When it comes to aquariums, many people immediately think of fish as the primary inhabitants. However, there’s a whole world of other creatures and decorations that can add depth, beauty, and interest to your underwater world. In this article, we’ll explore the many options for what you can put in an aquarium besides fish, from invertebrates to plants, and even some surprising additions like snails and shrimp. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just starting out, this guide will give you the inspiration and knowledge to create a thriving and diverse aquarium ecosystem.
Decorations and Hardscaping
Decorations and hardscaping are essential components of any aquarium, providing a framework for your aquatic inhabitants to explore and interact with. From rocks and driftwood to artificial reefs and treasure chests, the possibilities are endless. Here are some popular options:
Rock and Driftwood
Rocks and driftwood are a staple of aquarium decoration, providing hiding places and visual interest for your fish and other inhabitants. Look for rocks with interesting shapes and textures, and consider using driftwood to create a natural, weathered look.
- Types of rocks: limestone, sandstone, granite, and more
- Types of driftwood: oak, pine, and cypress
- Benefits: provides hiding places, creates visual interest, and helps to stabilize water chemistry
Artificial Reefs
Artificial reefs are a great way to add structure and interest to your aquarium, while also providing a habitat for your fish and other inhabitants. Look for reefs made from durable materials like acrylic or glass.
- Types of artificial reefs: acrylic, glass, and ceramic
- Benefits: provides habitat, creates visual interest, and helps to stabilize water chemistry
Treasure Chests and Other Decorations
Treasure chests and other decorations can add a touch of whimsy and personality to your aquarium. Look for items made from durable materials like plastic or resin.
- Types of treasure chests: plastic, resin, and ceramic
- Benefits: adds visual interest, creates hiding places, and helps to stimulate curiosity
Invertebrates
Invertebrates are a fascinating and diverse group of animals that can add interest and variety to your aquarium. From snails and shrimp to starfish and sea urchins, the possibilities are endless. Here are some popular options:
Snails
Snails are a great addition to any aquarium, providing a source of food for fish and other inhabitants. Look for species like the Nerite snail or the Mystery snail. (See Also: What Is the Best Ph for Freshwater Aquarium? A Beginner’s Guide)
- Types of snails: Nerite, Mystery, and Ramshorn
- Benefits: provides food source, helps to clean algae, and adds visual interest
Shrimp
Shrimp are a popular choice for aquariums, providing a source of food for fish and other inhabitants. Look for species like the Amano shrimp or the Cherry shrimp.
- Types of shrimp: Amano, Cherry, and Ghost
- Benefits: provides food source, helps to clean algae, and adds visual interest
Starfish and Sea Urchins
Starfish and sea urchins are a fascinating group of animals that can add interest and variety to your aquarium. Look for species like the Blue Linckia starfish or the Purple sea urchin.
- Types of starfish: Blue Linckia, Red Knobbed, and Crown of Thorns
- Types of sea urchins: Purple, Red, and Blue
- Benefits: adds visual interest, helps to clean algae, and provides a source of food
Plants
Plants are a vital component of any aquarium, providing oxygen, food, and shelter for your fish and other inhabitants. From aquatic plants like Java moss to terrestrial plants like Anubias, the possibilities are endless. Here are some popular options:
Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants are a great choice for aquariums, providing oxygen, food, and shelter for your fish and other inhabitants. Look for species like Java moss or Anacharis.
- Types of aquatic plants: Java moss, Anacharis, and Hornwort
- Benefits: provides oxygen, food, and shelter, and helps to stabilize water chemistry
Terrestrial Plants
Terrestrial plants are a great choice for aquariums, providing a natural look and feel to your underwater world. Look for species like Anubias or Java fern.
- Types of terrestrial plants: Anubias, Java fern, and Pothos
- Benefits: adds visual interest, provides a natural look and feel, and helps to stabilize water chemistry
Other Inhabitants
Other inhabitants can add interest and variety to your aquarium, from crayfish to crabs and even octopuses. Here are some popular options:
Crayfish
Crayfish are a great addition to any aquarium, providing a source of food for fish and other inhabitants. Look for species like the Red swamp crayfish. (See Also: What to Do if Aquarium Water Is Too Hard? Fixing It Now)
- Types of crayfish: Red swamp, White river, and Signal crayfish
- Benefits: provides food source, helps to clean algae, and adds visual interest
Crabs
Crabs are a fascinating group of animals that can add interest and variety to your aquarium. Look for species like the Blue crab or the Red king crab.
- Types of crabs: Blue crab, Red king crab, and Dungeness crab
- Benefits: adds visual interest, helps to clean algae, and provides a source of food
Octopuses
Octopuses are a highly intelligent and fascinating group of animals that can add interest and variety to your aquarium. Look for species like the Caribbean reef octopus.
- Types of octopuses: Caribbean reef, Mimic octopus, and Day octopus
- Benefits: adds visual interest, helps to clean algae, and provides a source of food
Conclusion
As you can see, there are countless options for what you can put in an aquarium besides fish. From decorations and hardscaping to invertebrates, plants, and other inhabitants, the possibilities are endless. By incorporating these elements into your aquarium, you can create a thriving and diverse ecosystem that will captivate and inspire you for years to come.
Recap
Here’s a quick recap of the key points discussed in this article:
- Decorations and hardscaping: rocks, driftwood, artificial reefs, and treasure chests
- Invertebrates: snails, shrimp, starfish, and sea urchins
- Plants: aquatic and terrestrial plants like Java moss and Anubias
- Other inhabitants: crayfish, crabs, and octopuses
FAQs
What Can You Put in an Aquarium Besides Fish?
Q: Can I put snails in my aquarium?
A: Yes, snails are a great addition to any aquarium, providing a source of food for fish and other inhabitants. Look for species like the Nerite snail or the Mystery snail.
Q: Can I put shrimp in my aquarium?
A: Yes, shrimp are a popular choice for aquariums, providing a source of food for fish and other inhabitants. Look for species like the Amano shrimp or the Cherry shrimp. (See Also: How to Saltwater Aquarium? Mastering The Basics)
Q: Can I put plants in my aquarium?
A: Yes, plants are a vital component of any aquarium, providing oxygen, food, and shelter for your fish and other inhabitants. Look for species like Java moss or Anacharis.
Q: Can I put crayfish in my aquarium?
A: Yes, crayfish are a great addition to any aquarium, providing a source of food for fish and other inhabitants. Look for species like the Red swamp crayfish.
Q: Can I put octopuses in my aquarium?
A: Yes, octopuses are a highly intelligent and fascinating group of animals that can add interest and variety to your aquarium. Look for species like the Caribbean reef octopus.