How to Use Fish Tanks as Decor

Take the fish out first!

You're sick of keeping fish but now have a whole array of empty fish tanks. Since they are prone to breakage and take up a lot of storage space, you know there must be a better use for them. You can use fish tanks as décor with a few artistic steps; here's how.

Things You'll Need

• Fish tanks
• Lighted lid (optional)
• Artwork
• Velvet pieces
• Silk plants, foam block, peat moss
• Popsicle sticks
• Foam core
• Gravel and tank decorations
• Glue
• Paint or markers
• Paper clips and small boxes
• Rocks, feathers or other filling
• 2 balls

Instructions

1. Fill them with artwork. Fish tanks are great places to store and display everything from paintings to small sculptures. Simply line the bottom and back of the tank with a fine fabric, such as black velvet, and arrange artwork to your heart's desire. Top it off with the tank's lighted lid and you have an automatic display cabinet.

2. Make a terrarium. Setting up a miniature jungle inside a fish tank is another grand idea. Fill the bottom with a Styrofoam block covered in peat moss. Insert silk plant stems into the Styrofoam. Cover with a lighted lid and enjoy your graceful display of Mother Nature.

3. Hook up fake fish. Since you may already have gravel, tank decorations and other fish supplies, you might as well make your own fish out of foam core. Outline the fish on white foam core, cut with a razor or matte cutter and decorate with paint or markers. Glue popsicle sticks to the back of your fish so you can prop them up in the gravel.

4. Make it into a jewelry box. You can keep all your jazzy jewelry on display and dust free if you store it in a fish tank. Use a fish tank lid for a lit display or simply cover the tank with a board or pillow to keep the dust out. Set up small boxes covered in velvet so you can arrange your jewelry at different heights. You can also unbend paper clips and line the back lip of the tank for hanging necklaces.

5. Make a monster. Fill a fish tank with feathers, rocks or other small objects. Take two balls and draw a black dot on each to work as eyeballs. Place the balls at the front of the glass in the middle of the tank. Now you have a monster hiding in the fish tank, a great addition to any kid's room.

Tips & Warnings

• Before using your fish tank as any type of decor, make sure you scrub it thoroughly. Dishwashing soap will usually do. Scrape off any algae or salt deposits with a razor blade if necessary. Buy velvet pieces, decorative rocks, feathers, foam core and popsicle sticks at an arts and craft store. See Resources below for an online store.

• Be careful cleaning the tank as it is especially fragile when it is not filled with water.

Resources

• Online craft supplies