People who keep fish, whether as a hobby or as pets, should be aware that the attention they put into their fish tanks can be undone by the environment their fish are exposed to. Some attractive decor and accessories are often used in aquariums or fish tanks for beautification or simply to make the fish more comfortable.
However, you should be concerned about the effects that these decorations may have on your fish and the water in your fish tank. A good way to be safe is to choose non-toxic plants and decorations. The following suggestions will assist you in making a safe decision.
Tips to choose Non-harmful aquarium plants
If you decide on real plant life as your aquarium’s décor, it is important to have a lot of free time on your hands to properly feed and care for the plants. They would require a lot of sunlight and frequent cleaning of the aquarium to rid themselves of the leaves that were shaded. Although artificial plants can be used with little effort and require little maintenance, they can be detrimental to the fish when they fall off due to poor quality. They may also release toxins into the water, which are harmful to the fish in the area. If you opt to utilize artificial plants, the type of plants you choose will be determined by how much time you have available and the quality of the plants you choose. Be on the lookout for ones made of silk or plastic, as these are softer and less likely to injure fish.
When purchasing natural plants, keep an eye out for their condition at the time of purchase. Look for plants that are in good health and avoid those that are fading or have yellow leaves. You should also note the temperature of the water that they were stored in so that you can determine whether or not they will be able to survive for an extended period in an aquarium. This tip is important for aquarium hobbyists as a large number of plants can overcrowd an aquarium, so fewer plants are preferable. Transferring plants from soil is also a good idea, but be careful not to transfer pests as well. Natural plants provide a plethora of advantages, ranging from the absorption of pollutants to the purification of water. They are always a great addition to aquariums.
Tips for choosing decorations
Various aquarium decorations are completely harmless to both the fish in the aquarium and the water in the aquarium. Although netting can be advantageous for fish that climb or swim, it can also be hazardous because of its thin, sharp edges. They can also be harmful because they can obstruct the passage of water, preventing the breakdown of all waste as a result.
Compared to other materials, rocks, wood, and glass stones are superior choices since they do not alter the pH of water; instead, they help balance it, and some rocks even supply calcium to the water. It is possible to argue that rocks in aquariums are useful and fantastic choices for many reasons. It is also safer to seek other alternatives; rather than to purchase artificial corals, which are dangerous since they release chemicals that might poison the fish.
Decorations for aquariums can also include sandy or rocky bottoms, and the type of bottom you choose should be determined by the type of fish you intend to keep in the aquarium. As an example, eels spend a lot of time at the bottom of the aquarium, where they’ll likely be raw from rubbing themselves on the rocks if the bottom is rocky.
Other tips for decorations include the following:
- Decorate your aquarium with items from renowned stores because this will speak volumes about their quality.
- Decorations should not be overpowering to the point where they obstruct the passage of sunlight into the aquarium.
- Decorations with sharp edges should not be used, or their sharp edges should be dulled with sandpaper before use.
- When decorations change color due to being submerged in water for an extended period, they should be removed as soon as possible to avoid the release of dangerous chemicals that might damage fish.
- All artificial decorations should be cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt or trash.
If you follow all of the advice in this article, decorating your aquarium will not seem like such a monumental undertaking. You might even be able to do it without the assistance of a professional.
Finally
Choose decorations that will not be hazardous to your aquarium’s inhabitants such as your pet turtle and your favorite fish, and be sure to use them the right way to avoid issues.