Decorating my tank

**Jazz_** · 07-01-2007, 06:54 PM

I recently "inherited" a 4-foot long aquarium and before I start buying fishes, I would like to have a nice decor in it. Maybe a theme or something?!

Do you have ideas? I'd like a good looking aquarium but that won't cost me thousands of dollars.

I have searched the Net but couldn't find much...

Thanks.

**Rue** · 07-01-2007, 07:01 PM

...congrats on your tank! Such a great size to start with!

Before you do anything...decide what kind of fish you like the most...that will to some extent dictate your set-up...

I prefer the natural look...stones, driftwood, brown gravel, live plants (not always possible though, depending on the fish)...

Also remember the key to a successful tank is research and patience...don't rush it...

**gm72** · 07-01-2007, 07:15 PM

Rue is so right. Be patient and be sure to fully research the fish you want to keep. DO NOT just take the word of the people at the fish store, they are often just there for a job, not because they understand fish or fish keeping. Also, go with a fishless cycle. It is by far the best way to establish a tank. Your fish will thank you for it in the long run and you will encounter far fewer problems during the cycle.

Decoration of an aquarium is an individualized affair. Some people like the natural look, myself typically included. I also have a gargoyle-themed tank, and my daughter's 35 gallon has ultra-colorful gravel, a dolphin air decoration, etc. Fun is fun and it can be anything you like.

Go here to see a great variety of tank setups with both real and artificial plants.

http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/

**dev** · 07-01-2007, 07:47 PM

Try searching for "aquascaping". That should give you tons of stuff to look at for inspiration :)

**gm72** · 07-01-2007, 07:49 PM

Also consider just browsing an online shop such as the one below (no affiliation with Big Al's other than being a happy customer) to see what kinds of decorations are available.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/

**Jazz_** · 07-02-2007, 01:15 AM

Thanks for the information. I am still not sure on which fishes to go with... I thought maybe some of these (of course I have to check the sizes before deciding but this is a wish list):

Rosy and/or gold barbs
Pictus polka-dot catfish
Pearl Cichlid, green severum or ***my favorite*** blood parrot cichlid
Dwarf or pearl gouramis
Clown loaches
Red tail or tricolor shark
Black tetras
Chinese algae eaters
Silver dollars

Any thoughts?

**cocoa_pleco** · 07-02-2007, 01:20 AM

the blood parrot might get aggressive, but severums are friendly for the most part

**dev** · 07-02-2007, 01:26 AM

The chinese algae eaters (assuming this is Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) are quite active and can be aggressive. Any quiet fish like gouramies might not appreciate that.

**Rue** · 07-02-2007, 01:27 AM

Good start!

A lot of the fish you posted aren't compatible.

Cichlids need a cichlid tank...and even then, you have to be very careful what kinds you mix together.

You can have some of the others together, since your tank is big enough, but not all.

If the blood parrots are your favourites, set up the tank for them. Silver dollars (at least 3) will go well with them...and you can likely have your clown loaches and 1 red-tailed black shark as well. And I think that would be it.