Design and decorations.
Many fish rely entirely on the presence of shelters in the aquarium to protect themselves from attacks, and even fish with other defense mechanisms usually seek shelter when danger threatens. Therefore, if the aquarium lacks suitable decorations for fish to hide among, they will experience constant fear for their lives. It is important not only that there are shelters in the aquarium, but also that they are appropriate for the fish living in it.
For example, fish that usually hide among plants will not recognize a pile of stones as a safe refuge. Similarly, fish that prefer to hide among stones will not feel safe among plants — they need “caves”, cozy corners of suitable sizes, and crevices where they can feel comfortable. If both types of fish are present in the aquarium, both types of shelters are necessary.
There are 4 main requirements for aquarium shelters. They must be easily removable, clearly visible, not accumulate dirt, and consist of environmentally friendly materials, preferably of natural origin. Fancy artificial rock casts with “dead-end”, winding burrows serve as a silt accumulator and sometimes a trap for unfortunate fish that accidentally wander in.
To decorate the bottom of the aquarium, decorative elements are used: stones, driftwood, coconut shells, willow roots, bamboo, ceramic driftwood, large natural stones, pieces of ceramic pipes, etc.
Stones not only decorate the aquarium, but also serve as a spawning substrate, a shelter for a number of fish species, are used to attach certain plant species, hide equipment from the viewer, strengthen terrace walls, and form part of decorative walls. The main thing is that they do not change the water composition and do not release harmful substances (including metals) into it. Usually, granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, shale, gneiss, and lava are used in aquarium keeping. It should be noted that marble, limestone, and sandstone increase water hardness.
Special ceramics for aquariums can also be used, especially since they have become very realistic. When creating large compositions from stones, it is better to pre-glue individual stones together with silicone sealant. This will protect the aquarium from cracks and glass breakage due to falling stones. A large natural stone can serve as a good decoration for the aquarium. It is better if it has smoothed shapes, like stones from mountain rivers. The stones must be free of sharp corners so that the fish do not get hurt. All technical devices and equipment located in the aquarium must be masked with substrate, plants, or decorative elements so that they look as inconspicuous as possible.
The shape depends on the aquarium landscape being created. Thus, slightly angular stones laid lengthwise are suitable for a coastal landscape, while rounded stones are suitable for fish from flowing waters. A ridge or pile of medium-sized stones can serve as such a decoration. It is recommended to build stone caves in a dry aquarium. If you populate it with large, strong fish, it makes sense to tie the stones together: while digging in the substrate, your pets can topple or destroy an unstable structure. Grottoes can also be made outside the tank by gluing them dry on the inside with silicone rubber.
Mangrove wood, mahogany, bog wood, and petrified wood driftwood are usually available for sale. Bamboo stems, grapevine, and woody lianas are also found in pet stores. Just do not buy these decorations if their manufacturer is unknown. Driftwood from well-known companies usually has attached tags. You can also look for a piece of driftwood yourself. The best options would be alder, ash, beech, willow, and maple that have spent several years in running water. Before using wooden elements in the aquarium, make sure they are from acceptable wood species. If you use branded driftwood, it is enough to soak it in salted water for a week. If you use wood from a forest or a body of water, in addition to soaking, you should boil it. You should boil the driftwood for several hours in salted water.
Tropical rainforest aquarium.
Such an aquarium is perfect for a cozy room with a calm interior and classic furniture. Most of our aquarium fish are inhabitants of water bodies in the equatorial part of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. As a rule, such water bodies are located in tropical forests and impenetrable jungles. Naturally, their bed is covered with a centuries-old layer of decayed foliage, and giant trunks of fallen trees lie in the water. Due to the presence of tannins and humic acids, the water here is slightly acidic, amber-colored, and heavy daily tropical downpours make it soft. The bright tropical sun cannot break through the dense barrier of vegetation, and twilight reigns down in the water. These are the baseline data that must be taken into account when setting up a tropical rainforest aquarium.
Elements of decorating a tropical rainforest aquarium should be well-boiled picturesque driftwood or tree branches. When choosing driftwood and branches, preference should be given to old and strong ones that have been underwater for a long time. To give such a “bank” a more natural look, a grotto is made of stones, and a flat back box is hung on the back wall from the outside of the aquarium, decorated from the inside with tree roots, stones (preferably dark ones), pieces of peat, and tufts of dry grass simulating a bank. The water in the aquarium should be soft — from 5 to 8°.
But the most important decoration element is plants. For a tropical rainforest aquarium with its soft, slightly acidic water and sufficiently bright, but diffused light, plants such as Cryptocoryne, Aponogeton, Echinodorus, Myriophyllum, Java fern (Microsorum pteropus), and others that are natural to the conditions of this water body are suitable. Many plants that you can purchase may be imported or simply grown in conditions very different from your aquarium.
You should be prepared for the fact that some specimens of the plants you purchased will require an adaptation period, or even rehabilitation, and may completely shed their leaves and grow new ones. If the plant is alive, roots will grow. When choosing plants, you must understand that many of them in nature grow at a depth of no more than 30 cm or even in moist soil occasionally flooded with water. Accordingly, you will not be able to grow all of them in a deep aquarium. Small plants are planted in groups, in the form of islands, while large ones are placed separately, closer to the back wall. Free spaces are left in the front for fish to swim.
As for fish, naturally, they should be inhabitants of water bodies in the tropical part of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. You should not create excessive variegation in the aquarium, as this hinders observation. Moreover, fish in such conditions do not fully display all the features of their coloration, behavior, and mating games. It is better to follow the rule: fewer different species, but more specimens of the same species. Schooling fish should be placed in small groups of 10-15 pcs. Small Cichlidae — peaceful, non-digging ones — are placed at two or three pairs per water body (this also applies to other large species). The total number of fish in the aquarium depends on its size. Fish should be selected so that they can inhabit different layers of water.
Setting up an aquarium with artificial plants.
What is necessary for the normal functioning of the underwater world. 
Last changes and additions were made on August 26, 2012.
