In this post, we will understand if it is safe to have fake plants in the same tank as the betta fish.
Are fake plants recommended to place in a betta fish aquarium?
Synthetic plants can be placed anywhere in your tank without regard for substrate, temperature, or pH, and they don’t need fertilizer. Betta fish require plants to mimic their native environment as well as to offer to hide and resting spaces. Despite their fighting fish moniker, betta fish are cautious and nervous under normal conditions. Plants are especially helpful in separated tanks and communal tanks for safety and stress reduction.
Plants can enhance the appearance of your tank and make it more authentic to that of a natural environment.
Beginner fish keepers begin with fake plants
Beginners sometimes begin with artificial plants for their betta fish and to enhance the visual attractiveness of their tank. However, unless the plastic is soft and not jagged, you must pick silk plants over plastic plants. Betta fish have sensitive fins that are readily ripped by rough plastic edges.
Silk plants are interesting to keep in the tank. They are not at risk of decaying, dying, being eaten by tank mates, or transmitting illness, and they are reasonably cheap. They lack the helpful properties of genuine plants, such as oxygenating the water and absorbing betta waste.
There are many varieties and colors of imitation plastic and silk plants available, but those that look like live plant options below should be included.
A good mix of foreground, mid-ground, background, and even floating silk plants is ideal for simulating a realistic betta fish environment.
Just be careful not to overdo it, since this will make it difficult for your betta to reach the surface for feeding and oxygen. Before putting a new plastic or silk plant in your betta’s tank, always clean it in hot water to remove any bacteria, dust, or dirt.
Fake plant care
Always rinse a new plastic or silk plant in hot water before adding it to your betta’s tank to eliminate any germs, dust, or dirt. Fake plants can also attract algae, and feces can build up on the leaves and in cracks. When cleaning your tank, properly clean and rinse (with hot water) any fake plants and other decorations.
Real vs. Fake Plants in Betta Tanks
The first major decision you’ll have to make when deciding what plants to place in your tank is whether you want real or artificial plants.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Fake Plants
Pros:
- There is a large selection to pick from, and it is possible to obtain a range of appearances and styles.
- It is not necessary to match aquarium water specifications (temp, pH, substrate)
- They are inedible to fish.
- There is little danger of importing illness or pests.
Cons:
- It will not aid in the maintenance of your aquarium’s water balance.
- The majority appear tacky.
- Chemicals may spill into your tank.
- Don’t add oxygen to your water.
- Nitrates should not be reduced.
- Don’t stifle algae growth.
The majority of synthetic/fake plants are made of plastic, although they can also be made of silk or other fabrics. There are many different types of synthetic plants to pick from, and many of them come in vibrant hues, so they may either look like genuine plants or give a new aesthetic to your aquarium.
The biggest advantage of having a non-living plant is that it takes significantly less upkeep than a living plant. Synthetic plants may be planted at any location in your tank, regardless of substrate, temperature, or pH, and they do not require fertilizer.
Another advantage of synthetic plants is that fish cannot consume them. This not only keeps them from being damaged, as a real plant would but also keeps them from being clogged in your tank’s filter.
Finally, synthetic plants are often less expensive than genuine plants, especially if you are starting from scratch with a big tank. They also arrive ready to use in the tank and provide a little risk of introducing illnesses or parasites.
Synthetic plants, on the other hand, do not supply any of the biological functions that genuine plants provide for your aquarium. They don’t absorb nitrates or carbon dioxide, they don’t create oxygen, they don’t hinder algae development, and they don’t provide an alternate food supply for fish.
It’s also vital to be cautious about the materials used to make synthetic plants, as some plastics can leak toxins into the water and kill betta fish.
If you want to include a fake plant in your tank, you should use silk.
Conclusion
In this article, we learned if it is safe to have fake plants in the same tank as betta fish.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Are fake plants recommended to place in a betta fish aquarium?
Is it acceptable for the betta to eat plastic plants?
It doesn’t matter if the plants you pick are genuine or fake as long as they don’t contain sharp parts that can shred sensitive betta fins. Running a pair of pantyhose over your plants might help you identify if they are safe. If the hoses do not snag, your betta will be safe.
Is it safe for fish to eat artificial plants?
Artificial plants are not devoured or destroyed by fish, and they do not decay, so filters do not clog and the plants retain their shape for a longer period. They do not require any unique environmental conditions, such as substrates, temperature, pH, or fertilization, and may thus be placed wherever in the tank.
Do fish require artificial plants in their tanks?
Not always. Live aquarium plants are not required to create a functional, healthy fish tank.
While aquarium plants are not required, they do provide several advantages to a fish tank and its occupants.
Are live plants suitable for aquariums?
Plants can help remove carbon dioxide buildup in densely loaded tanks. Live plants also absorb ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates from trash, which can kill fish if allowed to accumulate.
References
Top 17 Best Plants For Your Betta Fish Tank (Live & Fake in 2022)
Betta Fish Plants: Best Live and Fake Options
What Plants are Safe for Betta Fish?
