MARINE AQUARIUM DECORATION AND LIVE ROCKS

BY

RAHEEM P K

Department of ocean studies and Marine Biolgy

MARINE AQUARIUM DECORATION AND LIVE ROCKS

BYRAHEEM P K

Marine Aquarium Decoratives Substrate. Artificial aquarium plants. Live plants-Seaweeds. Action ornaments. Artificial Driftwood, Rocks, corals and caves. The real thing-Stones,rocks,slate,seashells,snail shells,

pebbles and Coral skeleton. Dry rock. Live rocks. Aquarium backgrounds.

Substrate Coarse corals Sand-In salt water aquarium. Visually attractive. Other popular substrates-Natural gravel, Glass marbles, Sand and

aragonite(Crushed corals). Sand and aragonites are used exclusively in salt water aquarium. Because of the high lime content of Sand and aragonite –It helps to

stabilize the PH value.

Artificial aquarium plants Artificial plants are designed to look and move as if they were the

real deal. Aquarium containing fish that uproot or consume live plants are

ideal for artificial plants. Within this category there are also silk plants which features natural

looking movement.

Salt water aquarium plants Salt water aquarium plants life comes in the form of macro

algae(Seaweeds). Macro algae has similar requirements to freshwater plants and house

plants for growth. This plants need light, water and some trace elements to grow. Zebrasoma sp(Tangs) consider macro algae very delicious, and a

single tank will devastate macro algae very quickly.

Action ornaments This ornaments include:- Wild by nature look:-include castles, deep sea

divers,skulls,volcanoes,sunken ships, treasure chests, ceramic mermaids.

Art limitating life:-Artificial driftwood,corals,rocks,plants and caves. The real thing:-Stones,driftwood,rocks,slate,seashells,snail shells,

pebbles and coral skeletons. All of these offer the ultimate in realism and natural beauty. The action ornaments operated by an air pump can help increase the

oxygen level in the water, assist in water circulation. This ornaments provide shelter,safety,hiding place and territorial

establishment.

Driftwood Commonly used in many natural type aquarium settings. Hard root wood-Safest type of wood to use. Wood is organic and can decompose. Normal for wood to discolor aquarium water at the beginning.

Rocks and Dry rock Rocks are generally safe and non-reactive. When decorating with rocks, make sure any structures created are stable and will not

collapse. Use only one or two types of rocks and create grouping-This will give a natural look to

the set-up. Smooth pebbles in a variety of colors-Provide a natural accent which can highlight

various fish and plants. Dry rock-must be porous and full of holes. Dead reef rock, artificial ceramic reefs also suitable.

Live Rocks Live Rock is rubble that has broken off a Coral reef structures by means of

hurricanes and tropical storms. This broken of rubble is called live rock because of all the living organisms

that are found on and within the rock. Many types of algae,crabs,marine worms, small crustaceans, bacteria and

other life forms. Numerous benefits for using live rocks in an aquarium. Live rock is porous and are used as biological filters in saltwater tanks. Hiding and living spaces for saltwater fishes and invertebrates. Source of food for saltwater fishes and invertebrates.

Aquarium backgrounds Aquarium backgrounds provide the finishing touch to any decorated

tank, ensuring that fish and plant looks their best.

Reference FISHLORE-Aquarium fish information. Saltwater aquarium and reef tank book-Fishlore.com. Articles:- Basic aquarium guide Guide for marine water aquarium. Live aquaria.com

Thank you