What do you think would look nicer in a Ten Gallon Fish tank? A big ornament? Or some plants?

Question

I just bought a 10 gallon tank with a fliter and everything and i was wondering what you think would look better. It has a yellow light. I may change the light to blue though. I cant decide which because on the box it shows plants, but my cousins has a huge hollow tree that lies down. If i were to get a huge ornament it would cost 20 dollars. If i got plants it would cost under 10. If i get plants i will also get mini ornaments. Like right now i have a sand castle. BTW would you reccomend plastic or real plants. Thank You

The fish I have are 4 goldfish and a betta. do you have any suggestions for fish to add? Also the gravel is blue.

Answer 1

You should always choose decorations based on the fish you keep. Since most common tropicals come from planted biotopes, you should probably get plants. They come in silk, plastic, and live. There is nothing wrong with your choice no matter what people say - so what if they fall apart after several years - you can worry about it then. They work, and that's what matters.

Live plants are certainly best, but often require extra knowledge, care, and equipment, so don't jump in to this without looking further into it. Still, there are some plants, like Java Fern, that tend to do quite well under regular light and conditions and are good for beginners or those who don't want to devote too much time into their tanks.

If you plan on keeping bottom dwellers then it is a good idea to have hiding spots for them. Aquarium ornaments are expensive, but you can use other solutions like pvc piping to accomplish the same thing (and buried half in the gravel and hidden amongst the plants they don't look bad at all).

A 10 gallon tank is quite small so I wouldn't recommend big, space consuming ornaments that don't really accomplish anything.

I'm afraid you already have more fish then your tank can handle and adding wouldn't be a good idea. Goldfish are quite messy and get massive - you'll be able to keep them a while, but eventually they will die prematurely from stunted growth and/or foul water. Also, the betta will most likely not survive that tank for too long. If you want many fish that will not out grow the tank, you are best off getting rid of the goldfish, keeping the betta, and then adding a heater and small, peaceful tropicals.

Answer 2

Hi, Real plants are easily the best choice & will help keep the aquarium system stable as well as something to amuse the fish. Elodea or Anacharis is a good choice & grows reasonably well in a small basic tank. It's also giving your fish a lot more room in a small tank & the big decorations would take up a lot of the room.

This plant is equally suitable to float on the top or plant in the gravel but beware if you have Goldfish as they are accomplished gardeners so you may find it floating anyway! Before adding your plants to the tank soak them in a bowl of water with a little spirit vinegar for 5 minutes-this will kill any 'lodgers' that may be hitching a ride on the leaves, then rinse thoroughly in cold water. Cheap, effective & safe ornaments are glass marbles scattered about the gravel but remember to rinse them in cold water first too.

Answer 3

A fish tank is not about economy, unless your not serious about the hobby, and then for those people aquariums are just a wast of time and money.

if you are going to get live plants you also need a light suitable to sustain plants(they need to be able to PHOTOSYNTHESIZE).

plastic plants need to be replaced every few years and some varieties tend to damage (rip) fins of your fish.

an ornament such as an interesting piece of driftwood or rock(s) can add to your aquarium

I would recommend to go for the most natural decorations. (i.e.: live plants, rocks & bogwood)

Answer 4

some nice , small plastic plants, the real plants make a huge mess & the big ornament will look
out of place

I worked in a pet store for 3 yrs. & I have a
fish tank of my own now

Answer 5

Plants are better for the fish than an ornament, They help the fish aswell. (thats real plants anyway) Real plants are deffinately better

Answer 6

I would never recommend plastic plants in a tropical tank, they start getting nesty and ugly, usually algues start growing on them.
Please put real plants in your tank, it is healthier for your fish as well it looks good in your tank.
You can put ornaments in your tank, put check out that they come from a petstore especially made and approved for fish tanks.
Good luck

Answer 7

I think you should get plants, ideally real ones but fake ones are ok too. Some fish like to hide, so it might be nice if you got them something like that, but make sure it's something they wouldn't get stuck in.

Answer 8

PLANTS. i just bought one too and i have it full of plants and it looks like the fish love it they in between them and play around them too, plus they make your fish tank look fresh

Answer 9

i think plants go better in fish tanks.
but that's just me.

Answer 10

Plastic plants...cheaper and easier to maintain...