Plastic or Live Plant

[vootsy]

I am wondering if my two tanks would be better off with live plants. Which plants would be good for a newbie.

Jim

 

[Jack459]

Depends what kind of lighting system are you running. Wattage? Also type of lights. personally i think live plants look a lot better. Although if you dont have proper lighting. fake plants work just as well

 

[pl*co]

In addition to Jack's comments, the fish like a more natural environment as well. There behavior seems more normal and comfortable, in my estimation.

 

[maronov]

I exchanged fake plants for real plants in my first ever tank, and my fish seem a lot happier. Get some hardy, low light, plants and you'll have more oxygen and a better looking tank. I've found that taking care of them is pretty easy as long as you stick to a fertilizer dosing schedule and have adequate lighting.

 

[Jack459]

some easy to care for, low light plants are java moss and anarchis(also commonly labeled as elodea)

 

[Mgamer20o0]

live plants.

not only do they look better but they help tanks out so much. the extra oxygen the the harmful stuff they use up from the water. its a long list.

 

[vootsy]

live plants

What does aquatic plants remove or use up as far as unwanted items?

 

[Star_Rider]

they will consume nitrates. it is pretty common in planted tanks to have low nitrate levels.

 

[skeletonhand]

Go live, for sure. Like people have stated early, start with some low light easy to care for plants. They also make the tank a little more dynamic, you can see a plants grow with age. And the fact they remove nitrates. By doing this you coud and should see a reduction in algae.

 

[TommyR]

What does aquatic plants remove or use up as far as unwanted items?

I put hornwort in a 5 gal betta tank. I have 0 Nitrates now where I had 5ppm before. No ammonia either!

Tom