Buying your first fish? After choosing your pets and an aquarium, you’ll be faced with having to pick from a wide array of aquarium accessories. Which ones do you really need?
These tips will help you decide what kind of aquarium decorations to get. Many of these serve a double purpose. Aside from making your aquarium prettier, they will also help create a comfortable environment for your fish.
Get décor where your fish can hide
Fish feel safer when they have a place to hide. Leafy plants or a tiny cave or castle can give them a sanctuary where they can go to when they are startled or simply need some ‘quiet time.’ This helps lower their stress levels, which will keep them healthier and help them live longer.
Choose live plants over plastic plants
Plastic plants have sharp edges, which can hurt the fish. Live plants can help maintain the right balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. There are also some plant species that will help remove harmful nitrates and nitrites in the water.
Get a rock
Rocks can be grouped together to form caves (where your fish can hide). They can also provide a surface for healthy algae to form, which is important if you have bottom feeding fish.
Invest in a pump
Look for decorations that can be connected to air pumps or ‘bubblers.’ These are not only pretty but can help oxygenize the water.
If you have a large aquarium you can get a current pump, which can help emulate the natural movement of water. This is great even for fresh water fish.
Get an aquarium thermometer
Okay, so they don’t look particularly pretty, but an aquarium thermometer can help you maintain the right water temperature, which is very important if you have very ‘fragile’ fish varieties. The sticker thermometers aren’t very accurate and tend to get damaged over time, so get one that can be attached with a suction cup and have direct contact with the water.
Once you’ve set up your aquarium, take a picture and share with friends. Read our article on pet photos so you know how to take the shot without aquarium glare.
Photo from fishtankcity.com