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Goldfish Aquarium – Should I Add Real or Artificial Aquatic Plants To Fish Tank?

When you first get in the aquarium hobby, buy your first goldfish people often debate whether or not they should add real aquarium plants or artificial water plants to their fish tank. It really depends on you! There are many benefits of adding real live aquatic plants to your aquarium rather then buying artificial aquarium plants. Do you want the real look or the fake look? Natural looking aquariums with real water plants look amazing but don’t think for a moment you can’t have a nice loking aquarium with artificial aquatic plants either.

Live Aquarium Plants For Fish Tanks Are Very Beneficial

Ultimately it’s up to you! Personally I like both and there are pros and cons that might make up your decision. Here are some pros and cons for live aquarium plants versus artificial aquarium plants:

Live Aquarium Plants – Pros / Benefits

1. Helps filter your aquarium by removing harmful toxins
2. Provides you a natural looking environment for the aquarium fish
3. Provides a food source for your fish that they can nibble on and eat
4. Offers great hiding spots for baby fish to hide from larger fish
5. Produces oxygen in the water during the day
6. Helps control against algae

Cons

1. Produces carbon dioxide at night, you must ensure you have good aeration in your tank
2. Maintenance needed such as trimming live aquarium plants back so it does not take over your tank
3. Needs good lighting for aquarium plant growth
4. Can carry fish parasites, ensure they are treated or come from a fish tank that has no diseases or parasites

Artificial Aquarium Plants – Pros

1. Less maintenance and no need to trim plants back
2. No aquarium heater needed if you have coldwater fish such as goldfish
3. Fish can not eat and destroy your aquarium plants
4. Great for new beginners on aquariums, simply place it in your tank and that’s it!
5. No chance of introducing fish diseases and parasites to your aquarium

Cons

1. Does not help filter the water to make it safe for your fish
2. Does not add oxygen to the water
3. Does not help against algae
4. Does not provide a food source for fish

No matter what you decide your aquarium will look good either way whether you have live aquarium plants or fake articial plants. Whether you have goldfish or tropical fish you can still enjoy both. Decorate your fish tank with aquarium decor, add some live or artificial aquarium plants and enjoy the hobby. Make your aquarium look the way you want. I know I like a natural looking aquarium with live aquatic plants but artificial ones look nice too!

What do you prefer to have, live aquarium plants or artificial plants? Share your thoughts and opinions.