Tank decor

[kbaker721]

I have been keeping a sw tank for years. I have had corals at various times but have decided I do not want to spend the time or money in going reef. My 150 is a FOWLR. The downside of that is that my tank looks very boring. Just a bunch of live rock. Aesthetically unappealing - especially to those not Into fish keeping - i.e. everyone else in my life. I put some fake aquarium plants in to give it life and color. Any suggestions of how to add some attractiveness to the decor? Again I am NOT going reef and know that to many purists the idea of fake stuff in the tank is an abomination, but I'm just trying to make the tank look nice and appealing. THANKS!!

 

[jlmawp]

Any pictures of your scape? You'd be amazed at what a change of scape using some universal composition rules will do for the look of your tank. Free and easy since you don't have corals to smoosh.

 

[rjjr1963]

I've seen fake coral that's very colorful.

 

[mcgyvr]

What about adding some display macroalgaes? Dragons breath,etc...

While I personally wouldn't put fake coral in my tank this is your tank we are talking about.. DO what makes YOU happy.. Its your tank..
I think I might just increase the fish life so that they steal the eye away from the rock..

 

[humphreyhh]

Macro algae like dragon's breath is very nice to have.

Dry coral branches/bones are always good. Fan coral branches looks cool and people not in this hobby might even think it's alive...

Shells (real ones) are good too. Especially big ones for showcasing in the tank. Smaller ones can help decorate the bottom if your tank is bare bottom.

I don't like plastic decorations (unless they were made to look really authentic). I have a fake anemone for my clowns but only because they loved my anemone too harsh so I decided to get them a fake one temporarily, but it never mingles with real things, not even rocks.

 

[nereefpat]

Another option would be to let cheap/easy/invasive corals take over.

Big patches of green star polyps, xenia, kenya trees, mushroom, etc. They don't require much light and don't require alk/Ca dosing at all.

 

[Akram]

Non photosynthétique corals, sponges, dead coral shells, giant clam shells, giant snail shells.... you just have to shop deeply for great items.

Also, take a look at your rock scape, get inspired by some aquariums from online searches or with your eyes at a lfs or an aquarium; then, make a plan and buy what you think will fulfill what you’re looking for


Lighting also play a big role, so even if you have a fowlr you may want to reconsider your lighting. Some cheaper leds like fluval or current with some color adjustments can bring out a lot beauty within your current setup already.

 

[kbaker721]

Thanks for all the feedback! I like the idea of macroalgea - any suggestions other than dragon's breath?

I also like the idea of invasive corals - I have a couple inexpensive led lights on the tank - I got rid of the MH pendants as it was just supplying the algae growth and not needed. I will take a look around and see what ideas I can find - Thanks

 

[kbaker721]

Any recommendations of where to look into buying macroalgae??

 

[mcgyvr]

Any recommendations of where to look into buying macroalgae??

Ebay is actually where I've gotten some good stuff..
Live-plants.com is a other...pick something you like

 

[kbaker721]

I was just looking at EBay. .... glad to hear someone has success there.


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