Fake or Real Plants? Does fishes have a preference?

[j_diaz01]

I realize that there are benefits to having real plants, but I was wondering. Does it matter to the fish? Do they feel just as safe with fake plants or do they prefer the real plants?

[emc7]

There are water quality benefits to real plants if they live and grow. Dying plants don't help, so if you kill plants, go plastic or silk. My angels like the live ones because they can shape them to their liking. The don't eat plants, but they nip off the leaves that are in their way.

[Obsidian]

They will feel secure in both. I do not prefer plastic if I use fake- I go silk. The reason is that plastic plants can sometimes be to hard on the edges and when a fish rubs against them they can get little nicks. Those can get infected and cause problems.

That is not a common occurrence so by no means am I saying it is bound to happen. Just saying that it's a possibility that can be avoided.

[BettaGuy]

I think fish don't really care either, just make sure that they can't injure themself on the fake plants. Real plants biggest benefit is that they remove nitrate, and they also look nicer IMO

[j_diaz01]

Originally Posted by Obsidian They will feel secure in both. I do not prefer plastic if I use fake- I go silk. The reason is that plastic plants can sometimes be to hard on the edges and when a fish rubs against them they can get little nicks. Those can get infected and cause problems. That is not a common occurrence so by no means am I saying it is bound to happen. Just saying that it's a possibility that can be avoided.

Nice. I am currently using all silk plants in my tank as well as a fake piece of driftwood with silk plants also. I think the silk plants also look more real. Glad to hear the fish are okay with both.

Here's a quick pic of my setup:

[hXcChic22]

Wow, those fakes are really good-looking!

[j_diaz01]

Well thank you very much. I searched around for the best I could find lol. They're all silk plants also.


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[hXcChic22]

Are they actual aquarium plants? We used a couple Dollar Store silk leaf arrangements in our tanks. We had to bend the metal part into an 'L' and scoot them under the gravel. I'm not sure if metal in the tank was good or not, but it didn't seem to affect anyone so I guess it was alright.

[j_diaz01]

Yes. I live in the bay area so there are tons of pretty good LFS around. I have about 3 in a 20 mile radius by my house that all have pros and cons to what they sell. Im lucky in that aspect lol. I found the false driftwood at this place called Dolphin Pet Village. They have a nice selection of decorations.


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