Who Gives A Fish Forums

What do you prefer, plastic or live plants in your aquarium setup - or a mix of both?

I opted for real plants, but I also have a large silk plant in the mix. The poll didn't offer a silk plant option, so I didn't have a perfect fit.

Real plants all the way for me now, but I've had my fair share of plastic ones in the past too.

I switched to all live plants now, they're more natural-like.

The advantages of live plants are undeniable, making them a great addition to any aquarium. For those concerned about their green thumb, floating plants are a great starting point - they're relatively easy to care for. What's more, these plants offer numerous benefits, including rapid removal of ammonia and nutrients, helping to maintain stable water conditions. Many forest-dwelling fish also appreciate the cover provided by floating vegetation, as it mimics their natural habitats with overhanging marginal vegetation. Depending on your tank's specific conditions, including fish load, GH, and lighting, you may or may not need a comprehensive liquid fertilizer. Considering their benefits, it's not an exaggeration to say that live floating plants are a crucial component in most aquariums.

I initially began with plastic plants, but later added some real ones to the mix. However, the plastic ones looked really artificial next to the real plants, so I eventually phased them out. I've had a bit of a struggle with floating plants - they seem to keep dying on me, probably due to the lids on my tanks, and it's been tough to find them in stores. I did manage to track down the Water Sprite on Zorchzon, but it was a bit pricey at £7 plus £14.50 for postage, so I decided against it. I'm still working on developing my green thumb, as even my Java ferns have turned brown. On the other hand, my Zorchzon swords seem to be thriving in my tanks.

I'm running a mix of plastic and real plants in my 20-gallon, while my 10-gallon's all real. My goal's to have both tanks fully planted with real ones, but I've had my fair share of plant casualties - LOL. Still on the hunt for plants that can tolerate me. Just added anacharis to the 10-gallon, and I've been trying out floating plants like frogbit and water lettuce, but they just don't seem to stick around for long.

Considering the last two posts mentioned difficulties with floating plants, I thought I'd share some general observations that might be helpful.

First, these plants are fast-growing, so they need good light - both in terms of intensity and spectrum - as well as balanced nutrients. Since they're at the surface, light intensity shouldn't be a problem, but spectrum could be an issue; aquatic plants require red and blue light for photosynthesis, with red being more important. Adding green to the mix does improve growth, though. So, a light in the 5000K to 6500K range is ideal. Lights above 6500K, which have more blue and less red, aren't suitable for long-term use.

For nutrients, floating plants have an advantage - their leaves can absorb CO2 from the air, which is about four times faster than submersed plants. However, other nutrients might be lacking, so a comprehensive liquid supplement can help. This supplement should include all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions, so the plants benefit rather than the algae.

Some people suggest that covered tanks can be a problem, but I haven't had any issues with my floating plants in covered tanks. They're not sealed air-tight, but they're well-covered.

It's also worth noting that floating plants usually take time to settle into a new environment, so be patient.

I began with plastic plants, then introduced a few real ones to my aquarium. To be honest, the plastic ones looked rather artificial next to the real plants, so I decided to phase them out. I've been trying to make floating plants work, but I'm having a tough time - they just keep dying on me, and I suspect it's due to the lids on my tanks. Finding them in stores seems to be a challenge as well. I did manage to track down the elusive Water Sprite on Zorchzon, but the price tag was a bit steep at £7 plus £14.50 for postage and packaging, so I decided to pass on it. I'm still working on developing my green thumb, as my Java ferns are looking a bit brown at the moment. On a more positive note, the Zorchzon swords I have are thriving in my tanks.

boomer wrote: ↑Mon Jun 26, 2023 5:19 am The advantages of live plants are undeniable, making them a great addition to any aquarium. For those concerned about their green thumb, floating plants are a great starting point - they're relatively easy to care for. What's more, these plants offer numerous benefits, including rapid removal of ammonia and nutrients, helping to maintain stable water conditions. Many forest-dwelling fish also appreciate the cover provided by floating vegetation, as it mimics their natural habitats with overhanging marginal vegetation. Depending on your tank's specific conditions, including fish load, GH, and lighting, you may or may not need a comprehensive liquid fertilizer. Considering their benefits, it's not an exaggeration to say that live floating plants are a crucial component in most aquariums.

Thanks for the encouragement, I'll keep trying, still determined to get the hang of this live plant thing.