Owning a fish is a wonderful experience and included in that is the creativity it allows you when it comes to decorating their tank. You have the freedom to decorate the tank to your taste, using whatever aquarium supplies you like, whether that is a tank with lots of different bright colors, or a more natural looking aquarium.
There are so many different types of decorations out there and it can be difficult to know which are going to be the best fish tank decorations for your tank. Fortunately, there is not really any right or wrong way to decorate a tank! You have complete control and can make the aquarium look any way you like.
However, there are a few things you need to know before decorating begins, which we have laid out in this guide. Below we will discuss whether you really need them, what you should be looking for in them and have even included some of our top picks of the best fish tank decorations so you can get the best aquarium decor out there. Keep reading on to find out more.
Best Fish Tank Decorations – Comparison Table
| Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1) TEEMO Groot Aquarium Bubbler | Bubbler Decoration Make Air Bubble Optimized Design | 4.5 out of 5 |
| 2) Penn-Plax Nickelodeon SpongeBob SquarePants Aquarium Ornament | Officially Licensed Made Of Safe And Durable Resin Super Simple To Clean | 4.4 out of 5 |
| 3) Pietypet Fish Tank Plants with Rockery View | Non-toxic Material All plants with pedestal Lifelike water plant ornament | 4.4 out of 5 |
| 4) CNZ Artificial Plastic Plant | Lifelike water plant ornament Vibrant colors Add life to your aquarium. | 4.5 out of 5 |
| 5) Penn-Plax Castle Aquarium Decoration | Large grey castle Made of safe durable resin Safe for use | 4.6 out of 5 |
| 6) QUMY Large Artificial Plastic Plant | Low maintenance Vibrant colors Natural environment | 4.5 out of 5 |
| 7) GreenJoy 12 Pack Aquarium Aquatic Fish Tank Decorations | Made of 100% safe material Super Simple To Clean Easy To Match | 4.5 out of 5 |
| 8) CousDuoBe Artificial Aquatic Plants | Ceramic base is more stable There are 11 different styles Easy to clean | 4.5 out of 5 |
| 9) Oubest Fish Tank Glow Rocks | Absorb and store light Versatile Decor Producing Special Effects | 4.1 out of 5 |
| 10) FEDOUR Aquarium Mountain View Stone Ornament | Made of resin material Safe and non-toxic Unique and beautiful appearance | 4.2 out of 5 |
| 11) PIVBY Natural Aquarium Driftwood | Made of high grade driftwood Solid and durable Authentic natural wood | 4.2 out of 5 |
| 12) Penn-Plax Wizard’s Castle Aquarium Decoration | Features a large grey castle Made of safe durable resin Castle is doubled sided | 4.6 out of 5 |
| 13) Miracliy Resin Broken Barrel Aquarium Decoration | Vibrant colors Made of high quality resin Safe for fresh water | 4.4 out of 5 |
| 14) Otterly Pets Large Artificial Plastic Plants | 4 Premium Lifelike Aquarium Decorations Environmentally Safe For Larger Tanks | 4.5 out of 5 |
| 15) Otterly Pets Plastic Plants for Fish Tanks | Lifelike Beautiful Aquarium Decorations Environmentally Safe For Larger Tanks | 4.6 out of 5 |
Do I Need Fish Tank Decorations?
If you don’t want any decorations in your fishbowl, you don’t have to have them! Decorations purely serve as a visual pleaser and actually have no effect on the life of your fish. However, because of the way they look, many owners love to have decorations in their tank.
The best fish tank decorations can be a fun way to customize and personalize your fish tank so it is completely unique and stands out from the crowd! There are so many different types of decorations out there that your aquarium can pretty much look however you want it to look! They can also create a great aesthetic to increase enjoyment when looking at your aquatic haven.
You could go for a more natural theme with organic decorations, or for a wacky theme with lots of multicolored decorations with different designs, shapes and sizes. The sky is really the limit when it comes to fish tank decoration and this is the reason they are so popular.
What To Look For In The Best Fish Tank Decorations
There are a few things you should take into consideration before choosing and buying your aquarium accessories to make sure they are right for your aquarium and your fish.
Size
Fish need a lot of space to swim around and so the size of your tank is very important when it comes to picking your decorations. You do not want to pick decorations that are too large or have too many of them in the aquarium, otherwise the space will feel very cramped for your fish.
You should make sure that your decorations aren’t concentrated in one space and instead spread them throughout the tank. This will also give your fish more room to move around in. Try to stick to the 2:3 ratio rule — for every two tall structures, you should have about 2 or 3 medium structures to balance out the space.
Natural vs. Non Natural
Whether you choose natural or non natural decorations is completely up to you and does not affect your fish or their life at all. It will be down to you to pick whether you want your tank to have a more natural feel or to be a bit more out there with interesting structures and colors! Natural decorations include wood, plants and gravel and will mimic a natural habitat, while non natural decorations can be very different and certainly draw the eye!
Color
The colors you choose to have in your fish tank go hand in hand in, whether you want a more natural feel or not. If you do want a natural feel, you will stick with decorations that are brown and green in color. If you want something that really pops, you could go for bright colors that stand out, and you can even add to that with colorful fish tank gravel too.
The color of your fish is something to take into consideration. If you have multicolored fish then you might want to go for a plain background with plain decorations, such as the color white so they stand out more. If your fish are darker, you could go for neon colors so the tank really stands out against them.
Plants
Aquarium plants are beneficial to any fish tank. Not only do they look cool and make the tank look more authentic, but they more closely mimic a natural habitat for your fish as they will be able to brush up against them.
Live plants are particularly beneficial to a fishbowl because they add oxygen to the water and remove carbon dioxide/ammonia. They can also help to reduce algae growth, but they do take a lot of time to maintain and keep healthy. In many ways they are the best fish tank decorations as they work well to maintain your water and tank.
Artificial plants, on the other hand, come readily set up and are available in many sizes and colors. They, of course, do not have the benefits of live plants, but are very easy to maintain. It is up to you whether you decide to choose live or artificial plants.
If you’re ready to find the best fish tank decorations for your tank, take a look below at the top 15 decorations we recommend. These best sellers are all available to you on Amazon.
The Best Fish Tank Decorations — Reviewed
1) TEEMO Groot Aquarium Bubbler
Fans of The Guardians of the Galaxy will get a kick out of this Groot bubbler. Groot, the talking tree, is one of the top characters from that franchise as he goes from an adult to a baby and then a teen. Made from resin, this bubbler is free of pollutants and toxins, which makes it safe to use in any type of aquarium. When you connect the bubbler to the air pump, it will release small bubbles. Groot comes with a small yellow chick in his hand and a big smile on his face. You can easily connect it to the air pump that you already have. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will love this aquarium decoration.
Key Features:
- Bubbler Decoration
- Make Air Bubble
- Optimized Design
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2) Penn-Plax Nickelodeon SpongeBob SquarePants Aquarium Ornament
Perfect for any SpongeBob SquarePants lover, this fish tank ornament is a replica of the iconic pineapple house from the show. Not only is this decoration great for any fan, but it also gives a fun and playful vibe to your fish tank with bright colors that stand out. The pineapple house stands at 5 inches tall and is therefore great for an array of tank sizes and perfect for small to medium fish. Your fish can swim in and out of the house too to keep them stimulated. The decoration has a sturdy bottom and will stay in place at the bottom of the tank. It is also easy to remove and clean as and when is needed.
Key Features:
- Officially Licensed
- Made Of Safe And Durable Resin
- Super Simple To Clean
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3) Pietypet Fish Tank Plants with Rockery View
These artificial plant and rock decorations from Pietypet are great for anyone who wants a more natural look to their tank. With eight different plants, you can arrange these plants in any way you want to create a more natural habitat for your fish and they can easily swim throughout the plants and really feel at home! The artificial plants measure between 5 and 18 cm tall, making them the perfect addition to a tank of any size.
They are made from non-toxic plastic and resin and have a ceramic base, great for both fresh and salt water tanks, do not affect the pH in the tank. All the plants have a heavy base so they will stay at the bottom of the tank, too.
Key Features:
- Non-toxic Material
- All plants with pedestal
- Lifelike water plant ornament
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4) CNZ Artificial Plastic Plant
The artificial plastic plant from CNZ measures 16 inches tall and is great for larger tanks. Bright red and green in color, this plant adds color to your tank while also retaining a natural feel, perfect for those who want their tank to be more of a natural habitat but still want the aquarium to stand out! The plant part of the decoration is made of non-toxic plastic and will not harm your fish and the bottom is made of ceramic. Therefore, this decoration is very durable and stays at the bottom of your tank securely.
Key Features:
- Lifelike water plant ornament
- Vibrant colors
- Add life to your aquarium.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5) Penn-Plax Castle Aquarium Decoration
Another castle decoration, this castle from Penn-Plex is perfect for anyone who wants to give their tank a mystical and fun vibe! This decoration features a large grey castle perched upon a rocky hill with a flowing waterfall underneath. The cone shaped roof, archways and stone details give a realistic feel, great for ensuring your tank stands out from the crowd!
There are plenty of areas for your fish to swim around and through this castle and, measuring 14.8 inches high, this decoration is great for a range of different tank sizes. It is made of safe and durable resin and is hand painted with detail. It is also safe for use in both freshwater tanks and saltwater tanks.
Key Features:
- Large grey castle
- Made of safe durable resin
- Safe for use
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6) QUMY Large Artificial Plastic Plant
Similar to the CNZ artificial plant we mention above, the artificial plant from QUMY provides both a natural feel to your fish tank while also adding a splash of color. Measuring 15.7 inches high, this large plant is great for bigger tanks and replicates the environment your fish would live in in the wild. Made of non-toxic plastic, this decoration will not hurt your fish and, because it isn’t live, it is a lot easier to take care of! With a ceramic base, this plant stays at the bottom of the tank and provides a beautiful decoration that livens up any aquarium.
Key Features:
- Low maintenance
- Vibrant colors
- Natural environment
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7) GreenJoy 12 Pack Aquarium Aquatic Fish Tank Decorations
This pack of aquarium tank decorations from GreenJoy includes twelve different decorations — a tree trunk and a broken barrel, a blue starfish and nine plastic plants — perfect for creating an exciting home for your fish! Made from 100% natural resin material, these decorations are completely safe and will not harm your fish. The small plants measure no higher than 8.6 inches and are soft enough for your fish to brush past without being hurt, while also providing a natural feel to the tank.
The tree trunk and barrel provide small fish a place to swim through and hide, while also stimulating them and keeping them entertained. They are all easy to clean and maintenance of these decorations is very easy. The perfect starter kit for any new fish owner!
Key Features:
- Made of 100% safe material
- Super Simple To Clean
- Easy To Match
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8) CousDuoBe Artificial Aquatic Plants
Give your fish something new to play with and look at with this set of aquatic plants. You may not invest in real plants because you don’t want to spend hours checking the temperature and making sure that those plants have enough food. This set gives you the look of realistic plants but uses plastic to cut down on maintenance. You get 11 plants that use bright colors to attract the attention of your fish, including red and purple. As they all have flat and stable bottoms, you can easily slide them into your aquarium and use the gravel to keep them where you want them.
Key Features:
- Ceramic base is more stable
- There are 11 different styles
- Easy to clean
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9) Oubest Fish Tank Glow Rocks
If you’re in the market for something different to add to your fish tank, consider these rocks. While you can buy hundreds of different types of rocks and stones for fish tanks, these are among the only ones that glow in the dark. The stones absorb the light from the room and turn it into a brilliant glow that you can see when the lights go out. You get between two and three hours of glowing power every day. When used properly, the rocks can even last and keep glowing for up to 15 years. You can use these rocks in terrariums and aquariums.
Key Features:
- Absorb and store light
- Versatile Decor
- Producing Special Effects
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10) FEDOUR Aquarium Mountain View Stone Ornament
This stone ornament from FEDOUR is the perfect addition to any natural looking tank. This decoration looks 100% real and features rock, moss and small plants that allow you to build a beautiful aquarium landscape. The design of the aquarium rock means that fish can swim around and through easily and, measuring only 5.9 inches high, this decoration is perfect for even the smallest of tanks.
It is made of resin which is both durable and non-toxic, making it completely safe for your fish. Even better, included with the rock are six small artificial plants that, again, add to the natural look of the tank and help to create an attractive habitat for your fish.
Key Features:
- Made of resin material
- Safe and non-toxic
- Unique and beautiful appearance
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
11) PIVBY Natural Aquarium Driftwood
This authentic natural driftwood for PIVBY is the perfect decoration for those who want a natural look and feel to their fish tank. Made of high grade driftwood, this decoration is solid and durable and is long lasting underwater. There are three pieces in this pack measuring from 4.5 to 9.5 inches in length and the unique shapes of each piece add to the aesthetic of the tank. Lightweight yet sturdy, this driftwood sits comfortably at the bottom of any tank and your fish will love to shelter within it.
Key Features:
- Made of high grade driftwood
- Solid and durable
- Authentic natural wood
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
12) Penn-Plax Wizard’s Castle Aquarium Decoration
This decoration from Penn-Plax is another castle ornament that gives a fun and different aesthetic to a fish tank. With a castle perched upon a rocky hill and the detailed cone shaped roof, archways and stones, this decoration is certainly eye-catching and allows you to build a magnificent display for both your home and your fish! There are many hideaways for your fish to use and, being double-sided, it can be placed anywhere within your tank.
It measures 8 inches wide by 10.2 inches high by 6.2 inches deep and is made of safe and durable resin. It is also hand painted with detail and is safe for use in both freshwater aquariums and saltwater aquariums.
Key Features:
- Features a large grey castle
- Made of safe durable resin
- Castle is doubled sided
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
13) Miracliy Resin Broken Barrel Aquarium Decoration
This broken barrel decoration from Miracliy provides a vibrant and interesting display for your tank. The bright colors really pop and stand out and the interesting shape and design will provide entertainment not only to your fish, but also to those who visit the house! Measuring 5 inches long and 3.9 inches high, this decoration is great for a number of different tank sizes. It is made of high quality resin and is completely safe for fresh water tanks. It also won’t fade with use and is very durable! With a flat bottom, this broken barrel is easy to stand on it’s own and doesn’t take any time to set up.
Key Features:
- Vibrant colors
- Made of high quality resin
- Safe for fresh water
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
14) Otterly Pets Large Artificial Plastic Plants
Perfect for those who want a natural looking and authentic fish tank, this set of four artificial plastic plants from Otterly Pets give a bright and vibrant feel to your tank while still looking genuine! The four aquatic plant ornaments range in size from 4 to 12 inches, making them a great fit for 20 gallon tanks and larger. They are made from inert non-metallic plastic and have a ceramic base, meaning they are free from rust and rot, do not affect the pH or water chemistry and are perfectly safe for your fish.
The ceramic base is solid and weighted, meaning the plants will stay at the bottom of the tank, too. The bright green, purple and yellow colors of these plants make them pop while still looking natural, great for any type of tank!
Key Features:
- 4 Premium Lifelike Aquarium Decorations
- Environmentally Safe
- For Larger Tanks
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
15) Otterly Pets Plastic Plants for Fish Tanks
Treat your fish to something new and a little different with this set of aquarium plants. While they give you all the brilliant colors of real aquatic plants, they don’t require any maintenance. You may want to give the plants a quick rinse with a little water when you clean the tank to prevent algae from clinging to them. This set comes with eight plants that use bright shades of purple and blue along with some green elements. You’ll have as much fun putting them in your aquarium and deciding how to use them as you fish do running around inside them.
Key Features:
- Lifelike Beautiful Aquarium Decorations
- Environmentally Safe
- For Larger Tanks
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Best Fish Tank Decorations FAQ’s
What types of fish tank decorations are there?
There are lots of different types of fish tank decorations! There are plastic plants, live plants and ceramic caves that your fish can swim in and out of. There are also bubblers and artificial coral as well as natural decorations such as driftwood, shells and dead coral. There are so many to choose from and the sky is the limit when it comes to decorating! There are even brightly colored fish tank gravel and sand to set the tone for your tank!
Can I put wood in my fish tank?
You cannot just put any type of wood in your aquarium. Wood that goes into your tank needs to be treated, otherwise it will just rot and cause health problems for your fish. The exception is driftwood, which does not decompose and so is safe for your tank.
Can I put plastic toys in my fish tank?
Plastic is usually safe in your fish tank, especially if the toy is made of non-toxic material. If the toy is labelled as food-safe, then it will be safe to put into your tank. You should avoid painted plastics and anything unsealed that could leak harmful substances into the water.
Summary
Choosing the best fish tank decorations is one of the most enjoyable jobs as a fish owner. With so many different types of fish tank decor to choose from, you can ensure your tank is completely unique and let your imagination run wild. Whether you’re going for a more natural look or want a brightly colored neon tank, there are lots of different decorations out there so you can create the perfect environment for your fish. Always make sure the decorations are completely safe and non-toxic so they do not harm your fish.
Check out our other Fish Tank, Food & Accessories posts here:
- Best 20 Gallon Fish Tank Guide
- Best 5 Gallon Fish Tanks Guide
- Best Aquarium Thermometer Guide
- Best Aquarium Vacuums Guide
- Best Aquarium Gravel Cleaners Guide
- Best Water Conditioner For Fish Tank Guide
- Best Aquarium Rock Guide
- Best Aquarium Plants Guide
- Best Fish Tank Gravel Guide
- Best Aquarium Sand Guide
- Best Goldfish Food Guide