I want real plants and my wife wants artificial...

It wont be that much of a hassle if you just put a little bunch plants. Just dont over do it or you will have a lot of maintenance.

How much light is in there?

Go with mosses and ferns. Won't be much trimming or ferts needed can use less light and won't be a visual barrier.

Its amazing how good a moss tank can look.

http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2006.cgi?&op=showcase&category=0&vol=2&id=28
http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2006.cgi?&op=showcase&category=0&vol=1&id=16
http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2006.cgi?&op=showcase&category=0&vol=1&id=99
http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2006.cgi?&op=showcase&category=0&vol=1&id=95

etc etc etc

much depends on how much light you've got (both lumens and wattage), the kind of plants you choose to grow, the depth of the tank (light penetration) and the substrate you choose to grow them in.

i can only offer you MY experience. i've tried plants of all manner, both those that are supposed to grow in low light conditions and those that need higher lighting. i've killed virtually every plant you can name at one time or another and have NEVER been successful in the long run. i end up with alot of decomposing plants, alot of debris, and basically a big unhappy mess. i've not tried C02, i've not tried special substrate (fluorite and the like), i've not used fertilizer and basically have had the attitude that if god wants the plants to grow, they'll grow. evidently he opted for not growing.

i raise, breed and sell cichlids. that's my primary focus. i don't want the hassle of all the extraneous blah and blah that plants are alleged to need. that said however, i DO like the look of plants in some of my tanks.

my answer? can you say silk? i use silk plants and i'd defy you to tell the difference between those i use and the 'real thing'.



http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/product/productInfo.web?infoParam.mode=1&infoParam.itemKey=212637

your results may differ.

I would just like to say that your tank is awesome. and... Personally I'd put some pants on and tell her you're getting live plants. But if you really need ammo just make up some stuff. For instance "lives plants will keep our fish healthier because they release enzymes into the water that help gill function"... or "real plants cause less stress on fish because it's like their natural habitat, you want our fish to be happy don't you?. She's not gunna look into that. And if she does then I guess you're sol, and you best hope to christ she doesn't find this thread. lol... But on a more serious note, they really do keep your water cleaner, like MG said. And I honestly do think the fish are happier with them. Mine play in my plants all the time. I go to friends houses and their fish want nothing to do with their plastics.

And I'd get rid of the black lights. Although it might be cool at night, or as an option while you have guests over or something.

G/L to you

Way to be. My only advise is to do ALOT of research cuz it's not idiot proof, and you don't want your wifey going "I told you so"