Plastic Vs Silk/Real plants in regard to a betta

[d0nuT]

Hi guys!

As some of you may know, I'm purchasing a betta early next week ( *does a happy dance* )and from what I've read on this forum, bettas seem to have trouble with plastic plants tearing their fins and damaging their bodies. I'm concerned because the biggest, central plant in my tank is made of quite hard plastic.
In your experience with bettas, because I know that some of your fishy friends were ok with the plastic, would you think it wise to replace it with a silk or real plant just to be on the safe side?
I want my betta to be happy with his home, as well as me not having to worry about the poor guy hurting himself.

Thanks for your help guys, as always, it's much appreciated!

D

P.S For those of you that don't know, the betta will be going into a heavily planted, mostly real plants, 20 gallon tank which is also home to 5 very happy and active panda cories.

 

[Leopardess]

If buying a new plant to replace it doesn't bother you, then go for it. It will give a little piece of mind, err on the side of caution, and will make a comfy plant for him to hang out on

Generally, the worst kinds are the plastic plants with spiky leaves like the "anachris" or "cabomba" ones.

Silk or live tends to be a safer bet (though I've never had a betta tear a fin on plastic).

 

[Swimfins]

If you want to be really safe and make your betta a pretty home, you can try tying some java moss or java fern to a smooth stone. Under normal light it will grow quite nicely. But a soft plastic or silk plant is nice too.

 

[d0nuT]

Thank you!

The plastic has rounded leaves, but there is rather a lot of it!

I'll replace with a similar one I think, don't really want any more live plants so may replace with a silk, plus the large plastic was to hide a rather ugly heater hahaha so it has to be quite big.

Thanks again!

D