5 WINNING AQUARIUM IDEAS
Brain-farting on tank décor ideas? You’ve come to the right place! From one fish aficionado to another, you’ve got ask yourself a few questions before finalizing any ideas.
- What type of fish, plants, coral do you have/want?
- Do you have a theme?
- Is the aquarium intended to be a showstopper or merely complement the rest of the room?
This is the point where you decide whether you’d like to plan the décor around your fish of choice or the fish to your aquarium décor. There are obviously no rules or regulations to aquarium design, just have fun with it (and more importantly, be mindful of the comfort and safety of your pets!) So without further ado, here are some big pimpin' tips for decor ideas!
SEASHELLS
Seashells are an oldy but a goody. The fantastic thing about this type of aquarium decor, you can make it a personal experience in retrieving your shells.
Or if you want something more eye-catching and already-found, go bargain hunting at the seashell markets by the sea shore, just ask for Sally. But seriously, there are so many options when it comes to shape, color, and texture.
Use dull colored shells for an understated look, or go for something more bright and punchy to catchy the eye. Based off what you choose to go for, you can use the seashells to compliment what's already in the tank or make them the focal point.
Another option, substitute gravel or pebbles for a tank floor of sea shells. Experiment!
DRIFTWOOD
Driftwood is an awesome addition for any medium to large aquarium tanks. There's just a hypnotic element to the random striations and worn out branches.
It's like structured chaos - the grooves, the cracks - something once alive but now dead and on display. I'm personally a fan of ornamentation that's distinct and full of character.
When it comes to drift wood, you'll never find two pieces that are exactly the same (unless of course you bought it man-made--barf!)
Fish love it too! It gives them something to swim around and through, something to explore, and interact with. Make it the center piece or an element to compliment an existing focal point in your aquarium!
ZEN STONES
Zen stones. You've seen them on hiking trails. They're flat or rounded rocks stacked on top of one another, like miniature pyramids - at least that's the impression that I get.
Zen stones in an aquarium would take the Japanese art of dry landscape and plunge it under water. Not many people think to decorate their aquariums with rocks - wait for it - on top of other rocks in a deliberate, simple, yet elegant fashion.
CORAL
Coral would be a decoration that requires the most maintenance, but it would reap the greatest of rewards, for you and your fish friends. With the proper tank lights and water temperature, the color hues in coral can be accentuated and gleam vivid.
Coral offers a visual texture like no other. there are coral types that are floral, in color and structure, some webbed and dome-like, some that are seemingly spongy, and others that branch out in intricate and elegant fashions.
CASTLES
Castles. I've saved the most cliched for last because - come on! Why not? How cute is it to see your scaly friends live in the lost city of Atlantis, work at the Krusty Krab, or graduate from Hogwarts faster than you can say "Quidditch?"
If cheesy isn't your thing - and I'm not dissing cheesy (Hot Cheetos are life) - there are elegant and clever designs out there as well. Look online and walk into stores to find the perfect castle for your aquatic kingdom.