plants or not

[fishmanuk]

are real plants better for my aquarium ive got several diferent plastic ones in but they seem to gather all the uneaten food and waste stuff i heard that real plants can carry diseases is this true or not should i take all my plastic plants out and buy all new real plants

 

[HeatherSweetness]

Real plants are better for your fish. Plastic is allright,but real has so many more benefits. You can soak your plants in a saltwater solution when you get them for an hour or so,takes care of most hitchhikers. I don't use real plants,but I know for a fact they are better for the fish. Someone can tell you more details about the benefits,I know there are many.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Real plants are certainly far better. They help use up unwanted elements in the tank, and help to contribute to wanted elements. They look much, much better (when healthy) and I have found that it creates a more natural setting for the fish.

I've done some experimenting and have found without a doubt that fry grow considerably faster in well planted tanks then not.

There are some things to consider before you get them though. Lighting and substrate must be considered, as well as what kind of plants you will be keeping. You also need to decide if you are going to go with c02 injection. Planted tanks are all about balance, and it takes practice to get it right. Not enough nutrients and the plants won't do well. Too much and you will get algae problems. Too much light and not enough co2 will also effect the plants, as well as two little light and too much co2. Then you need to consider that planted tanks are a little more work. Fast growing plans need to be pruned regularly. Leaves will fall off or get torn off, and these should be cleaned up regularly to keep the water cleaner. Algae is something you are pretty much guaranteed to have to deal with as you work on getting that balance right in your tank.

I highly recommend planted aquaria, but I also recommend considering the pro's and con's before jumping in. Planted aquaria can be a whole hobby on its own.

 

[Ricey]

plants release oxygen into the water during the day, and then release CO2 during the night.

be careful not to overplant your tank! you could starve you fish of oxygen during the night. also dont forget the plants will grow over time!

 

[Tropjunky]

plants better more natural and they take out some of the pollutants.

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> you could starve you fish of oxygen during the night

Unless you are grossly overstocked, this will not be a problem. If you are grossly overstocked, you should address that before worrying about taking up more space in your tank.