Switching From Fake To Real Plants?

[haylz]

I have plastic and silk plants in my aquarium. All my fsh seem to enjoy these and I've had no problem with them. However i saw this listing http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/20-LIVE-AQUARIUM-AQUATIC-TROPICAL-FISH-TANK-PLANTS-/250823795134?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3a664361be on ebay and thought it was a lot cheaper that what I have been paying for silk/plastic. however I'm very new to fishkeeping and aren't sure whether the benefits of a planted tanks is enough for me to change. Are these plants on ebay worth having? Do they take a lot of looking after? Is it worth it when my fish and water paramiters are fine with fake?

any advice appreciated

 

[StandbySetting]

How many Watts of light are over the tank and what is the volume? I'd avoid the ebay listing as you tend to get non-aquatics, and when they say 20 plants, they generally mean 20 stems, which really isn't a lot, you're better off buying the likes of Tropica or Aquafleur from your LFS, they're normally about £3 a pot but the quality and quantity is always good.

 

[Tizer]

i wouldnt say its always good, i've had several stuff with snails, it really comes down to how recent the deliveries are and how well you clean then before they go into your tank but +1 for avoiding mixed plants from ebay, unless you know exactly what you are getting.

 

[hensonc4098]

It's really a case of personal preferance with real or plastic plants. Real plants are beautiful when you get ones that grow well in your water and it's nice to actually see a plant grow and change, unlike the plastics. If you are keen to try growing plants, try something like cabomba, as it is undemanding and 99% of the time will grow well in anyones tank, regardless of water conditions. It'll let you see if real plants are something you fancy getting into a bit more, or if you prefer the simplicity of plastic