Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best aquarium plants for decorating your tank

Aquarium plants are more than just decoration. They create a homey environment for your fish and other critters. Aquarium plants are a place for shy fish to hide and a comfy place for sleepy fish to take a rest. These plants come in many styles and sizes so you can choose ones that fit your tank size perfectly. It is important to not overcrowd your tank but still provide enough shelter to make your fish feel comfortable. Artificial aquarium plants are low maintenance, however live plants are a great addition, as well. They create a beautiful natural feeling to your aquascape.

Aquariums are designed to be filled with fun additions and plants are must for any tank. Live plants help your fish and other aquatic critters feel at home. It provides a place to hide in, rest on, or play around. Plants also allow your tank to feel natural and look like a real aquatic environment. When choosing the best plants, you need to decide between artificial and live. Artificial plants can look realistic and are available in many, colorful varieties. No matter what look or functionality you are trying to achieve with your plants, it is important to choose ones that are safe for your tank and comforting for your fish.

Marineland Aquarium Bamboo

Best for Hiding Fish

If you want a realistic plant for your aquarium, then choose this 3-foot bamboo. It is extremely versatile and can be anchored to the aquarium floor or float around your tank. It provides a comforting place for fish to hide, which in turn reduces stress and improves quality of life. To clean this bamboo, all you need to do is dry the plant overnight and then you can easily remove any algae with a brush. This product allows for easy customization for your tank.

CNZ Artificial Aquarium Plant

Best Realistic Artificial Plant

Your fish will love to use and swim around this lifelike water plant decoration. Full of bright colors and lines, it will help make your boring old tank feel lively and new. The leaf portion of this product is made of plastic and the base is made of ceramic. The base can be submerged and hidden under gravel or sand. You don’t have to worry about your fish’s health with this product because it is made from non-toxic materials.

CousDUoBe Artificial Plants

Best Color Variety

These plants can be a colorful and vibrant addition to your aquarium’s aquascape. The ceramic base and high-quality plastic leaves have no odor and will not rust or influence the water quality of the aquarium. This product comes with 12 different styles and colors of plants. Each one is about 4 to 4.5 inches in height and you can mix them with whatever other decoration you want. Cleaning is a snap by simply rinsing with clean water. The great advantage of these plants is they don’t require any pruning! Choose between an 11-pack, 12-pack, or 13-pack of beautiful, vibrant, and unique plants.

When it comes to aquarium design, there can be a lot to consider. Plants are one of the first things you may think of when it comes to decorating your tank. Fish should feel comfortable in their home and one of the best ways to achieve that is with lively, realistic-looking plants. Artificial plants are an easy and fun way to create a beautiful, aquatic oasis in your tank. You will love how many options there are to choose from when it comes to aquarium plants.

PawTracks Contributor
PawTracks Contributor
How long do goldfish live? What to know about your new carnival prize
3 tips to keep your goldfish alive longer
Goldfish swimming past snails

You might have memories from childhood of your first pet, perhaps a hamster, turtle, or goldfish. While in popular culture, we often think of the goldfish as having a short lifespan (not to mention attention span), neither of these myths is really true. In fact, these bright beauties can live for a long time with proper care.

So, how long do goldfish live? And what do you need to do to maximize your time with them? We'll break down the best ways to keep your swimmer alive.
How long do goldfish live?

Read more
What do turtles eat? Your complete guide
What to feed and not to feed your turtle or tortoise
Person feeds their pet turtle

You probably have a fair idea of what to feed a dog or cat, but bringing home your first reptile will completely change what goes into your pet pantry. Turtles, in particular, have something of a confusing diet since there are a few different types and they eat different things.

On the one hand, aquatic turtles live almost all of their lives in water and eat there, too. The flip side is that tortoises usually only eat vegetables and live on land. All of these pets need distinct menus, so you should think about what kind of turtle you want and adjust your feeding habits to match. So, what do turtles eat? We'll walk you through a nutrition plan for your animal, no matter what.
What should you feed an aquatic turtle?

Read more
How long do parrots actually live?
You'll have to commit to a parrot for decades, but that means more time to love them
Side profile of a green and yellow parrot.

When you bring home a pet, you make a commitment for life, but you don't usually have to mean that literally. In the case of a few select animals, you might wind up with a friend who even outlives you. In particular, turtles/tortoises and parrots have some of the longest lifespans of common household pets. So, how long do parrots live? It depends a bit on the species, but you could have your feathered friend for 50 years!
Average parrot lifespan

When we say parrot, you probably conjure a specific image of a red or green bird with some colorful wings that can speak a few words, but there are more than 350 species that all fall under this umbrella. These include parakeets, budgies, cockatiels, cockatoos, macaws, and Amazon parrots. That's a lot of options to choose from if your heart is set on a bird friend.

Read more