Want to use real plants

[George&Ade]

Hi.Ive been browsing the members aquarium pictures section of tanks with real plants and they are fantastic.
Im going to get rid of my plastic ones tomorrow and buy some real ones instead(i reckon they look much better and probably better for the fish too)
Ive done a little bit of research on what types of plants to use as a "first timer"e.g.how easy they are to look after,the rate of growth etc...
My question is...will this "frighten the fish to death" when i change everything around???
I will syphon off about 30% of the water,
Remove all the plastic plants,
Clean the surface of the gravel,
Re-arrange a couple of the ornaments,
Then plant the new plants into the gravel.
(thinking of getting a mixture of tall and short ones)
Basically.....do you think this may be too traumatic for the fish,or ok if i go about this in a slow and gentle manner??
Tank levels (ammonia...nitrates etc...have been perfect for a bout 4 weeks)
Doing weekly 20% water changes.
All the fish seem perfectly healthy and also have 9 balloon guppy fry in a small seperate tank inside main one.(2 weeks old)

 

[De Plano]

This may sound callous, but there is only one way to find out.

People regularly rearrange their tanks, so I don't think it would be too big of a deal for them.

Good luck and enjoy

 

[Rose]

The only other thing i would have to say is make sure you read ALL the pinned topics I have in the gardens section. They will help you a lot.

Rose

 

[Bol]

The fish should be fine, George (or Ade ). It might help if you focus on one half of the tank at a time (do the left, while the fish hide on the right, then switch).

 

[George&Ade]

Many thanks for the replies.
Ive actually changed the tank yesterday.
Syphoned out 40% of the water,removed all the plastic plants and other decorations then (lightly) cleaned the gravel.
Then planted the new live plants i got from my local garden centre (aquarium dept.)
Added fresh water (used a dechlorinator) and fitted the "Wall of bubbles" that goes right oround the outside of the tank.
Right from the word "go"....i took my time and tried to make as little noise as possible so not to frighten the fish too much.
It seems to have worked.
They are all swimming around quite happily and exploring their new home.
Hope this piccy gives you an idea of what its like now........i love it!!!!

 

[cometcattle]

Looks Great G&A.