Having pets is always beneficial. It doesn’t matter if you are a dog or cat person. These little animals are always welcome in any household. But if you are a busy person, you might not have enough time to spend with your pets.
There is no need to give up on your love for animals. There are various alternatives, such as owning and caring for fish. They are easier to maintain and don’t demand your constant attention. But it is important to ensure an ideal environment for them.
The fish tank is their entire universe, but this item is also a decoration in your house. That is why you should fill it with various decorations that resemble a natural habitat. Your fish can live a long and happy life when they notice familiar objects such as rocks or plants.
Summary
When we tested the various products, we found that the best creative, unique, & themed fish tank aquarium decoration was SLOCME’s pirate ship & Rayberro’s mermaid.
Here are our category winners:
- Best creative fish tank decoration idea: Sunyiny
- Best big fish tank decoration idea: Penn-Plax’s castle
- Best natural tank decoration: Tfwadmx’s wood branches
Why you can trust us & how we picked
A fish tank is both a decoration and a hobby. For us, we want to make sure that only the best products are used when setting up an aquarium. Decorations do a good job to enhance the beauty of your fish tank, but they are also useful to your fish. That’s why we gathered information from pet shop owners and personally tested the products in this article before recommending them to you.
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You can also add handmade pieces that you find in some stores. Personalizing your aquarium gives it a unique theme, and there are various benefits of making the environment of your little fish more beautiful.
Take a look below where we show you the 14 best creative, unique, and themed fish tank decoration ideas. You can pick whichever you like the most, as there are plenty of options.
Common fish tank accessories
While some decorations can be oversized and expensive, some people might want common fish tank accessories. Here are the best ones we could find, take a look at them and pick the one you like the most.
Otterly Pets Plastic Plants for Fish Tank Decorations
This set contains 8 beautiful artificial plants that feature bright and vivid colors. They will easily transform the environment of your fish tank, making it more vibrant and colorful.
Because they are environmentally safe, these plants are made of plastic with a ceramic base. That means they will not rust over time and don’t change the pH of the water. Your fish will love these plants just as much as you will!
Pros
- You get a lot for the price.
- The quality is pretty good.
- Our fish loves to hide in them.
- The leaves are pretty soft.
Cons
- The colors are almost too vibrant to look real. However, you don’t really notice once they’re in the water.
Aquarium theme ideas
Let’s proceed with some ideas that feature an aquatic theme. They go well with your fish tank, which will acquire a specific look with these decorations. They’ll love the party!
MyLifeUNIT Artificial Seaweed Water Plants for Aquarium
This artificial seaweed is built from two different parts. The soft leaves are soft and will allow the fish to swim through them easily. The ceramic base is strong and durable, easily holding the stand upright in your aquarium.
This company values quality the most, and its products always exceed market standards. The package includes 10 pieces featuring 3 different colors. They can be green, blue or red depending on your own choice.
| Brand | MyLifeUNIT Artificial Seaweed |
| Item Dimensions | 1.4 x 1 x 12 inches |
| Special Features | Waterproof, Eco-Friendly, Washable |
Pros
- It looks very real.
- You get a lot of greenery for the price. The leaves feel durable.
- They’re easy to clean.
- Sturdy but light enough to float.
Cons
- The bases are not very heavy and can start floating.
SLOCME Aquarium Pirate Ship Decorations Ornaments
What’s more aquatic than a ship? With this realistic replica, your fish tank will feature a sunken ship’s ruins. It makes the little fish feel like sharks lurking at the bottom of the ocean. The natural scenery is gaining a new theme with this product, which gained many positive reviews.
This product is manufactured out of eco-friendly resin materials that do not pollute the water. Your fish will swim in a safe environment, as this decoration has no toxic features. The color will not fade as time goes by, and the scenery will be colorful even after a couple of years.
Skilled artisans helped design this product, crafted with increased attention to detail. There are no special maintenance rules, and this product is very easy to clean.
| Brand | SLOCME Pirate Ship |
| Color | Brown |
| Item Dimensions | 9.45 x 1.97 x 3.74 inches |
| Material | Resin |
Pros
- A great place for fish to swim in between.
- The ship is cool looking.
- It’s perfect for a 10-gallon tank.
- Great quality for the price.
Cons
- You can’t expect the quality you’d get if you paid three times as much.
- May be too small for a large ship.
Mermaid Figurines Decor, Rayberro Handmade Beautiful 7.28″ Resin Mediterranean Style
This small and cute ornament goes well with the overall aquatic style of your fish tank. Delicately and carefully designed, this decoration resembles a mermaid figurine that is highly durable and resistant to rust. You won’t have to worry about this product wearing out over time.
This mermaid decoration will light up your aquarium, catching the attention of any guests that will see your fish tank. You can also place this decoration outside the fish tank in places such as nightstands, bookshelves, or anywhere in your room.
In symbolism, the mermaid is seen as the bringer of good luck, healing, and wisdom. With such positive energy, your fish will feel better in their new environment. The company is highly trusted and will quickly respond to questions if you want to contact them.
| Brand | Rayberro Mermaid |
| Item Weight | 10.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Rayberro |
| Material | Resin |
| Product Dimensions | 3.94″L x 2.76″W x 7.48″H |
Pros
- It’s a cute little mermaid.
- The price is very reasonable.
Cons
- The paint job could have been more detailed.
- A bit smaller than expected.
- It feels a bit fragile.
Best creative & fun fish tank decoration ideas
Try the recommendations below if you want to get creative and try some fun ideas. They will expand your imagination and help you get inspired. Alternatively, you can also make your decorations yourself!
Fish Tank Decorations, Multi Design Optional, Resin Aquarium Ornament
If you are a Star Wars fan, your fish are Star Wars fans too. Most likely, you already know what this decoration resembles. It is an AT-AT Walker used in the franchise as a walking tank built by the Empire to destroy the rebel Allies.
This ornament is made of high-quality material, which ensures its durability. It is suitable for aquariums that can hold up to 20 gallons of water, and the vivid colors will increase the realism of your fish tank.
The resin was used to create this decoration, making it suitable for fresh and salt water. As the years go by, you won’t have to worry about the sunken AT-AT fading out and changing color.
There is a clever cave design on its abdomen where your fish can swim and hide. We bought this product for our office fish tank. We were particularly satisfied with the customer service offered by this company. The delivery was fast, and they helped us by answering our questions.
| Brand | CREOMG |
| Color | AT – AT Medium |
| Item Dimensions | 5.5 x 3.34 x 5.9 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.54 lbs |
| Material | Polyresin |
Pros
- It’s cool if you like futuristic things.
- They have other comparable decorations that go with it.
- The colors are pretty on it.
Cons
- It’s on the smaller side.
TEEMO Aquarium Groot Air Bubbler Decorations
Another creative idea inspired by the cinematographic universe is this Groot air bubbler. It will improve the aspect of your fish tank while also providing practical purposes. It is made of high-quality materials which protect the environment and is safe for your fish.
Before they package their products, the team at Teemo carefully checks them for imperfections or faulty pieces. That is why you will always get only their best items when you place an order. Because they are made of PVC, these decorations are durable and hard to damage.
If you still manage to destroy them, you can easily repair them with glue and some basic crafting skills. The height of this product is 3.9 inches, and its diameter measures 1.57 inches.
Some customers are contacting the company with an issue, saying that their Groot air bubbler cannot stand straight. It is because there is trapped air inside. You should submerge this item underwater for about 15 minutes before placing it in its spot.
Pros
- It’s the cutest decoration so far.
- Groot is very affordable.
- He looks so cute in an aquarium.
- Kids love this decoration.
- It’s better than we expected for the price.
Cons
- The suction could be better.
- It’s on the lighter side.
Best unique fish tank decorations
Maybe you are looking for special decorations that you’ve never seen before. Here are some good examples to make your fish tank stand out.
Sunyiny Aquarium Decorations Head Sculpture
This Buddha head aquarium decoration is a unique addition to your fish tank. It offers a natural environment feeling that your fish will enjoy as much as you do. If you place the tank in the hallway or living room, your guests will notice this beautiful decoration and show an interest in it.
It is made out of resin, a non-toxic material that is safe to use in aquariums with fish. This item has a height of 11.2 inches, so make sure your aquarium can easily fit it. The fish can enjoy swimming around this sculpture because it features vivid details.
Pros
- We tried it in an 85-gallon tank, and it fit great.
- It’s a good size.
- It makes a great centerpiece.
- Great quality
Cons
- It’s a bit more expensive than the other decorations so far.
Penn-Plax Castle Aquarium Decoration Hand Painted with Realistic Details
This hand-painted realistic castle will stand out on its own when it is placed inside an aquarium. Your fish will also enjoy this new addition, reducing their boredom. It is manually painted in shades of gray and represents a castle situated upon a rocky landscape.
While this is a great visual addition for humans, your fish will also enjoy this item’s passages and hiding places. On its own, the castle looks incredible and easily stands out. But when you add more decorations, the entire environment changes. The environment will be rich and detailed.
This decoration is double-sided so that you can place it anywhere inside the aquarium. You can use it in fresh and saltwater tanks, and you won’t have to worry about this item wearing out over time.
Pros
- Considering the size, it’s a great purchase at the price.
- It looks exactly like the picture.
- It showed up in great condition.
- It’s perfect for a 50-gallon aquarium or bigger.
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive.
- Sanding down the sharper edges is a good idea.
Best themed fish tank decor ideas
These days there are plenty of themes for aquariums to choose from. If you are looking for themed aquarium ornaments, look no further. We searched the market for the best items and picked these two as the best decorations you can purchase.
Penn-Plax Spongebob Squarepants Officially Licensed Aquarium Ornament – The Chum Bucket
If you love Spongebob, this ornament is the best choice for your fish tank. You can enjoy the magical world of Bikini Bottom right in your aquarium, which will feature a unique theme. This product has been inspected by a team of experts that ensured maximum safety for your fish.
With a sturdy base, you won’t have to worry about this piece floating around the tank once you place it underwater. This piece can get dirty with time, but cleaning it is relatively easy. All you have to do is to wipe it with a wet towel.
Pros
- It’s cheap.
- We wish it was bigger.
Cons
- You have to like Spongebob to appreciate it.
- It doesn’t fit in all aquariums.
- It might be a bit smaller than stated.
Penn-Plax Spongebob Squarepants Officially Licensed Aquarium Ornament – The Krusty Krab
Another officially licensed product that features the Spongebob theme is this ornament which resembles the Krusty Krab restaurant. Because it is hollow inside, most fish can easily fit through its windows. It allows them to swim freely around it.
The material used to manufacture this decoration is safe for fresh and saltwater aquariums. With a sturdy base, you won’t need to fix them in place as they can easily stand on their own. Purchase both products and create a unique atmosphere inspired by Spongebob’s theme!
Pros
- It’s a great addition to your Spongebob set.
- Our betta fish loves to use it.
- It’s what you could expect with its price.
Cons
- It doesn’t work in a non-Spongebob aquarium.
- It could have been a bit bigger.
Best natural aquarium decorations
Your fish will want a habitat that is similar to the one they are used to. There won’t be any fancy decorations other than plants and rocks in nature. If you want to keep it simple, make it natural themed. Take a look at these decorations.
Tfwadmx Aquarium Natural Driftwood Decor Wood Branches
Each product is unique as natural driftwood features special shapes and various sizes. You can integrate these branches into your tank regardless of how many fish you have in it. These branches will release tannins once they come in contact with the water, which will help lower their pH levels.
These pieces are made of natural wood, so durability is ensured even while submerged underwater. The natural driftwood adds an authentic, realistic beauty. You and the fish will appreciate it. Perfectly matching with rocks and plants, these branches are a good addition to your fish tank.
Consider this product’s size and compare it to your own fish tank. Each branch is around 8.5 inches to 12 inches, so make sure they fit. The manufacturer recommends boiling these branches once your order arrives.
Pros
- They’re a good size.
- We were very pleased with how it arrived.
- It was great for the price.
Cons
- One of the three pieces that showed up was a bit smaller.
- It might be a bit simple for some.
Natural Slate Stone -1 to 3 inch Rocks
There’s nothing more natural and common than slate stones. These rocks will increase the beauty and realism of your fish tank. Each bag you order contains a mix of stones ranging from 1 to 3 inches.
With high versatility, you can use these stones for various purposes, such as creating miniature gardens and decorating doll houses. But the manufacturer intended them for aquariums and fish tanks. You can glue them together using safe glue for your fish.
This product features a natural gray color, which adds a shade of realism to your fish tank. When they are wet, their color darkens to resemble further the stones found in streams and rivers. To create a natural environment, you can mix several other stones with this product.
Pros
- You’re supporting a US business.
- The rocks add some ruggedness in the aquarium.
- Great value.
Cons
- They were a bit dusty when they arrived but easily washed.
Large fish tank decorations
For large aquariums, you need large decorations. While the smaller ones are ideal, look at these large-sized items that will stand out in your fish tank.
Aquarium Artificial Plastic Plants Decoration, Pink Cherry Blossom Tree
This pink cherry blossom tree accurately replicates the natural environment. With a high level of realism, your guests cannot tell that this cool decoration is made of plastic. Your fish will enjoy the new addition as they can swim and hide through its leaves.
Because this is an artificial plant, you won’t need any complex light sources or other substrates to maintain the product. The beauty is constant throughout the years, as this decoration does not die or become unattractive over time.
Pros
- It’s very distinctive.
- The price is great.
- It’s made of good quality plastic.
Cons
- It’s a bit unstable.
- You should wash it before introducing it.
NICREW Aquarium Volcano Ornament Kit, Bubbler Decorations for Fish Tank
This large decoration will easily stand out on its own, but you can add some extra items at its base. Featuring the form of a real volcano, this bubbler keeps a steady stream of oxygen constantly flowing into the water.
Your fish can enjoy the decorative purposes of this product as they can freely swim around it. This volcano is easy to install and can add a beautiful effect to your aquarium. Vivid colors and curtains of bubbles will make your fish tank stand out.
Pros
- A really good purchase for the price.
- The lights really make it nice.
Cons
- It might be a bit too powerful.
- We thought it was taller.
Remember, if you’re running on a budget, you can even use household items for DIY décor of aquariums.
Factors to consider
Before you buy new decorations for your fish, there are some factors to consider. To make sure you won’t regret the purchase, check the following advice that will surely make your fish very happy.
Color
While some enthusiasts want to create a natural environment, others go wild with an abundance of colors. It comes to personal preference here, and you can match the theme of your fish thank to the one of your room.
Fake and natural plants
They are the best elements to use if you want to resemble the natural habitat of your fish. If you go with natural plants, you will need to take care of them and ensure the optimal pH and temperature. Fake plants have no requirements, and they only have a decorative purpose.
Concentration of decorations
Split the fish tank into three equal zones and decorate them accordingly. You don’t want the space to feel too cramped due to an excess of decorations. Pay attention where your fish spend most of their time and place a structure in that area which they can use to swim and hide in.
How much do the best unique fish tank decorations cost?
Typically, you can expect to pay between $10 to $30 for fish tank decorations. Because they are made of plastic, most of them are not as expensive as you thought. However, some high-end options are also available such as ornamental large structures.
FAQ
Decorations create a unique atmosphere, and they are beneficial both for humans and fish. For us, it represents something beautiful to look at that also enhances the environment of the aquarium. In the wilderness, fish are prey and often hunted. They will feel more comfortable in your aquarium as they will have places to hide when they feel exposed. While there is no predator in your tank, their instinct cannot be turned off.
You can make your aquarium stand out by adding several decorations, such as rocks, driftwood, or even coral. These items will give a natural touch, and your fish will feel familiar in this original environment. But you can also use vividly colored pieces to spark curiosity in your little pets.
Once it is cured, the resin is completely safe for your fish. It is the perfect solution for aquatic areas, and this material has coating and moisture-proofing qualities. Professionals and aquarium enthusiasts use waterproof resin when setting their tanks at home.
If you want to make your fish tank stand out, you can do so by adding more decorations and items that will enhance the visual aspect. You can find various pieces on the market, and you can filter them by theme. You will find modern and minimalistic rocks and old and rusty castles featuring lots of details with increased realism.
