Safety in the Aquarium: How to Safely Accessorize

If keeping an aquarium is your hobby, you might want to accessorize your tank to improve its appearance, add interest or mimic a natural setting. Whether your goal is a whimsical theme or a very natural look, there are steps you can take to provide an attractive, yet safe, healthy environment for your fish.

Gravel

A gravel floor is the base for most aquariums and there are several types from which to choose. If your taste runs to colored gravel, rinse it well before adding it to the tank to remove excess dye and dust. If you use natural material, check to see that it does not have excessively sharp edges that can cut your fish and other animals. Also consider the size of the gravel. Many fish feed from the aquarium floor and can ingest small size gravel or stones. Larger diameter rock will decrease this risk.

Stone/Rock/Rock Shelves

Many fish, such as African cichlids, prefer a rocky environment, but by nature they dig and can be destructive. When using stone or stone formations, buy smooth stone and secure all stacked rocks by "gluing" them with silicone aquarium sealant. This will keep your rock formations, platforms and walls from tumbling over if the fish get active. There are some very convincing rock formations made from lightweight plastic and are an alternative to using multiple heavy rocks. These are a good solution for smaller tanks with limited size. Attach these to the aquarium floor with sealant or bury the bases in a few inches of gravel.

Driftwood and Naturally Collected Material

Natural moss covered rock, driftwood and plants can lend a beautiful natural appearance to your tank, but it can also introduce some unwanted life forms. Algae, snails, insects and parasites are all potential problems. It is often difficult to clean or sterilize wood, especially if it is covered with algae. Leaving wood specimens out in the sun for 3 to 5 days is often helpful. Another method is "solarizing." Once dry, place your specimens in a clear plastic bag and leave them in direct sunlight for 5 to 7 days. The intense heat generated will "solar sterilize" them. Rocks can be placed in a solution of bleach water. One ounce of bleach in a gallon of water is usually sufficient to clean any hard, non-porous surface. Don't use this method for wood. The bleach will be absorbed into the pores of the wood and may be released back into your aquarium.

Seashells

Seashells can be obtained as natural or decorative accessories. Decorative seashells are often painted or have glitter applied. Check to make sure these shells are colorfast. If you are adding shells to a fresh water aquarium, you will have to limit the number you use, because seashells are made primarily from calcium. Adding them to the water acts as a source of calcium and can affect the water hardness and pH. Adding shells to the saltwater aquarium is no problem as long as they are clean.

Electricity

Most people don't stop to consider the electrical hazards created by an aquarium but they certainly should. Pumps, filters, heaters and light fixtures all need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. For safety reasons, it is best to purchase a strip-type outlet for all these accessories and place it in an area where it will not be exposed to any water that may overflow or bubble from the tank. If you have a saltwater tank, this is especially important as saltwater conducts electricity faster than fresh water. If water gets into an electrical outlet, a fire can result. Make sure heaters are properly sealed and light fixtures are protected by glass. If you suspect any trouble with your equipment, unplug it from the outlet or turn off the whole strip. Never place your hands into the water if you suspect an electrical problem.