The Best Fish Tank Decorations

No aquarium is complete without a variety of colorful fish tank decorations. From live plants to castles and everything in between, you can liven up your fish's home and yours with a few well-placed pieces. All you need to do is decide which theme or color scheme best matches your aesthetic. Then you can check out our list to get your aqua-scaping started.

What to Look For

Choosing decorations for your fish tank can quickly become overwhelming. There are so many options to choose from that it can be hard to narrow them down. But if you focus on safety, size, and overall style, it becomes much more manageable. For example, the Qzq Aquarium Decor Pack has several gorgeous pieces of various sizes to help you give your tank a natural feel. However, if you have a long-finned betta or other fish with delicate fins, the silky BiOrb Easy Plants are much safer. Every hobbyist has their preferences, so check out the list below if you’d like more details.

Qzq Aquarium Decor Pack

Vivid variety

Bright colors and safe materials make this set a must-have for getting started.
Best Overall

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This 14-piece tank decoration pack from Qzq is a fantastic choice for getting your new aquarium started. It has two naturally designed hides, eight colorful plants, and two pretty starfish. They all work together to create an overall beautiful effect. The materials are all safe and easy to clean, too, ensuring your fishy friends stay safe and sound.

Pros:

  • These durable decorations last for a long time, so you won’t need to replace them too often.
  • Cleaning them just takes a quick rinse under hot water. You don’t need to worry about using harsh chemicals that can hurt your fish.
  • The bright colors stand out and help your tank look unique.

Cons:

  • While very nice, these decorations won’t fill up a tank on their own.

Quickun Silicone Starfish

Star light, star bright

Soft silicone starfish sway in the current while brightening up your tank.
Runner Up

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Starfish are a well-known sight in seascape scenes, so we think every tank needs a few. That’s why we recommend this set from Quickun. They’re available in a dozen vibrant colors, and each one is made of soft, flexible silicone that helps them sway in the current while keeping your fish safe from sharp edges. Meanwhile, the affordable price means you can afford a couple of sets to mix things up.

Pros:

  • They have a natural look and texture, helping them fit in with almost any theme.
  • The compact little decorations look good in tanks of any size. You can put them in five or two hundred gallons and they’ll work.
  • You can use them outside the tank for bathroom decor and shadow boxes.

Cons:

  • The colors can fade over time.

ZtohPyo Silicone Glow Decorations

Pop of color

No glow fish tank is complete without this gorgeous set of fluorescent decorations.
Glows Under Light

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Glow fish are all the rage, but you need the coordinating decor to make the most of them. That’s when we turn to the ZtohPyo silicone glow decorations. They have soft colors that add simple beauty to the space without lights. You can transform any fish tank into an underwater wonderland with these unique pieces.

Pros:

  • These decorations do an excellent job of staying in place using a heavy base and suction cups.
  • You can use these in tanks of any size. They’re small enough for five to ten-gallon tanks, but they’ll stand out just as well in bigger ones.
  • The unique glowing details help draw the eye to your tank. It will wow your friends and family.

Cons:

  • They only glow with specialized glow lights.

BiOrb Easy Plants

Silky smooth

These supremely soft plants are gentle enough for even the most delicate flowing fins.
Best Silk Plants

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Long-finned fish, such as bettas, veil-tailed angels, and fancy goldfish, need extra care to keep their flowing fins safe and beautiful. In those cases, BiOrb Easy Plants are the best choice. The soft silk leaves and stems are weighed down to keep them in place, and your marine pets can swim in and out of them without a single tear or injury. The color variety ensures you aren’t sacrificing your aesthetic.

Pros:

  • Several sizes are available to help you mix and match for a natural look.
  • Bettas love to rest on leaves and plants, and these are soft enough to do so without getting hurt.
  • The bright colors don’t fade or get dingy. All you need to do is rinse them well when you clean your tank.

Cons:

  • Some of the styles tend to lose leaves over time.

Crmada Rock Caves

Shy fish friendly

You can count on these simple caves to help your fish feel safe and sound.
Best Hides

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Many fish, shrimp, and crawfish need places to hide to be happy in their aquariums. That’s why we recommend everyone get a set of these rock caves from Crmada. They’re spacious enough for your average betta, danio, or other small fish to swim into and through. You can stack them and organize them in any way you’d like, allowing you to use them as your main decor or hidden hiding holes.

Pros:

  • The edges are smooth and won’t cut or scratch your fish or their fins.
  • Setting these hides up in your community tank can help you avoid fights and injuries by giving everyone their own space.
  • These rocks don’t stand out unless you want them to. You can easily tuck them around your brighter decor.

Cons:

  • Fish bigger than two inches or so won’t be as comfortable within these caves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose decorations for my tank?

Choosing tank decorations can be tricky. Everything is fun and pretty, which means we want it all. The first thing to consider is which species you’ll be housing. Bettas, for example, need soft and smooth pieces to keep their fins intact. On the other hand, shrimp and bigger fish can handle heavier decor.

Are live or artificial plants the better choice for my tank?

Live plants are beautiful and safer for your fish than any other option. The only issue is maintenance. They require special lighting, substrate, and other additives. Artificial plants are beautiful, and all you need to do is give them a good rinse during cleanings. Either way, as long as you ensure the materials of your artificial plants are safe, you can’t go wrong either way.

About the Author

Chelsia is the proud owner of two long-coat Chihuahuas and an 11-year-old pit mix. She and her five kids enjoy roaming the rivers and forests surrounding her North Carolina home — and so do her dogs. Taking care of multiple pets can be a challenge, which is why Chelsia seeks to help fellow dog owners find the right products for their furry family members.

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