- 1). Pour gravel into a bucket and run water through the gravel to remove any dust. Add 2 inches of gravel to the bottom of the aquarium. Gravel looks best when the layer isn't too thin, so consider the general rule of thumb of 1 lb. of gravel per gallon of water. Smaller grained gravel hides fish waste and decomposing food better than larger river rock gravel. However, larger rock gravel adds an unmatched visual appeal to a tank.
- 2). Rinse your plastic plants thoroughly. Add taller plants along the sides and back of your tank to provide hiding places for your fish. Taller plants also function to hide tubing or filter stems for a more aesthetically pleasing tank. Place medium-size and smaller plants in front of the tall plants to create natural hiding spaces for your fish. Choosing plastic plants helps prevent changes in water chemistry and also cuts down on maintenance. See additional resources for more information on caring for live aquarium plants.
- 3). Rinse and add larger decorations. Make sure any rocks or driftwood have been cleaned thoroughly. Establish nooks and hideouts for your fish to help reduce their stress. Ceramic or plastic water wheels or castles can add visual stimulation while providing shelter for your fish. Driftwood should be boiled for an hour if not purchased from a fish store. Some driftwood emits a reddish stain that will discolor the water but won't harm the fish. Consider the chemicals from rocks and natural decorations that may percolate into your fish tank water. If you're concerned about safety, ask at your local fish store.
- 4). Accent your tank with interesting ornaments that work in conjunction with your air pump. Aeration rocks are also available as a long bar to add a wall of bubbles to the tank. Some ornaments allow you to attach tubing to a mock treasure chest, a skeleton pirate or a mermaid on a rock. Tuck the tubing inside the ornament and place plants, gravel and rocks to hide the tubing. Air pumps add oxygen to the tank to benefit fish with increased activity and bright, vibrant color.
- 5). Add water to your tank, being careful not to displace your decorations. Adjust items if anything becomes dislodged during tank filling. Over the next few weeks, your ornaments will collect algae that will give the tank a more realistic look.
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