What kind of ornaments do tropical fish like in there aquarium?
I am going to get a bubble curtain today and 2 (or maybe 3) live plants. I have some fake coral and a rock like thing for decorations. I am going to add more gravel too. Also, do tropical fish like to play with any kind of ball or something? Like a ping-pong ball? Thanks for your help!
I have gouramis, angelfish, barbs, danios, ect…
I have a light and a filter aslo:)
July 2nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
It really depends on the type of tropical fish you’re getting. Cichlids and most cat fish and other bottom dwelling fish like loaches and eels like rocks and caves to hide in. I have a little orchid pot in one of my tanks, my catfish love it and so does my little african dwarf frog.
With mid dwelling fish, almost all will appreciate some plants, real or fake. Make sure you know if your fish like to eat plants or not before you get real ones. Only plant toward the back and sides of the tank so there is plenty of room to swim around and be active in.
With my top dwelling fish they seem to like all of my plants. I just would not have too many that grow up to the surface and/or float. If you have Gouramis or other "Labyrinth" fish make sure they can have access to the surface because they will actually take gulps or "breaths" of air.
I would only buy one air stone or "bubble curtain" and see how your fish like it. Mine are afraid of the constant bubbles and will only stay on the opposite end of the tank when ever I have them on. With gravel I’ve learned that generally you only want 1-2 pounds of gravel to one gallon of water. I usually stick to one because I don’t want my aquarium to weigh more than necessary.
As for toys I don’t think most fish will care too much for them, but my Zebra Danios like to investigate floaty bath toys. I’ll move them around and they almost swarm around them. It’s pretty entertaining, so some of those or, like you said, maybe a ping pong ball might be kinda neat and interesting to whatever fish you have or are going to get. I just wouldn’t invest too much in them lol.
I hope this helps, good luck!
July 2nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
they like rocks also it depends on the tropical fish you are getting if it’s cichlids they love rocks and sand
July 2nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
they like little huts, flowers, ext but it matters on how big the cage is, if its small it might be to small to even have declerations in the tank but you really need a fish light and a filter, and make sure that you feed them:)
July 2nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Things that make a fish tank a happier place for fish are:
- plants, live is better, but if not live, ones with fabric leaves that won’t snag their fins are best. This gives them a place to hide and feel safe, and also breaks up the tank so the fish can have their own territories. For live plants Java ferns and anubias are great starter plants. Some swords are great too. Hornwort is easy to care for but can take over your tank. Look for low-medium light level plants and you should be okay. Moss balls can be fun.
- places to hide like caves, or in decorations. Many fish prefer low light, or are just low key (like corydoras) and want places to go into and get a break.
- driftwood. Don’t know what type of fish you have, but some need driftwood, and it really adds to the tank. Of course it can affect the pH so just make sure you do not have any pH sensitive fish. Driftwood is also great for attaching java ferns to so they don’t float away. You can use a cotton string to tie them on and the java fern will eventually attach itself.
The bubble walls and decorations are more for your enjoyment then theirs. Although some fish like to play in the bubble wall, really the filter should be adding enough oxygen to the water without the bubbles. Fish don’t really play with toys, but they do like having places in the tank to go and hide and explore.
You may want to do an internet search and find out more about your fish and the environments they like. I ended up remodeling my tank to better suit the fish and had a lot of fun with it. Good luck and have fun!
July 2nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
mostly they like a lump of wood and 2 small flower pots to hide in.some rocks as well would be good.and some artificial plants.well my tropical fish love them anyway!!!
July 2nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Some of my fishes favorites are: my female betta has a fake stump with lots of holes in it and she loves to go in there and chill out and peek out a you. My barbs and platies love this treehouse decor I got with lots of windows and other openings and they love to swim through it and hide in it. They also love this bridge I have, they chase each other over and under it all the time. I think fish love any place they can hide in or swim through and explore. Just make sure that the openings are large enough for the fish you have and that none of the edges are rough and could snag their fins or cut them.
July 2nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Well, i got some tropical fish 2 months ago. A filled an inch of the tank with gravel (any colour, i chose blue), then i put a plastic (u can use live as well) plant in then put a little bridge in.
Hope i helped!