How to Make a 5 Gallon Aquarium Interesting

Beginner 10 min 20 steps 9307 views Rating: 3.8/5 Published: 2026-01-25

Choose smaller decorations.. Consider natural decorations instead factory-made ones.. Match the decorations to your fishes' behavior.

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Steps

1

Choose smaller decorations.

Step 1

Choose smaller decorations.

2

Consider natural decorations instead factory-made ones.

Step 2

Consider natural decorations instead factory-made ones.

3

Match the decorations to your fishes' behavior.

Step 3

Match the decorations to your fishes' behavior.

4

Try using real plants instead of fake ones.

Step 4

Try using real plants instead of fake ones.

5

Choose fine-grained gravel or sand.

Step 5

Choose fine-grained gravel or sand.

6

Avoid anything that is too brightly-colored and go for natural colors instead.

Step 6

Avoid anything that is too brightly-colored and go for natural colors instead.

7

Know what fish to get and what fish to avoid.

Step 7

Know what fish to get and what fish to avoid.

8

Know how big the fish will get.

Step 8

Know how big the fish will get.

9

Avoid large fish and get smaller fish instead.

Step 9

Avoid large fish and get smaller fish instead.

10

Stay clear from fish that produce a lot of waste.

Step 10

Stay clear from fish that produce a lot of waste.

11

Skip the very active fish.

Step 11

Skip the very active fish.

12

Consider getting a betta fish.

Step 12

Consider getting a betta fish.

13

Consider getting a school of small fish.

Step 13

Consider getting a school of small fish.

14

Think about getting some cleaning fish or shrimp.

Step 14

Think about getting some cleaning fish or shrimp.

15

Divide your tank into a foreground, middle ground, and background.

Step 15

Divide your tank into a foreground, middle ground, and background.

16

Arrange decorations according to the shape of your aquarium.

Step 16

Arrange decorations according to the shape of your aquarium.

17

Add a background.

Step 17

Add a background.

18

Design your tank with cleaning in mind.

Step 18

Design your tank with cleaning in mind.

19

Try getting a smaller pump and filter and hiding it.

Step 19

Try getting a smaller pump and filter and hiding it.

20

Consider getting a light for your tank.

Step 20

Consider getting a light for your tank.

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