The Best Aquarium Decorations

Due to the extensive range of fish tank accessories (e.g. rocks, caves, snags, corals), it can be difficult to determine how to decorate an aquarium. No matter what kind of ornaments you are looking for, it is important that they are high quality. Make sure that the decorations are natural and do not affect the chemistry of the water, or your fish may suffer from this. ^[1]

At a Glance: Our Favorite TOP-5 Picks

If you are looking for accessories, we have found some of the best fish tank decors and divided them into different categories to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

*Ratings are formed by the author of the article based on own research and combined with customer reviews.

The Best Fish Tank Decorations (All Reviews)

The Best Large Decorations

1. Penn-Plax Shark Jaw Aquarium Ornament

This decoration will give a mystery and make it interesting. The unique water decor, made from 100% fish-safe resin, is a realistic replica of a shark’s jaw and will attract the eyes of guests and allow you to diversify your home underwater world.

2. Sporn Ancient Vase 2 Aquarium Ornament

The Sporn Ancient Vases 2 aquarium ornament will add a touch of ancient mysticism and charm to any aquarium. The detailed and realistic design was hand-painted by an experienced craftsman. The material from which the vase is created is safe for freshwater or marine aquariums.

The inhabitants – fish or invertebrates – can hide inside the vase.

Key Features:

• Adds style and charm.
• Beautifully hand-painted.
• Made of aquarium-safe resin, which is great for freshwater or marine fish tanks.

3. GloFish Driftwood Aquarium Ornament

Add realism to your aquarium by adding Glofiish Driftwood. This bright, decorative snag is available in two sizes and has a silver finish that looks magical under LED light.

This piece provides your underwater inhabitants with a convenient place to hide. The product serves as a fun underwater playground for your fish and adds beauty to your fish tank.

Key Features:

• Chenges color under black LEDs and becomes fluorescent under blue LEDs.
• Artificial plants provide excellent shelter for fish.
• Available in two sizes – large and extra-large.

The Best Castle Aquarium Decors

1. GloFish Castle

GloFish Castle ornament, made of safe materials, will fit perfectly into the style of almost any aquarium.

The wonderful detail looks very beautiful under the blue LED lighting. The decoration can also become a shelter for your underwater inhabitants. Once this product is installed in your tank, your pet fish will look marvelous weaving through the openings. ^[2]

2. Penn-Plax SpongeBob Pineapple Home

If you are hunting for unique decorations that will make your fish tank special, but will not break the bank, then this decoration is for you.

This ornament is made of harmless material, and it can be used in both marine and freshwater aquariums. This product is specially designed to serve as an ideal accent for any aquarium, regardless of its size.

Please note that it is not recommended to use chemical-based cleaning products when cleaning, so as not to injure the fish.

Key Features:

• Made of durable and non-toxic resin that is safe for children and pets.
• Provides shelter for fish and crustaceans.

3. Sporn 6-Piece Corner Column

Add charm with the Sporn 6-Piece Corner Column ornament. This ornament will give an ancient atmosphere and make it look like a mysterious sunken city. The detailed and realistic design is achieved thanks to manual work.

The decoration is made of non-toxic, safe-for-the aquarium resin, great for freshwater or marine aquariums and looks like real ceramic.

Key Features:

• Beautifully hand-painted.
• Made of aquarium-safe resin.
• Gives the ancient atmosphere of a sunken temple.

The Best Saltwater Aquarium Decors

1. Underwater Treasures Pacific Rose Coral

If you want to make your aquarium look like a sea reef, then this decoration is for you. This incredibly realistic ornament is made by hand and painted only using the highest quality materials.

The materials from which this decoration is made are non-toxic and safe for use in freshwater and marine aquariums.

2. Mallofusa Artificial Aquarium Fish Tank Decoration Silicone Sea Anemone 

This decoration, a copy of the sea anemone, is lively looking and can be placed in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The material from which this product is made is non-toxic and safe for the inhabitants of your fish tank. Fish will feel at home in their environment.

Key Features:

• Will not harm water creatures.
• Can be used in both fresh and salt water.
• Available in several colors.

3. Shipwreck Decorations for Fish Tank Aquarium

The bright, broken boat is so realistic that it seems as if a ship really sank in your aquarium. For this decoration, you can also choose a pump to create a bubbling effect in the water, causing the ship to float up and down.

Key Features:

• Consists of two parts, so you can customize the design.
• So realistic that it seems like a real shipwreck.
• Consists of two parts, so you can customize your design.
• Perfect as a gift.

4. Hankyky Aquarium Shipwreck Jewelry Box

This detailed decoration, a realistic replica of a sunken jewelry box, will create the impression of the sea bottom in your aquarium. Non-polluting and made of resin, it is eco-friendly and safe for fish and water.

This product will change your normal aquarium. Just clean and place this accessory in a few minutes, you will have a chic aquarium!           

Key Features:

• Realistic decoration will give a marine style.
• Made of eco-friendly materials.
• Easy to clean.

The Best Small Aquarium Decorations

1. Marina Ecoscaper Hydrocotyle 

Marina Ecoscaper silk plants decoration in the form of a real plant is ideal for the design of any aquarium, creating an amazing and realistic-looking underwater world.

This product has complex color variations that mimic real plants. The ornament creates an excellent alternative to real plants that require frequent care.

The plants are easy to install — just bury the base of the plant in the aquarium gravel. Made from a safe, non-toxic, silk material, they do not affect the chemical composition of the water.

2. LOYEH Aquarium Decoration House

Made from high quality raw materials, this decoration has realistic shapes, is non-toxic, does not pollute the environment and is completely safe for aquatic organisms. Creates a sense of the natural environment. It is also an excellent shelter for fish.

It is also a nice souvenir, promotional item, home table decoration and tourist souvenir.

Key Features:

• Made from high quality raw materials.
• Realistic shapes.
• Non-toxic, does not pollute the environment, completely safe for aquatic organisms.

3. Meiyuan Fish Tank Artificial Starfish Decoration

Realistic imitation of a starfish will give your aquarium the appearance of a real sea bottom. You can create a flock of starfish, glue them to the glass of the aquarium or just put them on the bottom.

It is sold in several color variations.

Key Features:

• Made of high-quality resin material, eco-friendly and durable.
• Available in several colors.
• Gives a marine style.

4. Aim Ceramic Jar Aquarium Decoration

In addition to decorating, this can be a great shelter for fish. The ornament is safe for both fresh water and saltwater aquariums and does not harm fish and other aquatic animals.

Specially made of ceramic material, which has a filtration function for the aquarium, it is safe and non-toxic.

Key Features:

• Specially made of ceramic material, which has a filtration function.
• Safe and non-toxic.
• Provides shelter for fish.

The Best Aquarium Rock Decorations

1. RockGarden Resin Driftwood Pinnacle with Plants

This decoration is the perfect shelter for your fish and gives your aquarium a realistic view of the underwater world.

2. Imagitarium Swim Through Stones Decor

This decor will give your aquarium a realistic underwater look. In addition, it is an ideal habitat for fish, who will hide or swim through the rocks. The product is made of materials that are safe for fish.

Key benefits:

• Fish can swim through the decor.
• Safe for fresh and saltwater.
• Adds depth and design.

3. Imagitarium Purple Geode Aquarium Decor

This product will help you create an amazing world of wonder for your fish. The ornament will give your aquarium a mysterious and realistic look at the underwater world.

Key Features:

• Provides fish shelter.
• Safe for freshwater and saltwater.
• The original design adds beauty.

4. RockGarden Large Sculpted Wonderstone 

This is an authentic, colorful ornament in the form of natural stone with two carved holes for swimming.

Naturally textured rocks provide depth and a natural look.

Key Features:

• Fish can swim through the real stone-carved holes.
• Safe for fresh and saltwater.

Buying Guide

READ MORE: How Often to Feed a Fish

How to Pick Decorations for a Fish Tank

When you start decorating an aquarium, you first need to decide what style you want to create and then start selecting decorations. You should decide whether you want a purely natural theme or if you want something fantastical and fun. If you want to come up with a natural theme for your aquarium, then green plants, driftwood and gravel are ideal options. Think about the color of your fish. If you want something fantastical, you can create a decoration in the form of a dragon cave or buy some unique space decorations.

How big is your tank – 10 gallons, 20 gallons, or 50 gallons? It is also important to determine the size so that it does not look like an overflowing storeroom but is also not empty. Arrange your aquarium so that there is enough space for your living creatures to move, play, and swim. Pay attention to their height, so that they are very tall.

Decide what colors you need. You can add to or ruin the entire appearance of the aquarium if you select the wrong color. If you decide to create a marine-style aquarium, you can build a colorful reef. If the color and fish do not match, then the aquarium may not look very beautiful.

Choose the decor that suits your inhabitants. Some fish species need shelter, so you can create a grove of plants or install a vase in which they can hide. Overactive fish tend to have significantly higher oxygen uptake compared to inactive fish; for such fish, it is advisable to purchase oxygen-producing decorations, such as bridges, underwater chests, and bubble chests.

Watch for sharp edges. Decorations, such as artificial plants, sometimes have sharp edges. Fish can get hurt on such decorations. Make sure that they are safe.

READ MORE: How to set up a Freshwater Fish Tank

FAQs

READ MORE: Aquarium Plants Fertilizer

Article Sources:

1. “Aquarium.”  Encyclopedia Britannica,britannica.com/science/aquarium.
2. Peterson, Tarla. “The Art of Aquarium Keeping Communicates Science and Conservation.”  Frontiers | The Art of Aquarium Keeping Communicates Science and Conservation, 11 Jan. 2018, frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2018.00017/full.
3. “Nano-Reef Community – Keep a Small Saltwater Reef Tank of Your Own!”  Nano-Reef Community, 10 Jan. 2021, nano-reef.com/.

READ MORE: Best Home Fish Tanks