When you're looking for aquarium decorations, keep in mind that you're not just looking for something that looks pretty. You are providing a safe haven for your fish and each one will be making their home in what you buy. They not only need a home inside the tank but also a safe haven from harassment of other fish. This is very important in keeping your fish happy. You can use rocks, corals or both to achieve this.
If you decide to go with rocks, you can have live rocks, non-living rocks or a combination of both. These can be fun to do. You can create nooks and crannies for your fish to hide and make tunnels that they will love going through. It is like constructing a jigsaw puzzle and one that your fish will really appreciate.
Live rock is by far the most popular of rocks used. These rocks all start out dead, but become alive as your tank ages. When you're buying your rocks, try to buy the ones that are high in calcium and preferably of ocean origin. You have to be careful with land-quarried rocks or rocks that are made for reptiles because these can prove to be a problem in saltwater.
Then, of course, you can add items that will be interesting to look at, such as little houses that are made specifically for the purpose of fish tanks. There are also many plants on the market that you can purchase and use. These do wonders at covering up your pumps and filters and hide the necessary equipment that goes with a tank. They look beautiful in a fish tank and also provide places for your fish to hide.
Sand is important in your tank and this depends on what type of tank you have. If it's a fresh water tank, then you won't necessarily use live sand, but if you have a reef tank then it is the only way to go. With a reef tank, try to purchase soft sand. Whatever you decide to place in your fish tank, it is important that you know how it was made and that it is free of toxins.
