There is such a large amount of choice when it comes to aquarium decoration that the only thing limiting an individual is their imagination. The only considerations that must be made is that the aquarium decoration (or decorations) selected pose no threat to the organisms through poisoning (make sure all aquarium decorations are thoroughly cleaned before being added to the tank, see the cleaning process below) and that they are no too large given the size of the tank. Some aquarium decorations that are commonly used include:

•  Rocks (available at pet-stores and specialty aquarium retailers,this is probably the cheap est aquarium decoration going around)

•  Wood pieces (for fresh-water and brackish-water tanks) generally of 3 kinds: bog wood, vine root, and curio wood.

•  Corals and Shells (suitable only for marine aquaria as they harden fresh water and increase the pH).

•  Tank Backgrounds (painting the back side of the tank a dark colour has been shown to aid in increasing the confidence of the fish, this is less necessary if plenty of other materials are to be found in the tank with which the fish can hide).

There are so many things that make up this aquarium decoration category:-

•  backgrounds,

•  ceramic, resin and plastic ornaments,

•  real and faux corals and shells,

•  all sorts of artificial plants,

•  branches, and

•  rocks

Imagine how boring aquariums or fish tanks would be not only for you or other viewers but for the fish themselves without decorations. The addition of decorations to a tank provides a significant difference to the health of your aquatic occupants not only giving them variety of scene but also places to seek shelter, nest, substrate for food and beneficial microbe activity, and a habitat for interaction and expression. Besides the fore mentioned ways that the addition of decorative items can improve the functionality of aquariums there are also other reasons such as general beautification.

Commonly Available Ornaments for Aquariums

1. Backgrounds

Pre-printed pictures of tropical and freshwater scenes are extremely popular. These can be either digitally imaged on or painted onto materials. Using a background once went out of vogue but remains popular in Europe where the variety is enormous. These can be used in all types of aquarium makes and models.

2. Rocks

Firstly, do NOT collect your own unless you are competent in geology. Some rocks leach toxins and this may in turn alter the water composition. The most important factor to remember when selecting rocks are there suitability. Different types of rocks will react 'chemically' with different types of water causing potential problems for your marine livestock in terms of toxicity, pH and so on. When in doubt regarding a rock's suitability ask or opt for another you are sure about. Don't' risk loosing your fish over a rock!! There are many types of rocks available, such as:

•  Light-weight and highly porous tufa rock (suitable for marine aquariums and hard freshwater set-ups).

•  Ocean rock (much heavier and displaces more water)

•  Petrified woods

•  Calcareous "base" rocks (for marine, brackish aquariums)

Rocks supplied by your retailer should be for aquarium use and will be non-reactive. Always clean the rocks first prior to their addition to the tank, scrubbing them and perhaps even leaving them in a bucket of water overhead first.

Typically most rocks, sold at stores specializing in aquarium goods, are either sold by weight or item. Some rocks are natural and others are artificially manufactured and are typically made of some form of plastic or cork. This does not mean that they look 'fake'. In fact, many now are so well-made they look as good as their natural relatives and do not degrade with time.

When using rocks remember not to pile them to high and to ensure they are securely fastened in their placement.

3. Wood

The use of wood in an aquarium is only suitable for freshwater or brackish-water tanks as they can tolerate the higher organic addition, lowering of pH and hardness that comes with wood.

There are 3 types of wood that can be used:

•  bog wood

•  vine root

•  curio wood

4. Corals, Shells and other Delicate Items

Remember corals are suitable only for marine or saltwater tanks as they will increase freshwater pH. In addition, corals are renowned for having sharp edges which may cut or harm non-adapted fish. So real corals, while they may look fabulous, must be appropriate. Otherwise, the other option is to use plastic plants (the big three manufacturers are: Tetra/second Nature, Penn Plax and Hagen (Living World)) or other varieties of artificial corals.

5. Belching Clams & Treasure Chests

How often do you see this type of thing in an aquarium and think how great they look? Given that by themselves they may look kitsch set amongst other decorations in the aquarium this can really add a touch of personalization and excitement. There are a multitude of these air actuated action ornaments - the ever popular opening treasure chest, clams, flying saucers, divers, whales .the list goes on and on. At the upper end of the Market you have the high-tech items. For these things think ofFinding Nemo with the volcano and pirate ship.

Other stuff to consider for inclusion in your tank may be: marbles, coloured sands....the mind boggles. Check it out.