artificial plants - pros and cons

Hi there!

I am a newbie. I have a large 3m fresh water aquarium with a mixed community (Malawians, parrot fish, bristle nose, etc.). I want to put in plants without disturbing the ecosystem too much. Is artificial plants a good option? Where can I get them at a good price? I am in Jhb. Thanks.

 

I have them in my Malawi tank, bought at China town. Pro's for me is that they can be cleaned quite easily and they don't die . Cons...they are fake

 

They can be a good option but keep in mind that some plants have rough or sharp edges which can damage fish. In my experience: I started with artificial plants and honestly the fish didn't go near them much, even the ones which weren't so sharp and had a natural look. As soon as I put in some real plants my tetra school's behaviour changed noticeably. In a good way. They just looked more comfortable and found a good spot to make their own. Same with the Betta in the tank. He was very stressed before the real plants.
As long as the artificial plants offer good hiding spots and not danger to the fish it will be fine.
Where in JHB? You can get artificial plants at most stores..

 

Hi @Fishman,

Welcome to the forum

Live plants obviously play a big role in creating a natural ecosystem and a nice planted tank is stunning

However, there are fish that will not allow a planted tank and some that their natural habitat, like Malawis, does not really have plants but mainly rock features
There is nothing wrong with having artificial plants either because you dont want the trouble of a planted tank or your fish dont permit
There are a lot of plants that look very nice
With artificial plants, i recommend you go with plants with simple leave shapes and not fern like leaves or very tiny leaves as a lot of dirt gets trapped in those shaped plants

All lfs sell them, a bit of window shopping will find you the best prices

As mentioned above, I have found China Mall to have a great selection at reasonable prices

 

Great point. Some of my artificial plants were chucked away due to built up dirt/gunk because they were positioned in a little nook in the corner.

 

In a 3m tank whatever works for you and your budget is the pro.

You will be amazed how many aquariums ( as in you pay to go and see the fish ) have mostly artificial plants and scapes.

If you are all about the fish - then plastic is what it is, if you are about the ecosystem .. well then no.

Later Ferdie

 

So true Ferdie

I really tried to have the best of both worlds but... the fish won..

So for now, I dedicate the love of plants to my garden and the tank... well.. artificial it is and even those get moved around together with the wood they tied to and the rocks!!

 

Wow - thank you guys. I am in Jhb north (Honeydew). Will go to china mall today (main reef road) and send you guys pictures. Thank you again.

 

Like silicon boobs; they fake!
On my way to Hillfox to stop you

 

Ja, super realistic:

 

Those satin ferns look real. But real plants add a whole new aspect, it's something to look after an cultivate

 

You absolutely right @Adrian Gatter ..

Hahha come tell that to my rays!!
If you win, I will be ever so grateful
While you at it.. please teach them not to pounce around 3/4kg rocks as well!!!

 

I have a similar problem with 3 pacus

 

@MariaS haha had the same problem with my Oscars, Parrots etc... except the fish did win but this lead to a serious case of MTS!

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