best places to buy aquarium plants

[gatormax]

I just set up my first Dutch style aquarium in a 40 gallon tank and I'm not too thrilled with the plant situation. I dropped $90 on plants from Rice Family Aquatics - got a plant pack for 40-55 gallon tanks for $75 and some extras for my other tanks. But when they arrived, they barely filled my 40 gallon tank, which is pretty disappointing. Anyone know where to find nice plants that won't break the bank? My tank is still clearing up, but here's a pic.

[gatormax]

I've been there too, gatormax. I recall getting a plant pack that looked awesome on the website, but when it arrived, it was a letdown. For my 40 gallon, I've had decent luck with local plant sellers on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. You can find some great deals, just be sure to research the seller and check their reviews. Another option is to look for plant trades or giveaways on aquarium forums. I've gotten some nice plants that way and it's a great way to connect with other hobbyists.

[rockyfox]

I've had some luck on Ebay and Etsy, there are some shops with awesome plant selections on there.

[mirko]

I've had a great experience with Aqua Essentials, never had a bad plant from them. Their plants are generally quite large, which is perfect as I can split them in the tank to get a fuller look. I did this in my old tank and the results were great, even the moss was looking good after just a few months. About to place another order with them.

[happyone]

For those in the States, I'd suggest checking out Planted Aquariums Central. I've had great experiences with them, their plants are top-notch.

[adapros]

You might want to check out local online classifieds like Craigslist or your area's equivalent for plant trading - we've got a pretty active community on Kijiji here.