Real V Fake

[miniman]

Ok , this is a newbie question but also a plant question so i hope i have the right forum! I've also tried searching on this but I cant find anything on it - im probably being stupid - if so sorry!

Ive started looking into getting a tank and have now pretty much settled on having tetras, guppies and some corys. The research I have done say all of these like planted tanks. My question is does it matter if they are real or fake plants? I got the impression that the plants function would be so that they get a bit of privacy so they can hide and thus keep calm.

Ideally I would like to use an array of fake plants as being a complete newbie I would like to concentrate on looking after the fish and geting used to cycling before worrying about plants. Also with corys I want a lot of the tank to be sand based which appears to be harder to plant into.

I realise that real plants probably look better than fake but i'm going to use rockery as well and would hope i could get it looking quite nice with fake?

Sorry for the very basic question - kick me out and back into the beginners forum if you like!

 

[fenwoman]

Ok , this is a newbie question but also a plant question so i hope i have the right forum! I've also tried searching on this but I cant find anything on it - im probably being stupid - if so sorry!

Ive started looking into getting a tank and have now pretty much settled on having tetras, guppies and some corys. The research I have done say all of these like planted tanks. My question is does it matter if they are real or fake plants? I got the impression that the plants function would be so that they get a bit of privacy so they can hide and thus keep calm.

Ideally I would like to use an array of fake plants as being a complete newbie I would like to concentrate on looking after the fish and geting used to cycling before worrying about plants. Also with corys I want a lot of the tank to be sand based which appears to be harder to plant into.

I realise that real plants probably look better than fake but i'm going to use rockery as well and would hope i could get it looking quite nice with fake?

Sorry for the very basic question - kick me out and back into the beginners forum if you like!

go with real every time. They look nicer as they wave about in the currents, are easy to look after mostly and they have no sharp edges to hurt fish or damage scales. They are also cheaper. Have a look at some members tank pictures and see how beautiful a planted tank looks compared to ones with all synthetic stuff in. (only my personal opinion of course)

 

[Themuleous]

Hi and welcome to the forum

I would say the same, real every time. However, that's just me. Plants do serve a function over just looking nice, as they remove toxins and other compounds from the water. However this function can be replaced by water changes if they are regular and large enough.

However, as you say it's probably better to concentrate on keeping the fish alive at this stage and working on these rather than having the added stress of keeping plants alive. So for the time being get fake and a fair few of them. You can always add real plants later on.

Sam

 

[Dave Spencer]

Glad to see you are going with sand for the Corys, they will love it.

I use sand and have found it relatively easy to plant in to.

 

[Aeropars]

dont forget, there is no need to cycle a heavily planted tank. You'll also find it aids the fishkeeping as it purifies the water to somewhat getting rid of a lot of harmful stuff.

I used to have fake plants and got through a fair few fish because of water quality. I changed to a planted tank and now never have water quality issues. All the fish are very happy and healthy. I cant rememebr teh last time I added melafix to my tank.

 

[miniman]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I didnt realise that the plants actually aided the cycle! In which case I may start with say 50/50 so that I know for sure I will always have some coverage if the live plants go pear shaped - but should also have the added benift that the plants bring!

I take it when people say 'plant' all this entails is basically keeping them pinned to the bottom under the gravel or sand rather than any special technique?

 

[fenwoman]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I didnt realise that the plants actually aided the cycle! In which case I may start with say 50/50 so that I know for sure I will always have some coverage if the live plants go pear shaped - but should also have the added benift that the plants bring!

I take it when people say 'plant' all this entails is basically keeping them pinned to the bottom under the gravel or sand rather than any special technique?

They come with a little lead weight on the bottom so just put them in and they sink. Their roots find their own way into the substrate. A well planted tank is a think of beauty. You get plants in all sizes and shapes and colours. It is nice to see fish swimming through them.