How to Hide Equipment in an Aquarium

When setting up an aquarium, you should remember to decorate the tank in a manner that is aesthetically pleasing for both you and the fish. Having a tank with exposed tubes and equipment will not only be an eyesore for you, but actually can stress the fish. If fish are not given ample places to hide, they become more susceptible to illnesses and can even die. Adequately decorated, an aquarium can become an accent to your decor, making your home or office feel welcoming and inviting.

Things You'll Need

  • Pump
  • Filter
  • Air stones
  • Heater (if tropical tank)
  • Short plants (live or plastic)
  • Tall plants (live or plastic)
  • Driftwood, if desired
  • Gravel
  • Aquarium background, cut for size of tank
  • Rocks, if desired
  • Tank ornaments, if desired
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Tape the aquarium background of your choice on the outside back of the aquarium. This will hide wires and equipment from viewers, and create a sense of depth for the fish.

    • 2

      Add gravel, making it shallower in the front and deeper in the back.

    • 3

      Bury your air stone in the gravel. This aerates the gravel and adds interest to your tank. It also effectively hides the air stone.

    • 4

      Place tall plants in the back of the tank. Use the leaves to hide the tubing for the air stone.

    • 5

      Place a tall plant in front of the filter intake. Do not place the plants too close to the intake or else they can clog the filter.

    • 6

      Place a tall plant in front of the heater. Do not place live plants too close because the heater can affect the growth of the plant.

    • 7

      Place shorter plants toward the front, grouping them in clusters of three to five to maximize visual appeal.

    • 8

      Arrange the driftwood, rocks or other decorations in a manner that is appealing to you.