Are Plastic Aquarium Plants Right for Your Fish? Your Questions Answered

Plastic plants for your aquarium are the low-maintenance alternatives to actual plant life. While some enjoy the authenticity of natural plants and the ecosystemic advantages they bring to a fish tank, others prefer to skip the upkeep and avoid upsetting the existing pH balance. Some avoid using aquarium plastic plants altogether out of safety concerns for their fish, but we’re here to say that they’re a fine choice for your fish tank. So, let’s make like a fish and explore the hidden nooks and crannies of plastic plants in an aquarium.

Are Plastic Aquarium Plants Safe?

So long as plastic plants are built for aquarium use, they should be safe for fish. The only exception to this rule would be in the case of fish with delicate features—the likes of telescope eye goldfish or long-tailed bettas—which are vulnerable to catching on sharp corners. In cases such as these, you should opt for silk plants instead. Nevertheless, in some form or another, artificial plants are not only safe for fish, but also an excellent way to decorate an aquarium while providing some much-needed stimulation for your fish. Think of them as a playground in which fish can explore or find hidey-holes to break the monotony of cubicle life.

Should I Choose Silk or Plastic Plants?

So, are plastic or silk aquarium plants better? That depends on what you and your fish prefer! While silk plants will interact with water in a similar way to natural plants, plastic aquarium plants will hold their ground and appear more bulky. If you house feisty fish such as cichlids, you may prefer plastic plants for your fish tank, as they are more resilient against boisterous tank activity. Plastic is also more durable than silk and is easier to clean, requiring little more than a wipe down, whereas silk will need dusting, spraying and a fabric protector. While silk better simulates the appearance and movement of natural plant life, plastic is the lower-maintenance option.

Tips for Using Plastic Plants in Your Aquarium

If you’re filling your fish tank with plastic plants rather than natural ones, you’ll need to ensure you’re undertaking the light maintenance that comes along with it. While plastic aquarium plants are the low-maintenance option, they’re also not a one-and-done deal you’ll never have to tend to again. The major thing to bear in mind is that real plants carry biological value to fish and contribute to oxygenating the tank. Obviously, plastic alternatives will not perform this function, so you’ll need to compensate for this using a filter for oxygen circulation.

If you find yourself wondering, ‘why are my plastic aquarium plants turning black or brown?’, you’ve likely left them in long enough to attract brown algae. It may seem gross, but it’s actually rather common for plastic to accumulate this stuff. The good news is, you can resolve—and even avoid—this issue with regular scrubbing and dusting. In the case of more stubborn algae threads, some more advanced cleaning methods describe how best to clean plastic plants in an aquarium. In extreme cases, you can bleach your plastic plants by creating a bleach solution—separate to the aquarium!—at a ratio of two tablespoons of bleach per 3.8 litres of water. Soak your plants in the solution for no longer than a few minutes (lest they lose their colour), rinse them thoroughly and leave them to air dry—preferably in natural sunlight. The latter two steps will be your best defence against lingering bleach, which is harmful to fish (or anyone, really) if ingested.

In the interests of preserving fish safety, we would urge you to avoid cleaning your plants with soap or any other chemicals that could harm a fish. Essentially, exercise common sense and use only plastic plants designed for a fish tank.

Plastic Aquarium Plants for Sale at Aquarium Kingdom

If you’re looking to invest in some plastic aquarium plants, we have the perfect assortment for sale at Aquarium Kingdom. Now you know how to clean plastic plants in an aquarium, you can purchase your favourite set stress-free! Shop our range of fish tank plastic plants today to add a touch of colour and whimsy to your tank the low-maintenance way. Which plants will you pick?