What is a good way to fill a 29 gallon aquarium with some nice but cheap plants, wood, or rock?
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cheap aquarium decorations
- Thread starter betsonmets12
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It has been my experience (at least in this area) that live plants are WAY cheaper than plastic plants, and fish seem to like them tons better. I would just start off with a few easier ones like java moss or java ferns and go from there.
As far as decorations go, I purchased my driftwood from the LFS, not sure if you can use any that you find at the beach or not. Another idea is terracota planters, I haven't used these personally but have seen a lot of tanks that look great with them. Just make sure that the planters haven't been used, ie soil, fertilizer, etc. They make great little hideouts for your gang. Look through the forum and do a little :read: and you will find something you like and can afford. Good luck and have fun!!!
As far as decorations go, I purchased my driftwood from the LFS, not sure if you can use any that you find at the beach or not. Another idea is terracota planters, I haven't used these personally but have seen a lot of tanks that look great with them. Just make sure that the planters haven't been used, ie soil, fertilizer, etc. They make great little hideouts for your gang. Look through the forum and do a little :read: and you will find something you like and can afford. Good luck and have fun!!!
Go to your local river, creek, beach, lake, etc. Here you can search for driftwood and pick up niced smooth rocks that you can use to build caves and such.
I have some incredibly beautiful pieces of driftwood I have collected at some local creeks that are far nicer than any expensive piece sold in any store.
As for live plants, I really love Java Fern. It grows in almost any light and reproduces quickly. When little baby Java Ferns grow on the tips of the leaves, I pull them off and tie them to a rock using fishing line. They will then attach themselves to the rock and I can then move that rock to a new aquarium.
I have really beautiful aquariums and have never spent any more than a few dollars for a couple starter Java Ferns.
When looking for wood, look for stuff that has been wet for a while, preferably stuff that is already under water since it will already sink. If the wood floats, that is ok too and it will sink if soaked for a few weeks. Look for wood that looks very old. You can sterilize it by boiling it or running it through the dishwasher (without soap of course).
When you decorate your tank with neat rocks and wood that you have found yourself, you will enjoy it more knowing that you did it yourself instead of just buying the same old stuff at the store. . .
I have some incredibly beautiful pieces of driftwood I have collected at some local creeks that are far nicer than any expensive piece sold in any store.
As for live plants, I really love Java Fern. It grows in almost any light and reproduces quickly. When little baby Java Ferns grow on the tips of the leaves, I pull them off and tie them to a rock using fishing line. They will then attach themselves to the rock and I can then move that rock to a new aquarium.
I have really beautiful aquariums and have never spent any more than a few dollars for a couple starter Java Ferns.
When looking for wood, look for stuff that has been wet for a while, preferably stuff that is already under water since it will already sink. If the wood floats, that is ok too and it will sink if soaked for a few weeks. Look for wood that looks very old. You can sterilize it by boiling it or running it through the dishwasher (without soap of course).
When you decorate your tank with neat rocks and wood that you have found yourself, you will enjoy it more knowing that you did it yourself instead of just buying the same old stuff at the store. . .
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I've heard that Java Moss is nearly impossible to get rid of if you want to. We have it and we dont plan to get rid of it, so it's ok, but just keep this in mind. Otherwise, just stop by the fish store and check things out. Look to see what plants you like, which ones would go well with the tank.
YuccaPatrol said:
Ok, that makes sense. Thought they may be very similar since they have similar names.
true that live plants are good but in the long run plastic plants are beneficial, no decay, no lighting upgrades ( i know java moss and fern are not big on lights) no fish eating them they live longer(plastic). but hey what do i know its your tank.
wannabefishguru said:
Very true. When we went home for Thanksgiving and left the fish at school, after five days most of the plants had been eaten.
It depends on the fish you have my fish don't touch my plants, and java moss and fern both do not need any special lighting or substrate. Anubius plants are equally easy to care for.