One of the best things about owning fish is the process of decorating their aquarium to create a comfortable habitat for them and a beautiful aquascape. You can use manufactured aquarium decors like castles or organic ones like rocks, wood, coral, live plants, and substrates.
When decorating aquariums, the sky's the limit. Thus, to narrow your choices and give you some ideas, we've prepared a list of the ten best aquarium decors you can find online. And to educate you about the essential things you must consider to ensure your fish's safety, we also have a helpful buying guide fact-checked by veterinarian Exequiel F. Brobio, DVM.
Quick List - Top Aquarium Decors
Create a Fun Aquascape With These Cartoon-Themed Aquarium Decors
Spruce Up Your Aquarium With This Water-Resistant Background Image
Exequiel F. Brobio, DVM, is an experienced Veterinarian with deep, practical experience in animal health and medicine. He provides customer technical support for animal health products and services, including pet and other animal healthcare-related products for veterinarians.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
For more information, read through our buying guide below.
You should determine the size of your aquarium to easily decide how big or small the decorations would be inside the tank. This will help you avoid cluttering or overdecorating your aquarium to prevent your fish from getting stuck.
Knowing the size of your aquarium will also help you learn the proper measurements of the decorations you should buy. You can also divide the tank into three parts: the top, middle, and bottom, to balance the available space evenly and give the fish enough room to swim.
Another essential factor to consider is the color and type of fish you have in your aquarium. It would be best to choose decorations that will make your fish stand out and flourish because they can make a big impact on your pet's growth and appearance inside the tank.
At the same time, they should also be appropriate for your fish to avoid making them feel uncomfortable. You can create an open and simple design if you have fish that love to feed off the bottom of the tank. For light-colored fish, you can go for dark-colored decorations, and for vibrant-colored fish, you can opt for light-colored decorations.
There are two types of aquarium decorations: manufactured and organic. These two can be used separately or combined to make a more creative design. They can also be used in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
If you want aquarium decorations that will last longer, you can opt for durable manufactured decorations. These include fake plants, rocks, and wood made with silk, resin, or plastic, while there are also some novelty items like plastic or ceramic castles, divers, caves, and many more.
Aside from durability, manufactured decorations can be easier to clean and come in many colors, sizes, and styles. You can also opt to add background images or wallpapers to give your tank a more scenic view of the underwater scene.
Artificial rocks would be more resilient and survive longer than natural ones. Artificial rocks were created to last underwater without dulling or deforming. You may enjoy these decorations while the fish are still alive by adding imitation pebbles to your aquarium.
Organic decorations are a great choice if you want a very realistic design for your aquarium. This means that the decorations are made with natural living and non-living organisms. Live plants are a good example of living organisms, while examples of non-living organic decorations are rocks or driftwood.
This kind of decor can improve the condition inside the tank since it can increase the oxygen level and provide nutrients for the fish. However, organic decorations can be on the pricier side and may need proper maintenance.
You may also need to remove decaying plants and replace them from time to time to prevent toxins from accumulating inside the tank. Lastly, the size, styles, shape, and color of organic decorations are a bit limited, especially for the living ones.
Live plants give an aquarium a more natural appearance. This is why many aquarists keep them there. However, live plants will resemble a jungle if they are not properly pruned in a timely manner. Aquarium plants have the drawback of growing quickly and need pruning rather regularly. Artificial plants don't grow and hence don't require any upkeep.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Driftwood Bonsai Aquascape | ![]() | Boost Your Fish's Immune System With Natural Driftwood Decor | |
2 | Pirate Ship Aquarium Decor | ![]() | A Pirate Ship With Holes for Fish to Swim Through | |
3 | Spongebob Cartoon Aquarium Decoration | ![]() | Create a Fun Aquascape With These Cartoon-Themed Aquarium Decors | |
4 | Realistic Colorful Aquarium Background Wallpaper | ![]() | Spruce Up Your Aquarium With This Water-Resistant Background Image | |
5 | Glow Dark Stones | ![]() | Save Electricity With These Luminous Stones | |
6 | Aquatic Water Grass Seeds | ![]() | Grow Live Plants Inside Your Tank to Increase the Oxygen Level | |
7 | LED Bubble Light | ![]() | Jazz Up Your Aquarium With a Colorful Light Bar | |
8 | Artificial Water Grass | ![]() | Beautify Your Aquascape With Low-Maintenance Plastic Plants | |
9 | Barrel Resin Ornament | ![]() | The Perfect Hiding Spot for Your Fish | |
10 | Pebble Stone | ![]() | A Variety of Rocks for Betta Tanks |
This driftwood bonsai is perfect for nature lovers and is one of the most exquisite decorations you can put inside your aquarium. It can make a comfortable environment for your pet fish since it mimics and appears similar to their natural habitat.
It can also provide several great benefits for your pet because it promotes the growth of good bacteria, boosts the fish's immune system, and maintains lower pH inside the tank. It also has natural tannins that help increase the oxygen in the water.
There are also rocks and free moss attached to the driftwood, which give a natural touch to your aquarium. With this, you will definitely feel satisfied knowing that you can maintain a safe, healthy, and happy ecosystem for your pet fish.
If you're looking for the perfect addition to your aquascape, you'll fall in love with this artificial pirate ship that would look great against an underwater scene backdrop. It can also easily be cleaned with a brush, making it a convenient decor to add to your aquarium.
This product is made with premium environmental-friendly resin material, so it is non-toxic and harmless for your fish. This also means that it will not fade over time as you leave it underwater, nor will it cause any algae problems.
This decor also acts as a great entertainment venue for your fish, wherein they can use it as a hiding place. If you'd love to add variety to your aquascape as well as sites for your fish to play and explore, you'll definitely want to consider this resin decor.
When creating a stunning aquarium, it's best to choose a theme that will simply make your tank wonderful without overdecorating it. If you're in the mood for a cartoon-themed aquarium to show off your fun side, you will love this product.
If you're a big fan of Spongebob Squarepants, you will love the idea of recreating the town of Bikini Bottom, which includes Spongebob's famous pineapple house, his neighbor Squidward's house, and of course, the Krusty Krab.
These resin decorations are perfect for larger tanks and those who want to create an aquascape at home. You can simply add green plants around the houses and other substrates like pebble stones and sand to add more variety. Your Spongebob-themed aquarium will surely bring back some childhood memories!
A great and hassle-free way to spruce up your aquarium is by adding gorgeous underwater backgrounds. You can opt for these affordable wallpapers that offer different colors, designs, and sizes to suit your aquarium needs.
These numerous background images you get to choose from offer a realistic underwater scene. The best thing about them is that they don't need a lot of effort to be placed inside the tank, as you can simply use scotch tape or double-sided tape to attach them.
They are also water-resistant, so you know that they are built to last. To create a more beautiful decor, you can complement your fish's color with the image. For fishes like goldfish and Malawi cichlids, you can opt for dark-colored wallpapers to make them stand out inside the tank.
If you want to have a little fun going on in your aquarium, as well as save on electricity, you will love the idea of decorating your aquarium floor with these artificial glow-in-the-dark pebbles. For every order of this product, you will get ten pieces of random colored stones at such an affordable price.
These high-quality pebbles' sizes range from 1.5 to 3 centimeters. They also offer up to 8 to 10 hours of glow time; just make sure to expose them to sunlight or a light bulb for 15 to 20 minutes. You and your fish will love how these pebbles light up in the dark and how pretty your aquascape will look in the dark.
Most fishkeepers recommend adding live plants to your aquarium since they provide many benefits for your fish, and this particular product will let you do just that! It comes with aquatic plant seeds that you can grow and then place inside your tank to beautify it.
You can choose from different aquatic clovers and grasses, which can easily grow when the proper planting method is used. These plants can produce oxygen and help stabilize your aquarium's pH level. Furthermore, it can also enhance the water quality and prevent the growth of algae.
These live plants also need to be taken care of, which means they require maintenance just like how you would care for your fish. But worry not, as the effort will definitely be worth it as you'll see in a few days' time that you're rewarded with a beautiful aquascape.
To add more color to your tank, you can go for these colorful LED lights. Since this bubble light bar is an LED, it doesn't produce much heat, making it 100% safe for your fish. It also has a built-in air bar, which works when the air pump is turned on to provide an extra oxygen supply for your pet.
The best part is that it's an energy-saving and waterproof product, so it wouldn't add up to your electricity bill nor be prone to damage. It also has a colorful light with a slow flashing effect that creates a beautiful scene inside the tank with your fish.
However, it is not recommended to turn it on at night because it might disturb your fish and cause them to be stressed. It is best used during the daytime when the fish are most active, and you can enjoy the full effect of your tank.
This set of colorful plants is an excellent option if you're looking for aquarium decors that will complete your tank's overall underwater scene look. It's made out of plastic which means it's great if you want something low-maintenance and easy to install.
This product comes in 18 different designs and colors that mimic the look of real-life aquatic plants. Simply decorate them with pebbles to make them look more realistic. Your fish will surely enjoy swimming around these decorations that give color to their home.
Since they're made with plastic, they do not possess sharp edges that may poke your fish, making them safe for your pet. With this, you do not only provide your fish with a great-looking space, but you also give them great hiding spots to play around!
If you're looking for unique aquarium decor, this barrel cave is for you! Although this manufactured aquarium decoration is made with resin material, it is 100% safe to put inside your tank. It also comes in a compact size, ideal for smaller fish.
Aside from making your tank beautiful, it can also serve as your fish's den, which can be their new home or a perfect hiding spot for them to enjoy underwater. The realistic design and neutral colors can surely blend well with any type of aquarium.
With this, you don't just provide your fish with a hiding spot and shelter, but you also give them an entertainment venue where they can swim through. This decor will surely make your fish happy and feel more at home!
A tank wouldn't be complete without rocks or gravel at the bottom. This substrate is very beneficial because it can break down fish waste, leftover food, and plant debris in order to keep the tank clean and the water conditions healthy.
They are also very ideal to use because they help maintain a better water flow in the tank, thereby preventing water pollution and air pockets from forming. These rocks work best with live plants because they create a strong anchor for the roots.
You'll also love the versatility and variety they offer since they come in numerous colors and sizes you can choose from. You can go with white pebbles or black ones and coarse sand or fine sand. Whatever it is, your aquarium will surely look better because of it.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
The correct way to decorate your aquarium is to thoroughly rinse your gravel, natural decorations, and any other decors you plan to add to your habitat. You should also structure your aquascape's hardscape and evenly distribute the incoming water. About halfway through filling the tank, you can plant your underwater plants.
Besides changing your tank's water and filters regularly, you'll want to clean their decorations as well. Before adding any new aquarium decorations, make sure to give them a thorough rinse. It is also recommended to clean your decorations at least once a month, or else you'll see algae building on them.
Make sure that the decorations you put in your fish tank are made with environmentally-friendly materials that prove non-toxic to your pets to keep them safe. Also, guarantee that the objects are unglazed and don't have any sharp edges that can injure both fish and owner.
Besides being a fish parent, if you have other pets at home and are looking for pet care essentials, you can take a look at these articles below to find products that may best suit you and your beloved fur babies.
Author: Cristel Joy Aron
Re-Editor: Andi Sanchez
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: |Driftwood Bonsai Aquascape
No. 2: |Pirate Ship Aquarium Decor
No. 3: |Spongebob Cartoon Aquarium Decoration
No. 4: |Realistic Colorful Aquarium Background Wallpaper
No. 5: |Glow Dark Stones
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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