Artificial Plants vs Live Plants: Which Is More Suitable for Beginners?
Among the numerous aspects involved in setting up a home aquarium, one of the first decisions a person asked about is whether to include artificial plants and live plants in the aquarium. Both of them are attractive to look at, but they function in vastly different ways in an aquarium.
This guide will help you understand the true differences and let you decide what would be best for your very first aquarium.
What Are Fake Aquarium Plants?
Artificial plants are imitative decorations that come in plastic or silk. They do not grow, do not require light, and do not develop or change.
Disadvantages of Real Plants
No special care required
So, No need for plant light
“Don’t die or melt”
Modern homes focus a lot on interior design, considering
Artificial plants would appear to be the easiest solution for a beginner who only needs decoration.
Disadvantages of Faux Plants
Do not improve water quality
Years of useful service will be lost due to the
Sharp edges can injure fins of fish
Do not decrease algae
Artificial plants are purely aesthetic; they do not benefit your aquarium environment.
What Are Live Aquarium Plants?
Live plants are real aquatic plants that grow inside the tank. Many beginners think that live plants are difficult, but that’s not always the case.
Advantages of Live Plants
Absorb fish waste (natural filtration)
Reduce algae growth
Add oxygen to the water
Fish feel safer and less stressed
The tank looks more natural
Live plants help balance the aquarium and actually reduce maintenance in the long run.
Disadvantages of Live Plants
Need some light
May grow slowly
Some plants need trimming
Poor-quality plants may melt at first
These problems are small when you choose beginner-friendly plants.
Maintenance: Which Is Easier?
People may think that artificial plants are easier to take care of, but this is a misconception. Artificial plants require many cleanings due to the accumulation of dirt and algae.
Live plants: These
Absorb waste
Stop water pollution
Keep the water clearer
When the plants have taken hold in the tank, maintenance becomes less laborious.
Winner: Live Plants (Long-Term)
Impact on Fish Health
Fish feel more at ease in natural conditions.
Fake plants:
Provide Hiding Places
But don’t improve water quality
LIVE PLANTS
Enhance oxygenation
Reduces stress
Encourage natural behavior
Fish in an aquarium are always healthier and more active in a tank with some aquatic plants.
Winner: Live plants
Cost Comparison
Cost Comparisons
Fake plants:
One-time purchase
Very cheap initially
Requires replacement when damaged
Live Plants:
Slightly higher starting costs
Grow and multiply
Remaining for years
In the long run, a live plant is more economical.
Best Choice for Absolute Beginners
“If you want no plant care and just ornamentation, you can settle for plastic plants or silk plants or whatever you want to call them. But if you want:
Cleaner water
Healthier fish
Less algae
More natural look
Finally, real plants are the preferred alternative.
It is easy to give advice when it comes to gardening when you are dealing with a beginner
Best Live Plants for Beginners
If you choose live plants, start with these:
Java Fern
Anubias
Hornwort
Water Wisteria
Money Plant (roots only)
These plants:
Need low light
No CO₂ required
Survive beginner mistakes
Final Verdict
Live plants will always prove beneficial for novice aquarium owners compared to other decorative elements such as fake plants. Live plants maintain the cleanliness of the water, keep the fish healthful, and make the aquarium easy to maintain. You wouldn’t require fake plants for your aquarium since they won’t benefit your aquarium in the least.
A planted tank with simple plants is sometimes less stressful to maintain than a tank with artificial plants.
If you are just beginning, you can begin by adding one or two live plants. You can see the difference yourself.