Live vs plastic plants….

[Maximus146]

Currently I have only plastic plants in the tank but was thinking about introducing some live ones. I had an issue with one-off my fish where a metal wire running through the plastic plant got lodged into the abdomen of one of my piranha (he’s ok now as it must’ve been removed during some time in a fish net). But anyways, are there any pros and or cons about live plants? I was told they’re good in absorbing some of the nitrates in the tank from feeding. But are there any other pros about having them? Do they oxygenate the water at all, do the piranha eat them at all (guess that might depend on the plant species), are they less messy or messier than plastic plants (we all know how these guys rip through the tank and plants), is algae less likely to grow on them, do I need to be more cognizant about removing pieces that are torn off the plants (does it become toxic?)….etc.
Any info or experience from you guys that could help me out?
Thanks,
Chris

 

[tlindsey]

Currently I have only plastic plants in the tank but was thinking about introducing some live ones. I had an issue with one-off my fish where a metal wire running through the plastic plant got lodged into the abdomen of one of my piranha (he’s ok now as it must’ve been removed during some time in a fish net). But anyways, are there any pros and or cons about live plants? I was told they’re good in absorbing some of the nitrates in the tank from feeding. But are there any other pros about having them? Do they oxygenate the water at all, do the piranha eat them at all (guess that might depend on the plant species), are they less messy or messier than plastic plants (we all know how these guys rip through the tank and plants), is algae less likely to grow on them, do I need to be more cognizant about removing pieces that are torn off the plants (does it become toxic?)….etc.
Any info or experience from you guys that could help me out?
Thanks,
Chris

I suggest Amazon Swords but you will have to insert root tabs under the base of the plant every month. The Piranha should not eat the plants but if they grazed a leaf with their mouth possible for leaf to get torn. Yes plants do absorb some Nitrate and give off Oxygen. The Amazon Plant is not toxic.

 

[tlindsey]

Other plant options would be Anubius or Java Fern because they can grow in low light. Although I feed now had both species before and they both grew without added nutrients.

 

[tlindsey]

The only downside to both Anubius and Java Fern is that the rhizome cannot be buried or it will rot. Most tie or glue the plant to Driftwood or on stones.

 

[esoxlucius]

I'm old enough to remember the awful plastic plants that used to be on offer years back. Nowadays there are some really life-like and extremely beautiful fake plants.

But there's nothing like having a crack at the real thing. I'm certainly no aqua gardener and to get to the stage I'm at now has, at times, been frustrating to say the least. Below is a snippet of my 180g. Looks great but it's been quite a journey to get to this stage.

Yes, they will take up a little nitrate. Yes, bits break off which, if left, can clog up filters and/or foul the water. Yes, some fish will frustrate the hell out of you by constantly picking at them. Yes, algae can grow on them, made worse if your lighting is too strong/on too long, or you have a nutrient imbalance etc.

If I was you I'd start off with no lofty expectations. Take it slow, do lots of research on lights and substrate. I'd stay clear of CO2 at this stage, maybe something for the future if you really get into it.

Try lots of plants, most will die, but some will do ok. And give them time. Most will look like they're dying back at first, this is common.

If all else fails, and you really struggle with live plants, then there are those great looking modern fake plants to fall back on.

Good luck.

 

[Deadeye]

My piranha would even eat plastic plants so…

If you’re going to try it, I’d go for Anubias or java fern because they are tough, or hornwort because it grows like a weed.

 

[fishguy1978]

Real plants Everytime. Crypts, Amazon swords, Anubis, java Fern and miss, susswassertang, vals, dwarf sag.
Piranha will nibble possibly even destroy most plants. Good luck. I have seen planted silver dollar tanks so a plant piranha tank could work.

 

[Deadeye]

Real plants Everytime. Crypts, Amazon swords, Anubis, java Fern and miss, susswassertang, vals, dwarf sag.
Piranha will nibble possibly even destroy most plants. Good luck. I have seen planted silver dollar tanks so a plant piranha tank could work.

True. If silvers can go with plants, it should be no trouble with piranha.
F FJB , wanna give it a try?

 

[eon aquatics]

i like live plants but aquatic plants seem much more difficult to grow than terrestrial plants

 

[FJB]

I would say give it a try, don’t be completely disappointed with initial lack of success, and instead try another type in one doesn’t work. Cryptocorynes and Java fern seem to not be very palatable to serrasalmids. Perhaps because they are not native to SAmerica. I believe Hydrophila may work too and possibly Anubias, as suggested. Foxtail and hornwort are also supossed to be unpalatable. Good luck!