All species of fish like to have some form of a hidey-hole. For small, skittish breeds of fish, it’s more of a need than a want. If easily frightened fish don’t have a place to tuck themselves away, it can cause a lot of stress on their small bodies and even lead to illness if the stress is prolonged. Read on to learn how to provide hiding places for your fish so you can keep them happy and healthy.
General Rules
Whether you decide to buy aquarium decorations or use the suggestions listed below, there are a few things you need to know before adding anything to your tank. First, you need to make sure that any colors or chemicals won’t leak into the water over time, whether from the plastic or paints used in your items. In addition, you must wash these items thoroughly to ensure you’re not introducing any harmful bacteria to the tank’s environment.
Never wash them with soap. Always wash what you’re going to put in your tank with warm fresh water and a clean scrubbing brush.
Plants
While a lot goes into caring for your aquarium plants, they make excellent hiding places for fish and are naturally beautiful and beneficial to the tank’s environment. The branches and leaves make great places for fish to tuck away and lay eggs. You also have the added benefit of aquatic plants fighting off algae and helping promote the nitrogen cycle in your tank. Plus, your herbivores can have a little snack if they get hungry, but be careful as some fish might see this as a buffet opportunity.
Cups, Pots, and Bowls
Dishware, plant pots, or other non-glazed pottery are cheap and easy-to-use hiding spaces. For ceramicists, it’s a great way to add a personal touch to your aquarium. As previously mentioned, make sure there are no paints, glitter, or other harmful additives that could leak into the water. You’ll also want to make sure that the cups and bowls aren’t transparent, as this defeats the purpose of the hiding space.
Toys and Other Objects
Many fish hobbyists love putting models, Lego buildings, and other toys into their aquarium to really add that personal touch. They’re also great for people who really want to stick to a specific theme in their aquarium but can’t find the right décor. In addition, PVC piping and hamster tubers provide places to explore and hide, but make sure they’re opaque.
Knowing how to provide hiding places for your fish is critical to their health and happiness. Luckily, it’s easy and can be a lot of fun! You can be as creative as you want as long as these hiding places are clean and safe to be underwater for prolonged periods of time.
