Beyond the essential well-being of the fish, the decoration of an aquarium is an integral part of the pleasure aquarists get from recreating a miniature environment. It is necessary to be able to adapt this decoration to the specific needs of the fish, to choose safe products, but also to let your imagination speak with elements that you like and that underline the enchantment that reigns in a successful aquarium.
Which decoration for which type of aquarium?
The decoration of an aquarium is not just a requirement for the fish: it is also the pleasure of aquaristics which consists in creating a small viable and pleasant to look at eco system.
This decoration should be adapted to the type of fish you wish to keep in the aquarium:
- Cold freshwater fish: the atmosphere will be rather minimalist and clear. Freshwater fish are more used to a clear environment with little decoration.
Step 1: decorate the bottom of the aquarium
Aquarium bottom decor is as simple to install as it is essential!
It is a simple glossy poster that will be placed on the side of the aquarium bottom, on the outside of the glass wall of course.
This background can represent a real aquatic landscape such as a coral reef or a stretch of bare sand at the bottom of the water. But it can also be decorated with a simple solid color, which is usually blue, so that all the attention is focused on the colors of the fish.
Step 2: Choose the substrate
For a freshwater aquarium, it will be gravel. Its grain size must be large enough so that the fish do not eat it or very fine depending on the type of fish to avoid damaging their lips for example. Available in many colors, white remains the tone that best highlights a natural decoration but this color also requires more maintenance because dirt and algae will develop more quickly.
- Warm freshwater fish: there will be more plants and neutral decorations to contrast with the bright colors of the fish.
Step 3: Decorate the aquarium with plants
Whether they are made of plastic or natural, adding plants to the aquarium is essential to allow the fish to hide stealthily.
In recent years, plastic plants have evolved and now resemble the real thing. Their finishes are very realistic and their colors offer a rich spectacle. They offer the possibility of having colors that are not or infrequently seen compared to natural aquatic plants.
Moreover, as they are not nibbled by fish, artificial aquarium plants have a longer life span!
They do not require a specific substrate, no CO2 to optimize their maintenance and no specific regular light in quality and quantity.
Natural plants for aquariums
Natural plants, or living plants, allow you to recreate a real little plant garden that will evolve at the bottom of your aquarium. This is not only fascinating, but also practical for fish who want to enjoy a bit of greenery from time to time.
Live plants do not require regular maintenance like garden plants. However, it is important to prune dead or yellowed parts without delay.
If you want a lush aquarium fairly quickly, choose fast-growing natural plants. Do not exceed the quota of 10 l of water per plant.
Finally, remember to plant the roots of your plants deep enough in the substrate so that the fish, especially burrowing fish species, will not easily pull them out.
Step 4: Choose accessories
Among the essential accessories to add to the decoration of your aquarium, the hiding places and the bubbler can greatly contribute to the atmosphere you wish to bring out.
Hiding places
Fish also need their privacy, whether to rest, hide from other fish or to spawn. A hiding place will consist of a hollow, non-cutting object that allows the fish to move around and gives them enough room to rest.
With this object, you will be able to set the tone of your aquarium decoration: imitation hollow rock for a natural look, plastic human skull for pirate thrills, or even a car body for an offbeat effect. It's up to you to choose the hiding places that appeal to you the most, in a format that matches the size of your fish.
The bubbler
Placed at the very bottom of the water, the bubbler for aquarium allows you to let your imagination run free.
It can take the form of a rock or a shell to blend in with the decor or even represent a small diver: a perfect decorative idea for an original aquarium!
Be careful though, the more bubblers there are, the less the plants will flourish.
How to create a "homemade" aquarium decoration?
Home-made aquarium decoration consists of choosing the different elements that will compose the aquatic environment, without necessarily following established patterns. However, this does not mean that it is possible to use products found in nature!
Indeed, it is strongly advised against using stones, gravel, pieces of wood, moss or other substrates that are not totally dedicated to aquarium keeping. Natural pollution (wood resin, high limestone content in gravel...) or chemical pollution (varnish on wood...) can totally unbalance the pH of your water and endanger the life of your fish.
For all the elements of your aquarium decor, remember to install only accessories sold in specialized stores.
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