artificial aquarium

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Ok, let’s get controversial. There are millions of dollars, pounds, Euros (take your pick) being invested in producing beautiful artificial plants for freshwater aquariums and what a waste of time and effort.

What do they do for the fish? Absolutely nothing! I haven’t yet met a fish that is happy on a diet of plastic. Sure they look pretty, sometimes, and the colours set off the fish nicely, sometimes, but I bet your fish would look more colourful in a planted tank with healthy plants using up the nitrate and oxygenating the water.

If we are fish keepers, don’t we owe it to the fish to produce as natural an environment as possible for them? Fish have evolved over millions of years to thrive in their natural environment. Their natural environment includes plants, real live plants, not silk or plastic.

Real plants help to manage the water quality, they add oxygen, they provide cover and spawning ground for fish, they provide food for some species. Fish in a planted aquarium are happier and often more brightly coloured and more active than fish kept with artificial plants. So like I said why bother?

Grow real plants, sure it’s a little more effort but like gardening it is relaxing and rewarding. Challenging and frustrating at times and yes, you’ll have to do some research to find out exactly how to look after your plants but hey, it’s worth it.

There are a lot of aquarium plants out there which are really easy to keep. Buy yourself six or seven varieties, mix up the large with the small, add a couple of pieces of bog wood and a rock or two, some laterite in your substrate and then sit back and wait.

Okay, it’s not that easy but it isn’t difficult either. If you have house plants, why not have house plants in your aquarium and keep your fish happier and healthier?

Silk and plastic – So last year!

Nick North is a keen freshwater aquarium enthusiast and spends a great deal of his time writing articles to promote the hobby to anyone interested in taking it up as a pastime. He has now got his own website aimed at the new aquarium enthusiast which gives lots of useful information on starting your first freshwater aquarium. If you found this article useful check out the site at:

http://www.aquariumhintsandtips.com

9.4" Aquarium Tank Artificial Purple Blue Acicular Leaf Plants $9.97

3 Pcs Aquarium Artificial Tri-color Tropical Fish Decor $4.69

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Multi-colored Artificial Movable Tail Plastic Fish Decor for Aquarium $8.87

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Hanna Instruments HI 96822 Refractometer for Measuring Salinity of Natural and Artificial Seawater $176.67 ###############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################...

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Compucable USB Mini Desktop Aquarium $12.99 USB Mini Desktop Aquarium - Using a PC is sometimes not the most calming of experiences. So why not bring a little peace and tranquility to your digital life with this mini desktop aquarium!? Just fill it with water and plug it into any available USB port. A built-in motor creates a current for the 2 included tropical fish (yes, they are fake), letting them swim gently back and forth. And for thos...

3-Button USB Optical Scroll Wheel Aquarium Mouse This unique USB mouse features an aquarium with one plastic fish inside giving it a quirky look! Its 3-buttons, scroll wheel, and optical sensor provide style, precision and comfort! This optical scroll wheel mouse works on almost any surface with a superior resolution of up to 800 dpi and with its unique aquarium you'll be turning heads when you compute!...

3-Button PS/2 Optical Scroll Wheel Aquarium Mouse This unique PS/2 mouse features an aquarium with one plastic fish inside giving it a quirky look! Its 3-buttons, scroll wheel, and optical sensor provide style, precision and comfort! Thisoptical scroll wheelmouse works on almost any surface with a superior resolution of up to 800 dpi and with its unique aquarium you'll be turning heads when you compute!...

Fascinations Magic Jellyfish with LED Lights - 110v $29.25 This mesmerizing Jellyfish Aquarium will create tranquility and serenity to any room! Watch the realistic-looking fake jellyfish beautifully glide and swim in deep sea illumination. Multi-colored LED lighting gives this magical fake jellyfish aquarium a truly calming effect. Measures 9.7" L x 7.3" W x 2.5" D....

Magic Fishbowl $9.50 The Magic FishBowl is the perfect desktop pet. These aquatic acrobats will swim around their bowl all day long with no feeding or cleaning required.Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.5 x 4.5Recommended Ages: 8 years & Up...

Fabulous Fake Rubber Fish $3.77 Fabulous Fake Rubber Fish...