Can non-aquarium silk plants go in an aquarium?

[teeneythebetta]

Are regular silk plants meant to be used as decoration in your home safe to put in a fish tank? I feel it'd be cheaper if I can find some that would look good in my tank.

[xjenuhfur]

Make sure there is no metal in them, and soak them in water to leech any excess dyes out. But they'll work.

[Shirleythebetta]

I did a butterfly themed tank once with them. As stated soak them to make sure there is no dye leaching and no metal! :) I have a thread with the pics "Butterfly themed tank" if you want to check that out.

[labloverl]

I wondered about the same thing. I found some nice looking green leaves in the floral department of walmart that looked similar to my silk plants in the tank. Some are more like plastic though, but hopefully that wouldn't matter.

[xjenuhfur]

Also, make sure to use the pantyhose test on them! :)

[MollyJean]

and don't get anything scented!

I've been using normal store bought silk plants for years and have never had a problem. Just look out for sharp or pointy plastic. You can cut dangerous parts off very easily.

[labloverl]

I'm so glad to know that I can use those! I'd love to see pics of of these things in tanks.

[teeneythebetta]

Thanks everyone! My walmart only had flowers, none just leafy plants :P Lowes doesn't sell fake plants. But I stopped into dollar tree and got a couple. Gonna soak them tonight & add them tomorrow, will post pics if I remember to. xD

[labloverl]

the ones I got from dollar tree had small metal wires underneath their plastic coating. Seems like all of them would have metal in them, or I just haven't found a completely plastic one.

[teeneythebetta]

Originally Posted by labloverl

the ones I got from dollar tree had small metal wires underneath their plastic coating. Seems like all of them would have metal in them, or I just haven't found a completely plastic one.

Thank you SO much. I didn't think to cut it open I assumed it was plastic. Mine have metal too. POO.