In addition to being decorative, this holds the plants down. Dark colors will bring out the colors in tropical fish better than light colors. You can use sand, crushed coral, dolomite or argonitein in a saltwater tank instead of gravel. Get plastic or live plants. Both are decorative and create good hiding places for your fish.
Plastic plants are easier to maintain and are preferred by people new to the hobby.
It a tank isn't level, stress will be put on the seams and could eventually cause a leak. Wash the gravel or sand thoroughly before you put it in the tank. Inc. How things get done. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy .