The Best Tank Decorations for Your Aquarium

Got your aquarium tank set up with the essentials for your pet fish? That means it’s time to start decorating! Adding decorations to your aquarium or tank is a fun way to add your own style and provide valuable enrichment for your pet. Aquarium and tank decor are also available for reptiles and other pets, such as chameleons and snakes.

We’ve researched and reviewed the top aquarium tank decor for every type of pet and every budget. There is an almost endless supply of aquarium and tank decor out there and it can be hard to figure out which options are worth the cost, which will hold up over time, and which are the best to keep your pet happy and healthy. We’ve taken the guesswork out of the process by providing our recommendations, as well as what to look for when shopping for aquarium and tank decorations.

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Tank Decorations

#1 Best Overall: Hygger Betta Resin Log

Our selection as the best overall is the Hygger Betta Resin Log which is marketed for betta fish but works great in any aquarium.

This decoration can be used in freshwater or saltwater tanks. The log is made of resin so it will last for a long time without any deterioration. This is a medium-sized aquarium decoration, ideal for tanks up to 50-gallons. The internal diameter of the log is 1.8-inches. There are multiple holes for your fish to swim through, which measure between 0.6-inches and 1.2 inches in diameter. There are great details on the surface of the log that mimic peeling bark and holes in the log. Plus, it is free from jagged edges which means it is suitable for long-finned fish.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that the paint peels of the bottom of the decoration after it has been pushed into the gravel.

Pros and Cons of the Hygger Betta Resin Log

Best Overall

Hygger Betta Resin Log

• Looks great in any aquarium
• Safe for freshwater and saltwater tanks
• Made from long-lasting resin
• No jagged edges, so it's safe for your aquatic friends
• Ideal for medium-sized tanks up to 50 gallons

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2. Best for Reptiles: Penn Plax Shale Ledge Aquarium & Terrarium Decor

The Penn Plax Shale Ledge Aquarium and Terrarium Decor provides places for your reptile to bask under a heat lamp, dry off if needed, and hide in the shade.

This decoration comes in seven different sizes and styles, although some configurations are only available in one or two sizes. The ledges look like a natural rock formation but are made of durable resin. They won’t fade or deteriorate in the tank.

These steps are ideal for reptiles, including bearded dragons, geckos, chameleons, and even some snakes. They can also be used underwater in fish tanks to provide a place for fish to swim around and explore.

Unfortunately, some customers found that this product has some sharp edges. However, they were able to rectify it easily with some sandpaper.

Pros and Cons of the Penn Plax Shale Ledge Aquarium & Terrarium Decor

Best for Reptiles

Penn Plax Shale Ledge Aquarium & Terrarium Decor

• Provides places for your pet reptile to bask under its heat lamp and to hide
• Available in 7 sizes and styles
• Realistic design
• Made from fade-proof, durable resin

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3. Best Plant Decor: JIH Aquarium Plastic Plants & Cave

As the best plant decor for aquariums we recommend the JIH Aquarium Plastic Plants and Cave.

This seven-piece set of plastic aquarium plants from JIH is a great value and provides nice-looking decor for your fish tank. The set includes one resin cave and six different plants in various sizes. You can choose between red, green, and white for the largest plant. All of them make a statement in your aquarium. This is one of the best values on our list, with all seven pieces costing less than just one resin cave from other manufacturers. Plus, all of the plants are soft and have no sharp edges. The cave is also free from sharp edges and provides a space for fish to swim through or hide away.

However, you should make sure to soak these pieces in warm water before adding them to your tank to make sure that any glue or debris from the manufacturing process is off.

Pros and Cons of the JIH Aquarium Plastic Plants & Cave

Best Plant Decor

JIH Aquarium Plastic Plants & Cave

• The set includes 7 pieces
• Includes a resin cave and 6 plants in a variety of sizes
• Realistic looking
• For the largest plant, you can choose between red, green, and white
• Budget-friendly

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4. Best Novelty Decor: Penn-Plax SpongeBob Pineapple Home Aquarium Ornament

As the best novelty option we suggest the Penn-Plax SpongeBob Pineapple Home Aquarium Ornament which is a cute, fun decoration.

Your fish can “live in a pineapple under the sea” just like Spongebob Squarepants with this cute and fun decoration from Penn Plax. The Pineapple House is one of the favorites among their line of themed decor, including Spongebob, Disney characters, and Paw Patrol. These add fun and novelty to your tank.

The house also provides a place for your fish to retreat when they need privacy and space. It is very helpful for fish tanks that have a lot of viewers as well as for fish who just prefer to be solitary. If you have multiple fish in your aquarium, providing places like houses and caves is necessary to keep them happy and healthy. This decoration is made from durable resin that is free from toxins.

Some reviewers did not that it had some sharp edges from the manufacturing process, although most filed the edges to make sure it would be safe for fish.

Pros and Cons of the Penn-Plax SpongeBob Pineapple Home Aquarium Ornament

Best Novelty Decor

Penn-Plax SpongeBob Pineapple Home Aquarium Ornament

• This novelty decor is from Spongebob Squarepants
• Provides a hideaway for your fish
• Shelter is essential to keeping your fish happy and healthy
• Made of durable resin
• Safe for fresh and saltwater aquariums

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Deciding which aquarium tank decorations are right for you and your pet can get confusing with so many options. Here are the things to look for when making your decision: affordability, durability, and enrichment.

Affordability

One of the best ways to make the most of your decorating budget is to purchase a set of decorations. These often come with multiple types of decor in different sizes. It can be a great budget-friendly way to decorate your entire aquarium. If you prefer something more custom, consider adding a few individual pieces that express your style. These can be items to mimic the natural environment or novelty decorations for fun.

Durability

The last thing that you want to do is replace aquarium decorations every few months because yours have worn out. Not only does that add cost and hassle to the fun experience of having an aquarium, but it can also create a hazard for your fish. Look for aquarium tank decor that is well-made, won’t fade, and doesn’t have small pieces or sharp edges that can create a problem over time.

Enrichment

Aquarium and tank decor is a fantastic way to provide enrichment opportunities for your fish and reptiles. Things like caves to explore, ledge for basking under a heat lamp, and homes to provide shelter and privacy when needed are all necessary for a happy and healthy pet. Decor that mimics the natural environment is a great way to provide the type of experiences and decor that your pet would have in the wild.