Plastic plants?

[Jennie Beth]

Is there any reason I can't use cheap craft store plastic plants around fish? My pond is heavily planted, but here in another month or two when it gets cold, all that cover will turn to mush and my fish will have no where to hide. They do have built in hiding places, but I'd like to get a mass of something to float in there for added hiding and just comfort for them. I was thinking some long ivy garland--goofy looking, but it'd float and give them an 'island' to dart in and out of. In my old pond I bought some long aquarium plants and floated them, but they get pricey at the size I'd need now.
Thanks,
Jen

 

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

as long as there is no metal/wire used in the stems they will be ok. i buy plastic/silk plants and make my own decorations and they work fine.

 

[67chevelle]

If you find ones you like and they do have metal wires in them,you can remove the wire.

 

[Somervell]

Alo. be careful of those that release dye into water. Many craft plants are not up to moister conditions-- otherwise, have at and have fun!

 

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

forgot to add after i make my decorations i put them in a 5G bucket with a light bleach solution and let them soak over night and then rinse well and let dry in the sun before i use them. the bleach water helps fade out any dye that may bleed in the tank. i been doing this for 10 yrs now at least and never had any problems. making your own decorations can be fun especially when you cant find what you want for sale already made and making your own is sure alot cheaper and i think they look nicer.

 

[thesixis]

I agree with Rod, soak in bleach first. I happen to use hot water and a fairly strong bleach solution.

 

[Jennie Beth]

Thanks all, for the info. I am pretty sure the garland has no wire, but I'll have to check for sure.

Jen

 

[Kashta]

Plastic or silk plants will work just fine... you already have the right precautions in mind. Hope we'll get to see some photos once you get everything set in place.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Muske]

I use PVC fitting of all sorts. Wye's and tee's mostly. Not the most aesthetically pleasing, but provides cover for the fall into spring.

 

[Lupin]

Ooohhh..Nice pond!