Paleozoic Reef Diorama Decor

[Paleo & Fish Collector]

I've posted some photos of my permanent diorama setup and some outtakes from a photo shoot I did awhile back, and I got a lot of positive reception. I thought I'd share where I got my "crinoids" and other diorama pieces from. Displaying your figures with plants and other decor can improve any shelf.

Crinoids

Saim Aquarium




Top Fin




GloFish



Anemones and Corals

Saim Aquarium



Anemone



Bryozoan



Anemone



Rugose Coral

eBay user: propsplus



Tabulate Coral



Tube Coral



Sponge Coral

Unbranded Small Corals



Plants

Top Fin





Petco



Let me know if you have any suggestions of your own.

[Halichoeres]

Those are some good suggestions! I remember recently going through Petco's aquarium plants trying to find something that looked suitably prehistoric, and leaving empty handed.

[Paleo & Fish Collector]

Those are some good suggestions! I remember recently going through Petco's aquarium plants trying to find something that looked suitably prehistoric, and leaving empty handed.

What in particular are you looking for? Period you're trying to represent?

[Halichoeres]

Those are some good suggestions! I remember recently going through Petco's aquarium plants trying to find something that looked suitably prehistoric, and leaving empty handed.

What in particular are you looking for? Period you're trying to represent?

I was looking for plants more than invertebrates, and I was looking for anything that looked like it could be present in the Paleozoic or Mesozoic. I arrange things by period, but I don't separate them by period, if that makes sense, so I don't really care exactly where it goes. Aquatic plants now are dominated by angiosperms, which would be a little out of place, although there are probably some macroalgae from the deep past that superficially resemble modern ones. I just don't know enough about prehistoric algae to be able to determine which.

[Paleo & Fish Collector]

Those are some good suggestions! I remember recently going through Petco's aquarium plants trying to find something that looked suitably prehistoric, and leaving empty handed.

What in particular are you looking for? Period you're trying to represent?

I was looking for plants more than invertebrates, and I was looking for anything that looked like it could be present in the Paleozoic or Mesozoic. I arrange things by period, but I don't separate them by period, if that makes sense, so I don't really care exactly where it goes. Aquatic plants now are dominated by angiosperms, which would be a little out place, although there are probably some macroalgae from the deep past that superficially resemble modern ones. I just don't know enough about prehistoric algae to be able to determine which.

Unfortunately I don't think I can help in the plant department, but I'll share some direct links to stuff:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/362098550693

https://www.ebay.com/itm/391884943109

https://www.ebay.com/itm/361591691586

https://www.petsmart.com/fish/decor-gravel-and-substrate/artificial-plants/top-fin-baby-betta-aquarium-plant-value-pack-38207.html

https://www.petsmart.com/featured-shops/pick-up-and-save/top-fin-artificial-green-and-yellow-hair-aquarium-plant-17618.html

https://www.petsmart.com/fish/decor-gravel-and-substrate/artificial-plants/top-fin-baby-betta-aquarium-plant-value-pack-38208.html

https://www.petsmart.com/fish/decor-gravel-and-substrate/ornaments/top-fin-glow-in-the-dark-moveable-flower-aquarium-ornament-53909.html

https://www.petsmart.com/fish/decor-gravel-and-substrate/ornaments/top-fin-glow-in-the-dark-moveable-flower-aquarium-ornament-56994.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/262181591053

https://www.ebay.com/itm/261782041044

https://www.ebay.com/itm/251527409621

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133035848201

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/fish/GloFish-shop/glofish-medium-color-changing-plant

[Halichoeres]

Thanks! I'll look into those.

[Justin_]

Would any natural materials be useful? I'm not an expert but I always think a lot of lichens look like corals, especially the flatter, antler-like forms. Also the "reindeer moss" variety that is sold for model railway scenery, especially in some of the bright colors it comes dyed in.

[Halichoeres]

Would any natural materials be useful? I'm not an expert but I always think a lot of lichens look like corals, especially the flatter, antler-like forms. Also the "reindeer moss" variety that is sold for model railway scenery, especially in some of the bright colors it comes dyed in.

I've thought about that too; you can get a pack of lichens for like $3. I think it works in the sense of building an atmosphere and giving the overall impression of being underwater.