Fish Tank Boat

Fish Tank Boat
My fish tank doesn`t look good, what can i do?

I have a medium sized fish tank. I have guppies and swordtails. I have a boat some fake plants and blue stones. It just doesn`t look good. Are live plants good? What looks good. I think i might get a back ground, is it worth it?
Thanks Dan

If you want to work with what you already have (plus buy a few more things):

You could put the boat in the middle as a centrepiece. Surround it and the tank with different sized rocks, largest at the back and smallest closer to the front to create depth (partly cover the bottom of the rocks with your gravel, don't just sit them on top).

Put your fake plants in among the rocks and boat, largest plants at the back of the tank and smallest at the front. Try to stick to two different coloured plants, probably green which is more natural and orange which will contrast nicely with the blue gravel (but it's ok to still use whatever ones you already have).

Yes, backgrounds are worth it. If it were me I would just get a plain black or dark blue background which will make the colours of your fish pop out. But it's up to you.

Then if you haven't already, get a light for your tank. This will make a massive difference.

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Look at some photos of inside aquarium designs on the web and in books. I have a terrific book called The Inspired Aquarium full of aquascape ideas, my favourite for freshwater is on page 55 and 60 (if you happen to flick through it at a book shop).

Also try visiting this website for some ideas: http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/topmonth.php/s_2

For live plants to look good for a longer period of time, they really need special gravel to help them grow and proper full spectrum lighting. But you can always give it a shot, just know that you may have to replace the plants very few weeks to a month or so.

I hope that helps.