10 Reasons to use artificial plants: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=945&c=3578 Reasons to use live plants: 1. More natural look 2. Satisfaction gained by actually growing something 3. Knowledge gained by learning more about water parameters, chemistry, ecosystems, etc. 4. Provide a natural filter to remove some of the nitrate, ammonia, phosphate 5. Provide fish with a more natural environment 6. Beware - it becomes an addiction!
From my biased point of view : Reasons to use artificial plants - None Reasons to use Real Plants - see above
Fake plants are useful when keeping vegetarian species, such as Silver dollars and tinfoil barbs. It adds greenery to a rather hostile environment. They're also very useful for strong salinity brackish tanks, as most plants won't survive such an environment.
Fake plants - Well fake Real plants - Real. If ever i buy a fake plant it will be with a fake R70.00 note(LFS owners beware)
It depends on preferance for the most part I have seen many fake plants wear out and then it looks rather ugly, also, when you stand infront of a tank, you can immediately spot a fake plant and then the effect isn't as much OOOh factor, With live plants it provides a bit of greenery for certain fish, and its part of the living environment, helps use up co2 and nitrates during the day and also utilizes the fish poo and other elements and chems in the water for growth so it helps balance out an otherwise artificial environment for your fish. though more maintenance and extra expenses to buy the plants, upkeep with ferts etc, it does turn out much more rewarding in the whole fish keeping experience. Also the living plants can act as a guage for certain conditions in the tank, chem buildup growth spurts, slow growth, algae control etc. with the "cons of upkeep" come the pros that an extra living thing brings to the tank environment. Here's an interesting quick extract from about.com
I agree totally that it is a matter of preferrence.You will NEVER see a shipwreck or diver in my tanks while others think it is cool. I say whatever goes for you and whatever you like. p.s. And dont forget the "other half hey"Their opinion really matters.
ok.please advise on plant choice for 1: brakish type tank 2:evil kinevil silverdollars tank 3:big Oscars tank I hate using plastic plant s and know planted tanks are much healthier and rewarding but am well and trully stuck on this one
And while they are helping you out Storm, I would like to add: 4. 8cm Malawi's and 22cm Plecos in Malawi tank
Carping you are going to most likely have problems with plants with a pleco that size. He'll uproot them unless you plant them into pots or something first.
