Plants: Live vs Silk?

[BettaBuddy123]

Hi there folks!

I've been having a heck of a time keeping my live plants from dying off on me. One rotted away and made a real mess of my tank. The other (not sure what it is) seems to be doing okay, though every so often I have to pick off a brown leaf.

My question though, is given the fact that I don't have much of a green thumb, would it be worth it to switch to silk plants so they don't bother my water levels? I imagine my fish would prefer the live to the silk, but would there be a good reason not to switch, especially if I forsee another plant death in the future?

Tanks!

[Kenny G]

I prefer to use fake plants over real ones. They look great and are soft. Plus as you stated it doesn't affect my water levels. It makes my 2 tanks easier to clean. At the end of the day you have to do what's best for you and decide whats going to make your life easier.

[MrVampire181]

I prefer plastic, provided its soft.

Plastic = cheaper and more easily available.

Silk = more expensive and less chance of fin damage on heavy finned males.

[Chibi]

I actually have all three in my tank, 2 silk and 2 plastic and growing a live plant(idk what it is xD). My betta seems to enjoy all three of them. It really comes down to what you want in your tank. Good luck deciding!

[aokashi]

Live plants are great :O it's like a living growing fish poison removal. as long as you have the correct plants for your lighting situation. If you don't have any lights, well... I guess silk :D

[Aus]

^ +1

Plants need sunlight (real or artificial) to live. If my tank didn't have light, I'd go for silk.

[Shadyr]

I think the live plants really help with my water - the live tanks are also much prettier, I think. However, I have found some unwelcome guests will try to come in with/on the plants, so make sure to quarantine them too!

I discovered tiny worms in one tank, and I think I got some bonus actual mystery snails, or at least their origin is a mystery. No idea what kind of snails they really are.

*tosses Coppersafe in Chicory's tank to nuke the last of the nematodes*

[misty1477]

I have silk fern-like plants in Sparkle's tank. They look real nice + they are soft/flowing + no worries about fins being ripped + tank keeps clean (nothing dying in it) + Sparkle loves to rest/sleep in them. I believe silk is the best way to go especially if you don't have a 'green thumb' and/or don't have time to deal with live plants. NEVER use PLASTIC....toooooo rough on betta fins. Good Luck with your choice :)

[BettaBuddy123]

Thanks so much guys! Sounds like I could go either way, then. I think I'll wait it out with these live ones and see if they make a comeback. (I would love to leave them in if I can). If not, however, I'll chock it up to being a better fish mom than plant mom, and swap to the silk. Thanks for easing my conscience on this one!

[aokashi]

What plants do you have in right now? from your profile picture I think you have dracenea which is not a true aquatic plant, and should be removed immediately. you can pot those instead and have a pretty pot plant