These items, while decorative and likely a fond reminder of a past vacation or great hike, contain calcium and other minerals that can alter the pH of the water in your freshwater tank. Regular beach sand may have chemicals and other bacteria that can be toxic to your freshwater environment. If you want to add sand to your aquarium, it’s best to purchase it from the pet store where it has been specially designed for freshwater aquariums. And, if you plan to use a piece of driftwood you found on the beach, make sure you boil it for one to two hours to remove any algae or spores it may contain. Untreated wood can alter the chemistry of the water in your tank. Most of the treated wood decorations available in pet stores as well as driftwood are fine however, all other wooden objects should be avoided. Over time, metal objects will corrode and release toxic oxides into the water, which will poison your fish. Here are a few good rules of thumb that will help you make educated decisions: MetalĪs you well know, water and metal just don’t mix. Use your best judgment, and when in doubt, just say no. Naturally, there are just some things that don’t belong in your aquarium. What materials should I avoid using in my decorations? Check carefully for any signs of cracks or sharp edges that might do more harm than good. Grandma may have some beautiful glass goblets in her collection that will add color and nostalgia to your fish’s home, but beware. Don’t use one-use plastic items such as water bottles or unsealed, painted plastic toys, as they can contain toxic chemicals. Items that are marked food-safe generally make acceptable decorative items, but be careful. Decorative ceramic mugs and plates can provide fun hiding places for your most timid fish as long as they meet the safety requirements. CeramicsĪs a general rule, terra cotta clay pots and other dinnerware are safe in your aquarium however, those with lead and copper glazing should be avoided. The key is to be savvy about the implications and choose your elements wisely. There are still plenty of items you can use to personalize your fishes’ underwater home. What materials are safe to use in my aquarium? Additionally, anything with sharp or rough edges can fatally injure your fish. Your fish are also at risk from any naturally occurring item with common bacteria that hasn’t been properly cleaned. The pH level in a freshwater aquarium is a delicate balance, and the chemicals most household items contain can be fatal to your fish. Simply put, anything foreign you add to your aquarium can introduce dangerous toxins and hazards that put your fish at risk. ArtEvent ET/Shutterstock What are the dangers of making my own aquarium decorations? It’s super easy to create some wonderful, unique DIY aquarium decorations that are certainly more personal than what you’ll find at the store. There are some limitations, but using our guidelines and common sense, you can put together a safe and distinctive living environment for your fishy friends. But, personally, we like to get a little more creative with our freshwater tanks. Sure, you could go to the store and pick up plenty of aquarium decorations - from whimsical to practical - to suit your needs.
What materials should I avoid using in my decorations?.What materials are safe to use in my aquarium?.What are the dangers of making my own aquarium decorations?.
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