store bought driftwood, as it can stain the water tan, and soften your water. Fish like Neons, Cardinals, and Harlequin Rasboras look beautiful in blackwater. Black water is water with tannins, or peat used to make it darker, and a low pH and hardness.

Good woods are Mopani driftwood, and Malaysian Sinking driftwood. There are many sources online to get driftwood from, which is often much cheaper than from a store. Click here to go to the links page.

Where to get decorations

Decorations are best bought at a store with Aquaria Safe decorations. Avoid anything very sharp or rough, as it may injure fish who brush against it. Most plastics used in children's toys are safe, as are unpainted Terra Cotta pots. People have been known to design their entire tank with legos. Other than that enjoy.

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