Something I just dont get

[clownfishmama]

I don’t get why some people judge others for using artificial plants or corals in their tanks. I’ve seen so many comments (not on here specifically) saying you shouldn't be keeping fish if you don’t have real plants or corals, but I think it’s important to remember that it’s your tank, your choice.

Artificial plants and decorations can be just as beautiful, low-maintenance, and practical as live plants. They don’t require special lighting, they won’t decompose and release toxins into the water, and they’re often easier to manage, especially in smaller tanks. Plus, some fish do better in environments where live plants or corals aren’t necessary.

Plant people aren’t always fish people, and vice versa. Some love the challenge of keeping live plants and corals, but for others, it’s all about what works best for their fish and lifestyle. Ultimately, as long as your water quality is good, your fish are healthy, and they have plenty of space to swim, that’s what truly matters.

Tanks aren’t one-size-fits-all! Let’s remember that there’s no right or wrong way to decorate a tank—what matters most is creating a healthy environment for our fish. Keep enjoying the hobby in whatever way makes you happy!

 

[Reef-Mart]

Ignore other people. If your tank is healthy and you enjoy it then you’re winning.

 

[TX_REEF]

Agreed, I think lots of it is (strong) personal preference that people enjoy sharing their passionate opinions about. There is no right or wrong here.

 

[JTP424]

I think the only time I've ever said no fake plants is in a quarantine situation where a fish looked like it was "scratched" after placing in quarantine and the fake plants were a potential cause.
Also if there was an unknown issue, i.e. potential chemical leaching.
So like you said so long as everything is healthy :)

 

[BryanM]

Agreed, though I have a very strong preference for natural.

 

[Tahoe61]

I wasn't aware this was an issue. Are we gonna worry about the use of colored gravel next? Probably not.
If it's not my cup of tea I just scroll right on by.

 

[Dkcav59]

I don’t get why some people judge others for using artificial plants or corals in their tanks. I’ve seen so many comments (not on here specifically) saying you shouldn't be keeping fish if you don’t have real plants or corals, but I think it’s important to remember that it’s your tank, your choice.

Artificial plants and decorations can be just as beautiful, low-maintenance, and practical as live plants. They don’t require special lighting, they won’t decompose and release toxins into the water, and they’re often easier to manage, especially in smaller tanks. Plus, some fish do better in environments where live plants or corals aren’t necessary.

Plant people aren’t always fish people, and vice versa. Some love the challenge of keeping live plants and corals, but for others, it’s all about what works best for their fish and lifestyle. Ultimately, as long as your water quality is good, your fish are healthy, and they have plenty of space to swim, that’s what truly matters.

Tanks aren’t one-size-fits-all! Let’s remember that there’s no right or wrong way to decorate a tank—what matters most is creating a healthy environment for our fish. Keep enjoying the hobby in whatever way makes you happy!

THANK YOU!! My tank is 14 months old. Kept only fish and live rock the first 6 months then ventured into soft corals. All my parameters were right, but, just couldn't keep them alive! I have a GSP that's doing fairly well. I was so stressed about my tank, and corals not making it that I was ready to do a tear down and get rid of everything and possibly go back to fresh water. But, here's the thing: I absolutely ADORE my fish! I have 2 clowns, 2 cardinals( Bangaii & Pajama) a GORGEOUS Coral Beauty, yellow tail blue damsel, 2 Halloween crabs, 3 blue legged crabs, assorted Snails and the cutest little Conch. I lost my Falco Hawkfish this week and I cried like a baby! Hawkeye was just an adorable flirt. I've been contemplating the use of artificial plants and resin corals. I'm gonna go for it!

 

[Should I]

i would 100% use fake corals in my tank as i have not been able to successfully keep a coral in the 6 years i have been in this hobby BUT i was very lazy with testing this time i try i am getting automatic testers ect to monitor every day what is going on

 

[littlefoxx]

I don’t get why some people judge others for using artificial plants or corals in their tanks. I’ve seen so many comments (not on here specifically) saying you shouldn't be keeping fish if you don’t have real plants or corals, but I think it’s important to remember that it’s your tank, your choice.

Artificial plants and decorations can be just as beautiful, low-maintenance, and practical as live plants. They don’t require special lighting, they won’t decompose and release toxins into the water, and they’re often easier to manage, especially in smaller tanks. Plus, some fish do better in environments where live plants or corals aren’t necessary.

Plant people aren’t always fish people, and vice versa. Some love the challenge of keeping live plants and corals, but for others, it’s all about what works best for their fish and lifestyle. Ultimately, as long as your water quality is good, your fish are healthy, and they have plenty of space to swim, that’s what truly matters.

Tanks aren’t one-size-fits-all! Let’s remember that there’s no right or wrong way to decorate a tank—what matters most is creating a healthy environment for our fish. Keep enjoying the hobby in whatever way makes you happy!

The only thing that I always worry about is how the salt interacts with the materials the decor is made out of since everything is made for freshwater! Ive always wanted to put some fun things on my fowlr tank (like a ship) to watch the eels swim in and out of!

Does anyone have a suggestion for that since we are talking about it???

 

[Should I]

The only thing that I always worry about is how the salt interacts with the materials the decor is made out of since everything is made for freshwater! Ive always wanted to put some fun things on my fowlr tank (like a ship) to watch the eels swim in and out of!

Does anyone have a suggestion for that since we are talking about it???

yea that's the reason i have never added anything

 

[exnisstech]

The only thing that I always worry about is how the salt interacts with the materials the decor is made out of since everything is made for freshwater! Ive always wanted to put some fun things on my fowlr tank (like a ship) to watch the eels swim in and out of!

Does anyone have a suggestion for that since we are talking about it???

Same. I had fake plants that deteriorated in freshwater over time. I would be afraid to use fresh water decorations in SW