What type of decoration should I get for my saltwater tank?

Question

I have a 30 gallon tank that I plan on filling the bottom with sand. What type of decoration should I get for my clown fish and crabs? Standard light, so I will have to use fake decor, but what do clown fish like to hide in? Thanks for your help people. And thanks to those of you who try :)

Answer 1

I like live rock, myself! Crabs would like some rocks or such to hide. Clownfish like anemones, but these need intensive lighting to keep them alive. I've had clowns use "fake" ones - I guess it seems like "home" to them. Go for something like this: http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_Product_R_1097_PC_productlist_Nav_220_N_24+105+30+5600_sku_927279_familyID_13737.aspx, http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?familyID=14685, http://www.aquariumguys.com/fake-aquarium-corals.html - they especially like the "elephant ear" type decoration in this last link - it's the closest to what anemones most clownfish prefer in the wild.

One thing you definitely don't want though - there are cool decorations with "flying" mantas and dolphins & such supported on a thin piece of wire and fish and lobsters that "move" legs, fins, and antennae with wire coils - don't get any of these. The salt will corrode the metal and pollute your tank. These should only be used in freshwater (and even there I doubt they'd last long).

Answer 2

How about instead of sand, use some crushed coral substrate. It will help to raise your ph, and is useful in a saltwater tank. Also, since you have a small tank, some live rock would be helpful to you, most especially with your tank cycle, but also would provide a lot of nice hiding spots for your clowns, and if you get your live rock from a reputable source, you should get some small life forms, starfish, crustaceans, etc from it. Live rock doesn't need bright light, and gives a great look and natural environment. Most people like to get about a pound of rock per gallon. Then, if you decide to go to a reef tank later on, you'll have a great base for some coral!! Also, live rock provides food for algae grazers in your tank, growing beneficial coraline algae. Just some food for thought, sounds like a nice tank!

Answer 3

Our clownfish would sleep in a small clay pot at night, and would roam the tank in the daytime. Most crabs like to burrow around or under a piece of rock. Anything similar to this will be fine. I would say as long as your choices meet their needs for feeling secure at night, you can have whatever you want.

Answer 4

i suggest renting Finding Nemo and look at the decor in the fish tank in the dentist's office.

....or you can google search the images.

or you can put coral thingies, shells, rocks with spaces underneath or above so that the fish can swim through.

Answer 5

Don't put sand in your tank, that would be horrible, because you couldn't clean it. Fish stores sell the right gravel to use.

One thing that really looks good is a volcano with a bubbler and a red light in it.

I'd highly suggest a smaller tank unless you have a dozen fish or more. You shouldn't have crabs either. They will kill the fish by stabbing them with their sharp claws. If you're a beginner, start with freshwater fish, much less expensive.

Answer 6

Decorate it with Medical waste and just say you're trying to make it look like [insert any big city's name here} Harbor

Answer 7

ohhhhh my friend has a really pretty saltwater tank get those cool ells!!!
get those cool corals or whatever there called
get that thing n finding nemo the thing he slept in his "home"
yeah......