Aquarium decorations are as important as the aquarium itself. Without the right decorations, your fish are liable to get bored, and may even become depressed due to a lack of stimulation and engagement. Not to mention, spending time near your aquarium while keeping your fish company can get kind of boring for you. So, you owe it to yourself and your pet fish to find the best aquarium decorations on the market that will engage your fish and perform as eye candy for the humans spending time in your home.
But finding the right aquarium decorations is a tough task, especially when quality, performance, engagement, and longevity are kept in mind. Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you. We have delved into the world of aquarium decorations and we’ve put many of the best options on the market to the test. We are eager to share what we have learned! Here are our reviews for what we think are the best aquarium decorations you’ll find online.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024
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Eucalyptus Root Fish Wood |
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Catappa Leaves Aquarium Ornament |
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Lifegard Aquatics Songpi Rock |
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Zoo Med Floating Betta Log |
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PENN-PLAX Aquarium Ornament |
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The 5 Best Aquarium Decorations
1. Underwater Treasures Eucalyptus Root
In our opinion, the best overall aquarium decoration is the Underwater Treasures Eucalyptus Root, which is available in three sizes, with the smallest size being small enough for a nano tank. This is a natural product, so every piece is unique. Driftwood is a great addition to your tank because it enhances the natural look of your tank, provides hiding places for your livestock, provides a surface to attach certain types of plants to, and releases tannins into the water.
Tannins are beneficial for the health of your tank livestock. However, tannins can also turn the water tea-colored, so make sure to soak or boil the wood before adding it to reduce the tannin release and to ensure the wood sinks.
2. Fritz Catappa Leaves
If you’ve got a tight budget and can only add one thing to your tank, Fritz Catappa Leaves is a great option. The catappa tree is also known as the Indian almond tree. There are ten leaves per package, making it one of the best aquarium decorations for the money, so they’re a perfect addition to your tank, especially if you have a blackwater tank.
Like driftwood, catappa leaves release tannins and humic acid into the water, so they will discolor your tank water if not boiled or soaked before adding to your tank. They are known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, so they can help keep your fish healthy. However, boiling the leaves to lower the tannin levels may reduce the efficacy of the leaves as well. They can also encourage breeding and vibrancy. If you have shrimp, catappa leaves can also provide a food source.
3. Lifegard Aquatics Dragon Songpi Ohko Rock
If you have a big aquarium décor budget, then you’ll love the Lifegard Aquatics Dragon Songpi Ohko Rock 25 Gallon Kit. This premium kit contains one large rock, two medium rocks, and three small rocks, with all rocks measuring between 3.5 and 20 inches.
These rocks are great for stacking and building. They are full of crevices that can provide shelter to small livestock, like shrimps, and can collect food for small tank inhabitants as well. They are a completely natural product, so each rock is completely unique. While this kit is designed for a 25-gallon tank, you can use the rocks for tanks of any size.
4. Zoo Med Floating Betta Log
If you’re familiar with keeping Bettas, then you know that these fish love to find places to rest and float. The Zoo Med Floating Betta Log is the ideal addition to your Betta’s tank to provide them with shelter and a place to rest. This floating log is made from ceramic and plastic but is made to mimic a real piece of wood.
It contains a feeding hole, so you can offer your Betta food without them having to leave the comfort of their hiding place. It can help reduce boredom for Bettas, as well as encourage natural behaviors, like bubble nest building in males. Over time, this item may become waterlogged and no longer float, so be prepared to replace it every year or two.
5. Penn-Plax Stone Hideaways
The Penn-Plax Stone Hideaways is an ornament that is designed for cichlids but is ideal for all types of fish and invertebrates that appreciate having cave space. This ornament provides shelter, and for cichlids and other territorial fish, it may reduce aggression. It’s made from non-toxic resin, which is extremely easy to clean.
These rocks can be stacked to create larger formations within your tank, which is great for cichlid tanks. Since this is designed for cichlids, it may be too bulky for nano and small tanks, so make sure to check the measurements prior to purchase if you have a small tank.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Aquarium Decorations
When it comes to buying aquarium décor, you should always keep your fish in mind. The activities that you observe them partaking in and the type of foliage you know that they like should be a part of your décor whenever possible. When you are introducing a new piece of décor into your aquarium setup, take note of how your fish interacts with it. If your fish tends to ignore it, you may want to focus on other types of aquarium décor in the future.
Features to Look For
There are a few key features that should be considered when purchasing new décor for your aquarium. First and foremost, a solid build should be at the top of your list. What’s the point in buying décor if it’s just going to break down in the water after a couple of months?
You should also look for décor that features heavy bottoms or special stakes that will make it easy for you to install the décor. Pieces that are easy to keep clean should also be a priority, otherwise, you may find yourself having to fight moss and mold buildup throughout the year to keep it in good shape.
Other Considerations
When choosing new décor for your aquarium, it’s a good idea to read the fine print of the manufacturer’s warranty (if one is included) so you know exactly how to get your décor replaced or repaired if necessary. You may also want to consider the materials that your current décor is made of, so you have an opportunity to choose complementing materials.
Knowing what the materials are made of will help you determine whether the décor will be safe for your fish and your aquarium. If you are ever in doubt, there are plenty of other décor options to choose from so don’t be afraid to skip over something cute, interactive, or lifelike in fear that you won’t find a safer option – because chances are that you will.
Conclusion
When it comes to aquarium décor, what you choose relies heavily on what your vision for your tank is. Our top pick for all tanks, though, is the Underwater Treasures Eucalyptus Root, which can increase the health of your fish through the release of tannins. For a budget-friendly option, the Fritz Catappa leaves are a great pick, thanks to their numerous benefits for the health of your tank’s inhabitants. If you have a bigger budget, check out the Lifegard Aquatics Dragon Songpi Ohko Rock 25 Gallon Kit.
Featured Image Credit: Nature’s Ocean, Chewy
