Image by Irina_kukuts from Pixabay |
Aquariums are a great addition to decor. They bring color, promise and they are aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. They are known to be soothing and have a relaxing effect on both human as well as pets. If decorated properly, a fish tank can really become the focal point of your room.
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BACKGROUND:
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The
background is very important for your fish tank. If you have a fish bowl,
there's really not much scope to use a backdrop. A tank however, with its
bigger space needs one. . There are many beautiful nature photos around
different shades of blue or images with coral and reefs are most common, but
you can use different ones as long as they match your theme, which will add
incredible realism to your environment.
Be
sure that any material you use as a backdrop won’t erode, degrade, or
disintegrate in the water. Laminated materials are a good way to prevent this.
This is an easy and cheap option to add realism and depth at a minimal cost,
without spending a lot of time.
Remember
that a background is more than just about aesthetics. Some fish and other
animals require a darker environment. Others will need colors that aid in the
optimization of temperature. A dark background will often aid in creating a
more natural environment. This can directly benefit your fish’s health.
Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay |
SAND:
There
are a number of options with sand. You can choose coloured variants if you want
a brighter look for your fish tank. But remember, coloured sands demand that
the rest of the tank is colourful too, otherwise they look very out of place.
There's also the option of black sand or white sand. Or you could go with the
tried and trusted natural coloured sand.
Ordinary
garden objects such as flower pots, or household objects like vases, or
colorful bottles are clever ways to add realism and creativity.
Flowerpots
are excellent hiding places for fish or crabs. But you can go beyond bottles
and vases. Do you have interesting customized coffee mugs lying around? Think
of how you can incorporate them into the setting.
Flower-pots
can be good hiding places for crabs when they are in the process of molting
their shells. During such molting periods which occur several times during the
lifespan of crabs, they will need a quiet place for their body to recuperate.
If you are using flower pots make sure there are no sharp shattered pieces that
can harm your fish.
PEBBLES AND STONES:
Pebbles
are not absolute necessary but it's a good idea to keep them for the betterment
of the fish. In smaller tanks and fish bowls, where space is an issue, pebbles
can really provide a natural look. Consider different ways to find fun-looking
rocks. It doesn’t have to be in nature. Gardening shops also sell rocks that
aren’t that expensive.
Image by Marcelo Kato from Pixabay |
There
are local quarries and rock mines where you can hunt with your pickaxe for
interesting rocks and minerals which can make beautiful additions to any
habitat.
Stones
that are a little bigger in size can bring a different touch with their unique
shapes and colours. Avoid putting random stones in your fish bowl. They might
upset the chemical balance of the water or worse — dissolve!
PVC PIPE:
PVC
pipe is a safe and fun way to add a maze or labyrinth for your fish to swim
through, by connecting them together you can create a fun tunnel.
VINYL STICKERS:
Vinyl
stickers and decals are best used on the exterior of the aquarium. They are
unlikely to stick to the insides, particularly if they are submerged
underwater. They can be a very creative way to add an added sense of dimension
to your environment.
PLANTS:
The
decision about plants is a crucial one and must be considered seriously. .
There are certain types of plants that are submersible. The advantage of these
plants is they can be grown first and then planted underwater when they reach
maturity.
With
a little planning, these types of plants can be a creative way to add real
vegetation to your habitat.
Visit
your local nursery to find out more about some of these options if you aren’t
knowledgeable about such plants.
Image by fdolmo from Pixabay |
Live
plants on the other hand can provide a more appealing look, but they are
difficult to maintain. You will need to consider the size, growth, light
requirement of the live plants as they really become a part of the tank
ecology. Either way,
Artificial
plants are easier to maintain and are not at threat of being eaten by the
fish. You should put the taller plants
in the back so they don't obstruct the view.
Carpet
plants like java moss are a good choice for the front as they have limited
growth. Use low to moderately high plants for the middle as this will be the
focal point of the tank.
DRIFTWOOD AND ORNAMENTS:
Want
to add little houses, ships, bridges, and other ornamental structures .You can
find certain crafting/modeling materials at the craft/hobby store that can be
molded to create your own unique structures. Make sure these are waterproof and
non-toxic. Always consider the types of animals in your tank and the kinds of
materials that might not be dangerous for them.
Driftwood's can really bring an abstract vibe to your fish tank. They can be set up along
with ornaments to represent a visual story. You could go with the good old
ship-wreck or plane-wreck beside your driftwood or you could go exotic with
castles and sphinxes.
As
long as the ornament suits the background and does not congest the tank, you
are good to go. You will also want to consider that very tiny objects may be
swallowed by certain fish which can be fatal to them. Be careful to avoid using any objects that
can injure your fish, such as ornaments with sharp edges.
Remember,
lights can also be a decorative choice and needs to be controlled if you use
live plants. Coral and reefs are also good for decoration but only for
saltwater fish tanks. Never put random rocks, sand or objects in the tank
unless they are specifically made for aquariums.
Image by superkoala from Pixabay |
Examples
of Harmful Objects: Copper is toxic for many freshwater crabs or tropical fish.
So don’t add coins to your treasure chest Theme. Even the addition of certain
rocks can alter the salinity or PH levels of the tank and ultimately prove
hazardous to the tank’s occupants.
If
you are uncertain if an object is safe, it is best to quarantine it in a
separate body of water and watch what happens over time. If it doesn’t bleed or
leak after sufficient time, or disintegrates over time, you can assume it will
be safe.
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