Safe Tank Decorations

Juice

Juice

KillaOJ
Jan 4, 2009
1,132
0
36
39
NorCal
I want to spice up my tank a little since I have to wait so long for a cycle. I figure I'll do something to keep myself busy besides water changes. haha.

Anyway's I want to know if I find rocks or shells I find outside are they safe for the tank if say I boil them first?

I want a natural looking tank so I'm not sure what to do for a focal point & i'm pretty much working with fake plants because I dont think I'm ready to handle the real thing just yet. So what do you guys think for a centerpiece and do you think it would look classier or more "natural" to have it off centered??
And would you recommend I dont have a background? Or would one liven up the tank more? Any opinions are welcome!

Thanks!!:)
 
I wouldn't advise boiling the rocks. There is a potential for them to explode causing serious damages. I just pour mine with hot water and then use salt. Shells are best left where they are as they will alter the water chemistry. You can get driftwoods from your petstores or garden centers and boil them for any nasty things that may enter the tank. Don't worry about the tannins which cause the water to turn tea colored. Most fish benefit from the presence of tannins. Boiling will minimize the amount of tannins leached.

For plants, start with low lighting ones such as Java moss and cryptocorynes. They are undemanding and easy to grow and can serve a good start to aquatic gardening. For background, I prefer black or brown for freshwater setups along with black substrate.
 
To me , black background and black substrate is the way to go. When I changed mine over the colors of my fish and plants seemed more vibrant. AS far as the center piece, I would place it off center of the tank. I would use wood.
 
mopani or malaysian wood are good for aquariums. you could also try anubias if u try any real plants. id also advise against shells. most are calcareous and this will alter chemistry and mostt likely raise your ph. also if ur water is acidic they just start to disolve and look bad soon regardless. be wary of the rocks that you place in your tank. i get some from a good lfs or if you know what they are, post it on the forum and someone can say if its aquarium safe. i use alot of slate and there aquarium safe.
 
Thanks for responding! I would love to see pictures of all your fish tanks if you ever get the time :)
 
358.jpg
It didnt even occur to me to have black rocks and a black background at all that sounds like it would look nice though...definatly want something to bring the colors of the fishies out. Ummmm I wanna post some pix for you all 2 see this is my tank as it is now tell me what you think? I'm not sure I like the centerpiece and I'm not sure that I like where it's at in the middle. I want to add more plants and definatly change the gravel but what do you all think of it so far?
369.jpg
 
i like i think it looks good. one recommendation i have to get a background on that tank. i personally like to paint my back with oil base paint. i think the brown and black rocks are the best and make the most natural look. you could always add some sort of rocks also. but for the most part i think it looks good
 
Yeah I think a background in black would look good and definatly change the centerpiece...I thought it looked good in the store but now after seeing everybodys pictures I think it looks cheesy!!haha I dunno I'm gonna shop online for maybe some driftwood or something
 
itsanobsession said:
i like i think it looks good. one recommendation i have to get a background on that tank. i personally like to paint my back with oil base paint. i think the brown and black rocks are the best and make the most natural look. you could always add some sort of rocks also. but for the most part i think it looks good
Click to expand...

what is this about the oil based paint? Does that mean you can wipe it off whenever you want? Does it work on plexiglass? More info please as I have oil based paints here at the house
 
my understanding is that oil based paintswont fold apart when they come in contact with water... which might happen on the outside of an aquarium. other paints might work too but i know oil based is good.

work on plexiglass? im not sure. and it wont wipe off. but black is pretty standard and u shoudl need to remove it
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom