Decorations. These can range from natural items that bring the outdoors in to your tank or that gaudy plastic stuff that will make you either smile or cringe!

This article introduces you to aquarium decorations. We'll first cover what is included in aquarium decorations and go over most types of them (divided between freshwater aquarium decorations and saltwater decorations). Then we'll foray into the pros and cons of whether to go with manufactured decorations or stick with organic decorations. Finally, we'll leave you with tips on decorating your tank and a list of online sources for you.

What are Aquarium Decorations?

Broadly defined, decorations include both manufactured (fake) and organic (living or was living at one time) decorations, used in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Aquarium decorations include both the substrate and backgrounds used with tanks. Usually, you'll find that people will use more decorations in fresh water or saltwater tanks that are FO or FOWLR. That's because with reef tanks, you wouldn't need any additional decoration. Before you decide you don't need decorations at all, (since the fish should be decorative enough), consider this:

• Many fish use what we call decorations for shelter.
• Live rock, while decorative, are invaluable in terms of the natural bioorganic filtering that they provide. Live rock isn't actually living rock, but rock that is teeming with bacteria and other microorganisms as well as macro-organisms that help clean the water.

Freshwater Aquarium Decorations

For freshwater aquariums, you have your choice of manufactured decorations plus organic decorations (both dead and living). Here is a list to show you want is available:

• Manufactured decorations:
  • fake plants (plastic or silk)
  • fake rocks (plastic or ceramic)
  • fake wood (plastic or ceramic)
  • novelty items (plastic or ceramic castles, divers, etc.)
• Organic (dead):
  • Driftwood
  • Real rocks
  • Substrates (gravel, beach sand, river sand, coral sand, and peat are popular choices)
• Organic (living)
  • Live plants

Saltwater Aquarium Decorations

For saltwater aquariums, you have your choice of manufactured decorations plus organic decorations (both dead and living). Here is a list to show you want is available:

• Manufactured decorations
  • Rubber / synthetic coral
  • novelty items (scuba diver, shells, pirate, mermaid, etc.)
• Organic (dead)
  • Dead coral
  • Real shells
• Organic (living)
  • Live corals
  • Live algae

PROS & CONS for Manufactured Decorations

Here are the pros and cons to using manufactured decorations for your aquarium. Pros for using manufactured decorations include:

• Fake decorations are long lasting. They won't rot.
• Fake decorations are easier to clean than living decorations.
• With fake decorations, you're not interfering with nature since you're not taking from the environment.
• With fake decorations, there's one less living thing you need to worry about in your tank.
• You'll have more choices as far as colors and sizes if you go with fake decorations.
• Fake decorations can be fun. It all depends on your personal sense of style.
• Fake decorations should not affect tank chemistry (You should always confirm what they are made out of).

Here are the cons to using manufactured decorations:

• Fake decorations can look cheesy.
• Fake decorations often do look cheesy.
• Depending on what you're getting, some fake decorations (manufactured corals or rocks) could actually be more expensive than the real thing!

Read Related Freshwater Aquarium Articles Articles   1.  All About Tropical Fish Tanks   An overview of tropical fish tanks, what they are, and the pros/cons of keeping one. 2.  Planted Aquariums   An overview of the different styles of planted aquariums. Different types of plants you could use. Popular plants. 3.  Choosing a Planted Aquarium Substrate   Learn about the factors you should consider when choosing a substrate for your planted aquarium. 4.  Setting up a Freshwater Fish Tank   Information on choosing a fish tank and how to set-one up! 5.  Choosing a Freshwater Aquarium Substrate   Learn about the factors you should consider when choosing a substrate for your planted aquarium. 6.  Choosing the Right Filtration System for Your Aquarium   Learn about the different types of filters for your freshwater aquarium. 7.  Properly Aerating Your Aquarium   Learn the basics of aeration and how to properly aerate your aquarium. 8.  Adding Rocks and Wood to Your Freshwater Aquarium   Learn about the things you should consider when adding rocks and wood to your aquarium. 9.  Heating Your Freshwater Aquarium   Learn about different heater options for your fish tank. 10.  The Process of Cycling a Fish Tank   What is "cycling" your fish tank? Why is it important? Instructions for how to do-it. 11.  Freshwater Fishless Cycling   Learn about new methods for cycling your freshwater aquarium without fish. 12.  What Are Good Freshwater Fish For Beginners   What makes a freshwater fish a good candidate for beginners? 13.  Stocking Fresh Water Fish Tanks   Learn how to select the right quantity and combination of fish for your freshwater aquarium. 14.  Acclimating Fish - Drip Method   Learn how to properly acclimate your fish to your aquarium using the drip method. 15.  Properly Maintaining the pH in a Freshwater Aquarium   Learn how about pH and how to properly maintain it in a freshwater aquarium. 16.  Cichlid Aggression - How to Reduce Aggression   Learn about the causes of cichlid aggression and methods for reducing it. 17.  Common Freshwater Tropical Fish Diseases   Learn about common fish illnesses and how to effectively treat them. 18.  Breeding Freshwater Fish   Learn how to succesfully breed freshwater fish. 19.  Breeding Mouth Brooding African Cichlids   Learn how to succesfully breed mouth brooding African Cichlids. 20.  Controlling Algae Growth   Learn why algae grows in your tank and how to control it. 21.  Using Carbon in a Freshwater Aquarium   Learn about the differing points of view and guidelines on using carbon in your aquarium. 22.  Fish Tank Maintenance and Cleaning   Tips and instructions for maintaining a healthy fish tank. 23.  Choosing and Conditioning the Water in Your Aquarium   Learn about how to properly choose and condition the water you use in your freshwater aquarium. 24.  Water Testing in Your Freshwater Aquarium   How to test your aquarium's water, and what to look for. 25.  Keeping Goldfish   Advice on keeping Goldfish. 26.  Fish Bowls   An overview of keeping fish in a fish bowl. A brief history. Pros and cons. 27.  Wall Mounted Fish Tanks   Advantages and disadvantages to a Wall Mounted Fish Tank. Installation. Accessories. 28.  Freshwater Fish Article Database   Articles on dozens of different freshwater fish and appropriate care. 29.  Freshwater Plant Article Database   Articles on different freshwater plants and appropriate care. • View All Articles