Seashells also provide new homes for hermit crabs once they outgrow their old shells and hard surfaces for coralline algae and freshwater mosses to attach to.īeing made mostly of calcium carbonate, Seashells will eventually dissolve, especially in aquariums with a more acidic pH. Conch shells are especially popular since they can double as caves for fish small enough to fit within. Seashells can find a ready place in both salt and freshwater aquariums. For saltwater aquariums white coral-based live sand provides a home for beneficial bacteria and jump-starts the cycling process. ![]() Planted aquarium substrates not only look great but also provide places for essential nutrients to collect and be taken up by aquatic plants. And fine sand is perfect if you’re keeping fish that like to burrow like Kuhli Loaches! Mixed substrates with a variety of particle sizes from sand up to pebbles help recreate the look of a river bed. However there are tons of gravel choices that go beyond pink or blue! Gravel is an aquarium decoration some hobbyists don’t put much thought into. Anemones are relatives without stony skeletons that tend to be more mobile but are also iconic reef invertebrates! Specialty Substrates Many corals fluoresce under blue and black lighting as well, adding to their mystique. Many aquarists use protein skimmers to prevent organic matter from breaking down into nitrates which corals are especially sensitive to. They come in two main varieties: stony, with hard aragonite skeletons and soft.īoth kinds rely on intense lighting to feed their symbiotic algae and impeccable water quality to survive. CoralsĪs the aquatic plant analog of the saltwater world Corals are some of the finest aquarium decoration ideas possible. These unseen cleanup crewmembers aid in the biological cycles of your ecosystem.įor larger aquariums I do recommend using silicone to fix live rock in place as blocks can shift and potentially crack glass. Live rock also contains micropores where beneficial bacteria and scavenging invertebrates live. Hitchhikers like Snails and Crabs may also find a way into your aquarium if you’re lucky! These coral blocks are usually coated in sessile organisms, including Corals, Christmas Tree worms, sponges, and macroalgae. Live rock is a staple of the saltwater aquarium hobby. Other possible plants to use in this setup include African Water Fern and Anubias! Live Rock Look closely at the video you’ll see transparent fishing lines attached to both the stones and the bottom of the aquarium.Įach rock also has a healthy colony of green aquatic moss. Instead of standard rocks you’ll need chunks of pumice, an air-filled volcanic stone that’s lighter than water by volume. Overhead full spectrum lighting is essential but rewarding if you decide to take on this project. Just remember that like most plants, they need bright lighting for their leaves and won’t thrive in ambient light. Sweet potatoes are another species that creates massive root networks for fish to explore. They can just as easily be used with a larger tank. Spider Lilies are famous for being paired with Bettas in bowls as they are not only hardy but grow well with indoor ambient light. ![]() Many terrestrial plants can grow out of an aquarium. If you’re not looking to get into carbon dioxide additions, enhanced lighting, and enriched substrates take a look at my Easy Low Light Aquarium Plants for Beginners guide. The variety available is nearly endless as well, from creeping foreground plants like Dwarf Baby Tears to towering background species like Amazon Sword Plants.įortunately, there are plants for every skill level. ![]() Live aquarium plants are sometimes a challenge but provide benefits like oxygen and the consumption of nitrates to fish. Planted aquascapes are one of my personal favorite setups.
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