Real Plants or Plastic Plants or both?

[RacerFish]

: Hi Fish Peeps,
Well i'm just starting out my tank and I was wondering what would be the best plant to start with? Because right now i'm just starting out with plastic plants because i'm not very familiar with real plants, and i'm afraid that I won't be able to maintain as properly as my fish. So what would be the best plant to start with for beginners?

-FishCrazy

 

[colesea]

Hmm...well, that all depends upon how much research you want to do. I know experienced aquarist in the trade for years that won't go near live plants (myself included) even after all the research we've done into it simply because we can't be bothered.  I know people who just bought their first tank and have jumped into live plants with all the same amount of dedication they did with the fish, and have had wonderful success.  There are people who are lucky enough to get things to grow in conditions that most aquarist-gardeners would cringe at, there are people who don't have the knack for it even in the best set up tanks.  

It all depends upon what you want to do. What you get out of your aquarium is directly proportional to the effort you put into it.
~~Colesea

 

[RacerFish]

thanks for the input colesea. Well all I'm concerned with is the the fishses' happiness. Would they be happier if they had something alive other then them, or they really don't care? I don't want to be like this *twirlysmiley* I want them to be like this  *laughingcryingsmiley* get it? ok any input would be good.

*thumbsupsmiley*

 

[RacerFish]

thanks for the input colesea. Well all I'm concerned with is the the fishses' happiness. Would they be happier if they had something alive other then them, or they really don't care? I don't want to be like this  :'( I want them to be like this   *twirlysmiley* get it? ok any input would be good.

*thumbsupsmiley*

 

[Pooky125]

Personally, I love the look of live plants, but personally, mine aren't doing so hot.. I'd say, start with fake plants, get a bunch, and wait a few months, then, over time buy a few live plants every few weeks, and drop them in, while taking out the plastic in exchange.. thats how I'm doing my 12 gallon, and seems to be working pretty well. Other wise, I'd say, take some time to look at your options, gaze at the different varietys, and see what you like best...  
Here are some links for inspiration...
http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/?&op=showpage&name=view-showcase - Inspiration
http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2000.cgi?&op=showpage&name=view-showcase - More Inspiration
http://www.vectrapoint.com/main/infocentral.html - Tellls you how to start your own Amano Tank..
http://www.aquagoods.com./ - Click on Links, each one has a different Amano tank.
http://www.tropica.com/default.asp - Plants Info
http://www.trueaquariumplants.com/plants_list.asp?cat=Aquarium&dep=1 - More Plant Info..

Good luck, and have fun with what you choose!!   ;D

 

[colesea]

I honestly don't think fish know the difference between live and fake plants except that live ones are edible and fake ones are not. Although I have seen fish attempt to eat fake plants<G>.
~~Colesea