Aquarium Decorating & Planning Ideas

Decorating is the most enjoyable task in the process of building an aquarium, and the creative possibilities are endless. You can create a traditional, funky or thematic decor for your fish to enjoy. Coordinate your gravel, rocks, plants and objects to complement your theme. With proper planning, aquariums can make wonderful art pieces in any room.

  1. Pirate Theme

    • You can decorate your tank with a pirate theme. Place a sunken ship at the bottom. Add other common pirate related items, such as an open treasure chest with gold coins. For color contrast, use red or black gravel. Tanks also need some greenery so add plastic seaweed or plants in random places. Use plants with varying heights to create interest and to help conceal your tank's tubes and pumps.

    Egyptian Theme

    • If you love history and archaeology, you might enjoy an Egyptian theme. Create Egyptian ruins in your aquarium by choosing sand-colored gravel to resemble the desert. Choose Egyptian-themed decor such as pyramids, camels, a Sphinx, pharaohs and colorful carpets.

    Natural Theme

    • For a traditional aquarium theme, go natural by creating a small ocean in your aquarium. Fill your tank with rocks, stones, pebbles and seaweed. If you have a salt-water aquarium, you can place living plants and live corals. For a freshwater tank, avoid placing real rocks and pieces of wood, which promote germ and parasite infestations. Instead, use gravel and stone replicas. Do not overcrowd your tank with rock formations. Place just enough to allow fish to hide and swim freely.

    Princess or Fairy Theme

    • Use pink-colored gravel or sand with multicolored rock formations to create a princess or fairy theme. Glass rocks are also available. Place a castle in the middle of the tank. Bring fairy tale characters to life. Place a prince, a fairy godmother, and a horse-drawn carriage figurine in the aquarium as well.