Cool Things to Make for Zebra Danio

Zebra danios are a small but lively species of tropical freshwater fish, and are a great addition to the community tank. To keep your danios happy and healthy, you not only need to provide for their basic needs, but you should also build them an aquarium environment they enjoy. Use your creativity to build some tank decorations that keep your zebra danios entertained while also making your tank look more attractive.

  1. Rock Ornaments

    • Collect a variety of smooth river rocks or slate, rinse them well and experiment with different arrangements to create caves and decorative rock piles. Zebra danios are a very active species of fish, so they enjoy having a cave to explore. Pile the rocks on top of each other in the desired combination and secure them in place with an aquarium-safe adhesive. Give the adhesive adequate time to dry before placing it in your aquarium.

    Terra Cotta Pots

    • Terra cotta pots are frequently used in aquariums as a cheap decor item that also provides fish with a place to hide from aggressive tank mates. Use your creativity to build a structure out of terra cotta pots of varying sizes, laid on their sides. Make a pyramid with three pots on the bottom, two on the second row and one on the third, alternating which way the opening faces. Secure your pots to each other with an aquarium-safe adhesive, or forgo the adhesive so you can switch to a different arrangement later.

    Driftwood Formations

    • Driftwood is another natural material that can be used to construct fish tank decorations. You can find driftwood along rivers, lakes and beaches, but it is often a good idea to purchase it from pet stores so chemicals or bacteria are removed from the wood, which may harm your danios. Experiment with different placements in your tank and create a driftwood forest for your danios to explore by driving the ends of the driftwood into your substrate so they stand vertically in the tank. Intersperse a few live plants among the driftwood to make it more interesting.

    Glass Bottles

    • Look for glass bottles of interesting shapes and colors to use as decorative items in your zebra danio tank. Select one large bottle or use several smaller bottles, positioning them on their sides or vertically in the tank to create an attractive arrangement. Rinse the bottles well, then fill them with whatever you desire and seal the bottle with a cork or screw-on lid. Fill the bottles with a colorful substrate, crushed shells or decorative beads to add color to your tank.