Helping You Make the Right Choice
When it comes to stocking an aquarium, there’s a debate that people just can’t seem to settle on: real plants or fake plants? While both options have their pros and cons, the benefits of live plants far outweigh those of artificial ones. Here’s everything you need to know about how they can make your aquarium healthier and more attractive.
Visual Appeal
One of the biggest advantages of live plants is their natural beauty. Think of it like this: a bunch of real flowers is always going to look more appealing than artificial ones. The same goes for plants in an aquarium. Live plants are as unique as they are beautiful, with no two being exactly the same. In contrast, artificial plants can look a little flat and lifeless, and it can be hard to create a truly natural-looking environment with them in a tank.
The Benefits for Your Fish
Live plants provide a multitude of benefits for your fish, from creating hiding places and reducing stress to providing a natural food source. Many species of fish will graze on live plants, and this can help to supplement their diet and promote healthy digestion. Live plants also help to maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, such as ammonia and nitrite, that can be toxic to your fish.
A Balanced Aquarium
Live plants release oxygen into the water. This increased oxygenation benefits your fish, helping to boost their respiration and reduce stress. They can also help to regulate the water’s pH, temperature and hardness level. It goes without saying that artificial plants do not do any of this, so they really aren’t adding anything that will benefit your fish in any way! If you’re looking to truly enrich your aquarium, then live plants are the way to go!
What About Maintenance?
One common misconception about live plants is that they require extensive maintenance. While it’s true that live plants do need some care, the benefits far outweigh the extra effort. In fact, live plants can actually reduce maintenance in the long run. By absorbing excess nutrients and producing oxygen, live plants help to reduce the need for frequent water changes. So, you’ll save yourself time and effort in the long run!
If you source your plants from a trusted supplier, they’ll give you all the information you need to look after them and keep them looking their best. Once you know how to care for them, you’ll find that maintaining your live aquarium plants is a breeze!
What Next?
While artificial plants may seem like a convenient alternative, the benefits of live plants are far greater. If you’re not sure where to start, head to a reputable stockist and they will be able to point you in the direction of the most suitable plants for your aquarium.
