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I'm definitely looking to set up a new tank. I'm hoping it will be a 20 long. What I really want to do is put something totally different into my tank as far as decoration. At the same time I'd like it to make my fish feel happy. I'm probably going for platies which means I need something for fry shelter no matter what my 'theme'.

My initial ideas are:
-glass (bowls, cups, a giant cookie jar, who knows)
-actually buy-in to some of those corny pet store decorations (like a Tomb theme, or a Sunken ship theme)


but thats all I've got... what do you think?

teacups would be totally cute. You could go to antique shops or junk stores, and there are usually mismatched teacups available.

I have also wanted to do a whimsical theme using some of the more gaudy aquarium decorations available. The psychedelic colored plants, the colored rock caves, the giant clam bubblers (though those are probably not fry-safe). The danger with some of the hollow plastic ornaments, especially castles, ships, and caves, is that fish can sometimes get stuck, or they prevent water circulation on the inside and end up traping water that goes stagnant and can cause water quality problems.

Hoping that there must be a word for everything I mean...

The antique store would be a great place to start. I just thought of a new idea too... action figures! They come in all different sizes and shapes. I wonder if it could work

Action figures would be interesting.
If you are going to add them, you should test them out in water elsewhere first.
Most figures are colored, then glossed, which limits how much of the material can seep into water, but some aren't, and that would contribute to some problems in the future.

Be careful when using old jars and cups, some contain lead! I have my ten gallon set up with old glass canning jars - my crowntail betta loves it.
Make sure painted surfaces are water proof and do not have chemicals that can leach out into the water. If it is aquarium safe, it should be OK.
My platie fry do better with live plants, but artificial breeding grass, should work too. Good luck with your new tank.