Artificial Plants

[schnzr]

I'm trying to provide my fish with a few "hiding places." Is it ok to use the plastic plants rather than real ones?

 

[LennyMansfield]

Absolutely.

 

[rdd1952]

Artificial plants are fine. Most people don't like the look of them but there are some that look very real. The only thing I would caution you against is buying those that have sharp edges and such. They can rip a fish's fins, expecially fish like bettas or guppies that have large, flowing tails. Silk plants are definitely the best. Another thing to keep in mind with artificial plants is that they don't need light to grow and your fish dont really like the light so only burn your lights when you are there to view the fish. Burning the lights too long will lead to algae problems.

 

[schnzr]

Are there real plants that are really easy to take care of? I'm not really into the plants, just the fish.

 

[rdd1952]

Some plants such as anubias nana, anacharis, amazon swords, java ferns and hygrophilia are very easy. They are all pretty much low light plants so you don't need to upgrade your lighting.

 

[*Fishkies*]

Plastic plants are fine for fish. Fish with big flowing fins, you may want to watch which plants you choose as their fins may get caught or torn more easier then a fish with shorter fins.

Also there are silk plants that are made avaliable now. I like those a lot, they are very soft and have a nice flowing look to them.