Fake plants for an ambush predator tank

[badassissimo]

Hello,

I'm in the process of locating some South American Leaf fish and setting up a tank for them. I would love to have anubis but would like to make the leap for those later when I can afford good lighting to really grow them. For the moment, does anyone know of a good substitute that is non-toxic? The fish tries to blend in with plants that are their body shape. I won't be using the forest leaves from their biotope but would like either an anubis substitute or even a fake, non-toxic leaf like what would be in a biotope for a South American leaf fish.

 

[badassissimo]

any ideas for where to go for non-toxic plants?

 

[tlindsey]

any ideas for where to go for non-toxic plants?

Plastic Amazon Sword Plants you can order them off Amazon.

 

[J. H.]

Plants from your local stream or lake. Wash with a little bleach and rinse well to dispose of any possible hitchhikers. Plants taken from deep water or a shady spot are more likely to be able to handle the dim light in your tank. If they die, they where free . Any light fixture set over the tank will increase their chances.

 

[badassissimo]

Plants from your local stream or lake. Wash with a little bleach and rinse well to dispose of any possible hitchhikers. Plants taken from deep water or a shady spot are more likely to be able to handle the dim light in your tank. If they die, they where free . Any light fixture set over the tank will increase their chances.

Not a bad idea because there is a rice canal 1/4 mile from the house and I'm surrounded by ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, what have you in SWLA.

 

[badassissimo]

amazon has plastic anubis too! I''m reading reviews to find out toxicity/use

 

[BIG-G]

I get that you want to try something different, But anubias will grow (slowly) under pretty dim lighting. Plus it's pretty cheap as far as aquarium plants go.
It would be worth a try to add some, you may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[badassissimo]

I get that you want to try something different, But anubias will grow (slowly) under pretty dim lighting. Plus it's pretty cheap as far as aquarium plants go.
It would be worth a try to add some, you may be pleasantly surprised.

I'm somewhat confused. Try live anubis? I did see some on ebay just now. Barteri. They do grow slowly, I've kept some. I'm more worried about budget at the moment. The aquarium startup and stock alone are somewhat of an expense. I thought I could cut a corner on plants and not have a bare tank.

 

[BIG-G]

Yes I understand about saving money but you will have a similar cost in fake anubias as to real and It may grow just fine under your current lighting. What kind of lightning do you have?