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The Best Fish Tank Decorations

Last updated on March 2, 2023

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Fish tank decorations can add color, interest and personality to your fish’s home. Decorations come in a wide range of forms and materials, including plastic plants, rocks, driftwood, ceramic figures and ornaments. The type of decoration you choose should depend on the type of fish that inhabit your tank; for instance, certain species may require different levels of light, warmth or hiding places.

When deciding how many decorations to use in your fish tank, it is important to remember that less is more; overcrowding the tank can reduce oxygen levels and cause stress to your fish. In general, you should aim for around one decoration per 10 gallons of water.

It is also critical that any decorations you put in your tank are safe for fish. Natural items such as driftwood and rocks can be purchased for aquarium use, or collected from the wild. However, be sure they have been washed and soaked prior to being added to the tank. Artificial objects should also be non-toxic and free from small, sharp edges or jagged surfaces that could cause injury to your fish.

As you would with any other addition to your fish tank, plant or animal, you should ease decorations into the tank. Don’t add them all at once. This way, if there is a problem with one of the decorations and it makes a fish ill, you can remove it immediately. If you add more than one item at a time, you won’t know what is making your pets sick.

Our Picks For The Top Fish Tank Decorations

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Penn-Plax Spongebob Squarepants House Fish Tank Decoration

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Penn-Plax

Spongebob Squarepants House Fish Tank Decoration

This awesome aquarium decoration is styled after the pineapple home of SpongeBob Squarepants. Your fish will love swimming in and out of the house. It is safe for both saltwater and freshwater fish and will bring plenty of whimsy and nautical nonsense to your fish tank.

Overall Take

Pop Culture DecorYour fish can live in a pineapple under the sea just like SpongeBob with this decor.

 Runner Up

Oubest Glow-In-The-Dark Pebbles Fish Tank Decorations, 100-Piece

Oubest

Glow-In-The-Dark Pebbles Fish Tank Decorations, 100-Piece

Your aquarium will look beautifully blue, just like the Caribbean Sea, when your first layer is made of these glow-in-the-dark cerulean pebbles. The set comes with 100 rocks made of a polystyrene resin that is non-toxic and does not contain any radioactive elements.

Overall Take

A Colorful BaseBring your fish tank to life day or night with these glowing pebbles.

 We Also Like

Uniclife Glowing Silicone Jellyfish Fish Tank Decorations, 6-Piece

Uniclife

Glowing Silicone Jellyfish Fish Tank Decorations, 6-Piece

Enhance your aquarium with a set of six vibrant-hued jellyfish. The pack includes blue, purple, green, orange, pink and yellow jellyfish that are luminescent under blue or purple light. The ornaments are suspended by an invisible line for a realistic look.

Overall Take

A Bright AdditionGive your fish some new friends with these unique tank decorations.

 Strong Contender

CNZ Non-Toxic Plastic Plant Mat Fish Tank Decoration

CNZ

Non-Toxic Plastic Plant Mat Fish Tank Decoration

Do your fish need a bit of nature in their tank? This 9-inch-by-9-inch plant mat is completely artificial, but it will make the aquarium look so much more homey. The decoration is made of plastic and is completely non-toxic.

Overall Take

A Little GreeneryBring the pond to your aquarium with this artificial grass decoration that fish are sure to love.

What to Look For

  • Reading about the specific species of fish you have can help you determine what decorations might be safe or even helpful for them.
  • When you clean your fish tank, you should clean the decorations. Always follow care instructions for both your fish and the decorative items when cleaning.
  • Don’t place too many large decorations in a tank unless you’ve researched your pet’s species and learned that they need many places to hide.
  • Some fish need a lot of room to swim, and large decorative pieces can prevent their movement.

More to Explore

Did you know that some pet fish can actually recognize their owners? Studies have shown that domesticated fish are able to remember the faces of their caregivers and will even come to them in search of food or affection.

They also possess the ability to learn tricks, such as swimming through hoops or retrieving items from the bottom of the tank. Pet fish can also live surprisingly long lives, with some species reaching up to 50 years old!

More to explore