Cool Things To Put In Fish Tank – A Guide To Unique Aquascaping And Habitats
We’ve all been there: you stare at your glass box, and while the fish are healthy and the plants are growing, it just feels a little… empty. You want your aquarium to be more than just a place to keep pets; you want it to be a miniature world that sparks conversation and provides your inhabitants with the ultimate home.
Finding cool things to put in fish tank designs is the best part of the hobby. It is the moment where science meets art. Whether you are looking to create a naturalistic biotope or a quirky, personality-filled display, the right additions can transform a standard tank into a professional-grade aquascape.
In this guide, we’ll explore safe, creative, and functional additions that will make your setup stand out while ensuring your livestock remains happy and stress-free.
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Choosing Cool Things to Put in Fish Tank Decor That Prioritizes Safety
Before we dive into the aesthetics, we have to talk about safety. Not everything that looks great is actually good for your inhabitants.
If you aren’t careful, you might introduce toxins, sharp edges, or materials that alter your water chemistry. Always remember that your fish and shrimp are sensitive to heavy metals and chemicals.
The Golden Rule of Aquarium Decor
If you find an item in your garden or a local craft store, ask yourself: is it inert? In the hobby, inert means the material will not dissolve into the water or change your pH, GH, or KH levels.
Avoid porous rocks that contain calcite or limestone unless you are keeping African Cichlids that specifically enjoy hard water. If you want to use a piece of wood or a stone you found outside, perform the “vinegar test” to check for reactive minerals.
Natural Hardscape Elements for Depth and Texture
When searching for cool things to put in fish tank layouts, nothing beats the beauty of natural materials. They provide essential cover and mimic the environments your fish would encounter in the wild.
Dragon Stone and Seiryu Stone
Dragon Stone (Ohko stone) is a fan favorite because of its clay-like texture and deep, cratered surface. It creates an instant sense of age in a new tank.
Seiryu stone, on the other hand, offers sharp, jagged edges that look incredible in “Iwagumi” style layouts. These stones provide great crevices for shrimp to hide their molts and escape from curious fish.
The Magic of Driftwood
Driftwood is more than just decor; it is an ecosystem anchor. Varieties like Malaysian or Spider wood provide tannins, which have natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.
If you choose to use driftwood, consider attaching epiphytic plants like Anubias or Bucephalandra directly to the wood using gel-based super glue. This creates a lush, overgrown look that feels incredibly organic.
Functional Enrichment: Caves, Tunnels, and Hiding Spots
Your fish aren’t just ornaments; they are living creatures that value security. If a fish feels exposed, it will become stressed and prone to disease.
Ceramic and Terracotta Hides
While natural rocks are great, sometimes you need something specific for breeding or resting. Small terracotta pots—thoroughly cleaned and with the drainage hole enlarged—make excellent caves for species like Plecos or Apistogramma.
Botanicals for a Biotope Feel
If you want to try something truly unique, look into aquatic botanicals. Alder cones, Indian Almond leaves, and magnolia pods are cool things to put in fish tank environments that simulate the forest floor.
These items slowly break down, providing a surface for biofilm to grow—the perfect snack for baby shrimp—while staining the water a beautiful, tea-like amber color that makes fish colors really “pop.”
Adding Personality: Sculptural and Modern Accents
If you prefer a tank with a theme or a specific design aesthetic, don’t be afraid to branch out from pure nature.
Glassware and High-End Accessories
In a high-tech planted tank, the gear itself can be part of the decor. Lily pipes made of high-quality glass are elegant and functional. They create a gentle surface agitation that promotes gas exchange without being an eyesore.
Hand-Crafted Resin or Ceramic Art
There is a growing market for artisanal aquarium art. Look for pieces fired at high temperatures with non-toxic glazes. These can serve as the “focal point” of your aquascape, giving the eye a place to rest amidst the greenery.
Common Pitfalls When Decorating Your Tank
Even with the best intentions, it is easy to make mistakes. Here are a few things to avoid when adding new items to your aquarium:
- Avoid sharp plastics: Cheap plastic plants can tear the delicate fins of Bettas and fancy goldfish.
- Check for “Dead Zones”: Don’t stack rocks or wood in a way that creates a pocket where water cannot circulate. This can trap debris and cause dangerous spikes in ammonia.
- The Anchor Test: Ensure your decorations are stable. A heavy rock placed on a thin substrate can slide and crack the bottom glass of your tank. Always place heavy hardscape directly on the glass bottom before adding substrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put LEGO bricks in my fish tank?
Technically, ABS plastic is inert and generally safe for fish. However, keep in mind that LEGO bricks are full of tiny crevices that can trap rotting food and waste. If you use them, you must be diligent about regular gravel vacuuming to keep the area clean.
How do I clean new rocks before putting them in the tank?
Scrub them thoroughly with a stiff brush under hot water. Avoid soaps or detergents at all costs, as these are toxic to aquatic life. If the rock is very dirty, soak it in a bucket of dechlorinated water for a few days, changing the water daily.
Are painted decorations safe for my fish?
Only if they are specifically labeled as “aquarium safe.” Many craft store paints contain lead or other heavy metals that will leach into your water and potentially kill your livestock. Stick to products specifically designed for the aquarium hobby.
How many decorations are too many?
It’s a balance! You want enough cool things to put in fish tank setups to provide security, but you also need to leave enough open swimming space for your fish. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 50% of the tank volume as open water.
Conclusion
Creating a beautiful aquarium is a journey of trial and error. The items you choose to include in your tank should reflect your personal style while honoring the needs of your fish and invertebrates.
Whether you opt for the rugged, natural look of Dragon Stone and botanicals or the sleek, modern aesthetic of glass-ware and carefully selected sculptures, remember that the most important thing is the health of your water.
Take your time, research every addition, and don’t be afraid to rearrange things until it feels just right. Your tank is a living canvas—have fun painting it!
Howard Parker
Founder & Author, AquiFarm
Howard Parker is a fishkeeping expert with over 20 years of experience. He is the founder and author of the Aquifarm located in Houston, TX 48. He has an academic degree in Agriculture Science. In addition to his professional pursuits, He is also an avid hobbyist of aqua pets, plants, and fish. Howard is dedicated to providing comprehensive information and resources for both novices and experienced fishkeepers, with a focus on professionalism and accuracy.