Fake Plants

[bshockstubb]

Is it possible to use silk plants from the craft store in an aquarium? Around here LFS plants are so expenisve so Im trying to find an alternative. If i boil them, will they work...or what? I heard that some glue that they use can be harmful..any ideas?

 

[Undawada]

I'm not 100% sure about the fabrics, dyes, glues and any other treatments craft store plants are made from.

As a general rule, if I'm in doubt, I don't put it in the tank.

It may be cheaper, but it's also a gamble. What if a chemical taints your water and all your fish die? Then you have to restock, as well as buy the more expensive plants from the LFS, so it's not saving you money in the long run.

Also your fish are living creatures, I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate being exposed to any chemicals that might be in a fabric plant not intended for use in an aquarium.

 

[LadyMinion]

I agree with undawada - I wouldn't add anything not made for an aquarium unless I knew 100% that it was safe to do so.

Yes, the type of glue used is important, but so are the general materials that make up the object. All it takes is one component that can leak into the water and all hell could break loose.

If you want to save money, check out local boot sales or the classifieds. You can find tons of unwanted tank decor dirt cheap.