| It would be a very unusual aquarium that did not | | | | around the base of these rocks the rocks should be |
| contain at least some decorative elements other than | | | | placed directly on the bottom filter plate. Be |
| the fish themselves. These decorative elements are | | | | conscious of the amount of weight you are adding |
| usually added to add color and life to the tank. In | | | | and also be sure not to add so many that you |
| some cases these items may even be large enough | | | | effectively block filtration. Of course which ever |
| for some marine life to explore their interior or | | | | material you choose be sure that it is clean and free |
| depend on these items to provide shelter. | | | | of any harmful organic material. |
| However before anything is placed in the tank make | | | | Plastic replicas various corals and other natural |
| certain to exercise caution to be sure you are not | | | | substances have come a long way over the years. |
| accidentally inviting problems. Some organic material | | | | The companies which mold these plastic pieces have |
| such as driftwood or rocks with an acidic content | | | | devoted a considerable amount of time and money in |
| would definitely pose problems. Any metallic items or | | | | efforts to duplicate the bright colors and intricate |
| rocks with a metallic makeup would be a disaster in a | | | | shapes of the natural rocks. In most cases these |
| saltwater tank. | | | | replicas will not display the distinct color of natural |
| Probably one of the most common materials in use | | | | elements but still provide sufficient color and style to |
| for years is dead coral. Other choices would include | | | | brighten any tank. |
| quartz, granites, limestones, basalts and lavas. As | | | | A downside of the plastic replica is the fact that |
| with any product used with your aquarium you would | | | | algae will grow upon them just as it does on natural |
| do well to consult with an experienced sales person | | | | elements. This growth will be much more noticeable |
| at your pet store for sound advice. | | | | however and will most likely require more effort to |
| Some of these materials are soft enough to allow | | | | keep them clean and bright.Exercise your artistic |
| drilling or carving which allows you to open cavities | | | | talents and add some decorative elements to your |
| large enough for your marine life to seek shelter. In | | | | tank. Just be sure to use caution, read package |
| most cases it is easier to use a serious of rocks to | | | | instructions for any material before you use it and be |
| build small caves or cavities for this purpose. Because | | | | especially cautious with your salt water tanks. |
| some marine life enjoy digging in the substrate | | | | |