7 Main Tips For Decorating Aquarium-Part 2

Tip# 5

Plants are the only living elements in the aquarium decor. (We will not consider corals for the moment since a reef environment is very complex.)

When it comes to choosing your plants, you must have already thought about the color combination you want, for example by contrasting dark green or red plants with plants with pale green leaves of different shapes. You can put a reddish giant Vallisneria in the background, a plant cover composed of a robust cryptocoryne nevelli green in the foreground, in addition to a composition of driftwood in the middle. The giant Vallisneria (Vallisneria gigantea) grows to the surface and provides the diffused lighting that Cryptocorynes need.

Use this information as an example to prepare for the height of the plants and to help you choose the best place to install them. Information on the plants, the size they will reach and their lighting needs are available in large quantities. So be sure to include this information in your choice.

Tip # 6

Imagine and feel free to watch images and videos of natural biotopes.

You will see that in nature, structures, including trees and branches, often fall into the water and dot the surface. I have often seen many dead trees across rivers in Colombia. The fact is that you can include natural elements in your aquarium decorations to create a unique environment that is perfect for fish. In addition, much freshwater fish are more comfortable when the surface is covered, and those that tend to jump will not do as much. The aquariums without cover benefit enormously.

Tip# 7

If you are wondering where to find rocks and pieces of wood, do not risk and visit your local pet store to buy natural ornaments. Not only are the ornaments sold safely because they are not exposed to any contaminants, but you will also know if they have an impact on the hardness and pH of the water, such as gravel and rocks. That's it, you're ready. Keep these tips in mind when thinking about the type of environment you want, and take your time to do everything right. Patience is the key. Set up your aquarium and turn it on a week or two before adding the fish. 

7 Main Tips For Decorating Aquarium-Part 1

Creating the indoor environment of a new aquarium can only be synonymous with pleasure for any aquarist. That said, it's important to think about it before you get into this installation, since it must be appropriate for the specimens you want. It is obvious that you must love the decoration of the aquarium, but it is equally important that it meets the needs of the species that will live there.

Below are some essential tips that will help you create the dream waterscape to keep your fish long.

Tip # 1

The size and dimensions of the aquarium are important.

However, even if the popular "all or nothing" expression can be applied to the purchase of an aquarium, table aquariums or small aquariums are also to be considered for types of fish of certain sizes. Make sure you know the needs and behaviors of the desired fish to get a big enough aquarium.

Pay particular attention to fish behavior, as some small species allow, for example, only one male in the aquarium because of their aggressive and territorial nature. In addition, it is very easy to create a bulky decor in a small aquarium; try to make a central ornament that you can complement with your decor. Indeed, simplicity prevails in this case.

Tip # 2

To avoid frequent pitfalls, be sure to follow the following steps while setting up your aquarium.

First of all, it is absolutely necessary to thoroughly rinse the gravel, natural ornaments and any other object that you want to add to the aquarium. Then create the structure of your decor, fill half of the aquarium with water, then plant your plants.

Before filling the aquarium, do not forget to put a plate at the bottom so that the water also spreads and that the force of the water does not ruin all the creative efforts that you have deployed.

Tip # 3

When decorating your aquarium, it's important to have a clear idea of what kind of fish you want to keep.

For example, some large fish, such as discus, prefer to eat at the bottom of the aquarium. They, therefore, require an open and clear environment whose fine substrate, such as sand, allows the food to settle to the bottom; coarse gravel or rocks do not suit them.

Large-sized fish that like to dig and uproot plants often come from natural habitats filled with rocks and wood and containing very few living plants. Their aquarium environment should therefore preferably contain floating plants.

Tip # 4

Most of the time, a background is recommended, because, in addition to creating a finished look, its solid color offers a constant contrast highlighting fish, plants, corals, decor ...

If you are using a background of an aquatic scene, try matching some of the elements in your aquarium with those in the background, or highlighting it with matching aquarium decorations. The illusion of depth of the three-dimensional background creates a very impressive result.