Choosing aquarium decorations is not just a matter of picking out what's pretty, it also has a lot to do with choosing what works. When deciding what will consist your aquarium, keep in mind that you will also be providing a safe refuge for your fish. An attractive aquarium that provides a safe place from harassment from other fish and one that is free of harmful materials is one that owners should be keeping an eye on.
Luckily aquarists nowadays have a wide range of materials available when choosing aquarium decorations. Natural products such as rocks, sand, shells, and corals are widely available in the market, as well as a whole gamut of artificial decoration.
Putting rocks in your aquarium is one of the most basic steps in decorating. You can adorn your aquarium with live rocks or non-living rocks, and you can easily create caves or nooks for your fish to hide or rest. When choosing aquarium decorations such as rocks, be wary of land-quarried rocks or those made of reptiles because they may later pose problems in water chemistry. Always choose rocks that have high calcium content, and preferably from the ocean. Also remember to wash the rocks thoroughly before adding them to the aquarium. Some rocks like tuffa, limestone, and ocean rock, when not properly washed, may affect the water's pH level.
Corals also need to be washed thoroughly before putting in the aquarium. Ideally, you should soak these in a bucket of water for at least 48 hours before putting in the aquarium. This method also applies to sea shells: they need to be cleaned, bleached, and rinsed thoroughly before introducing to the aquarium.
Artificial ornaments also provide owners with varied set of options when choosing aquarium decorations. It is an understatement to say that there is quite a wonderful range of artificial ornaments available even in your nearest pet shop. The range available at Seagarden, Nautical Treasures, Simlastone, among others, is enough to overwhelm any new aquarist! There is a wide variety of species, colors, and sizes available when choosing aquarium decorations.
Most artificial ornaments are also completely safe for both freshwater and marine aquariums. They also require very little maintenance, and can transform any aquarium into a natural looking aquatic habitat.
To put your decorative materials to full effect, you can also choose a theme for your aquarium. Choosing aquarium decorations for your theme of choice might be both tricky and fun. You can easily choose an Amazonian theme, or a lake theme, or a brackish water theme, and won't have difficulty finding the right materials. In choosing aquarium decorations for your theme, all you need is a little imagination!
