A tricky question that beginner aquascapers ask is: Should you use artificial or live plants in your aquarium? 

If you're a beginner, you most probably hear more about starting with artificial plants. And here are some reasons

1. Artificial plants are easy to maintain and simple to clean. 

2. You do not need any prior knowledge in taking care of a plant and keeping them looking good. 

3. Sometimes, artificial plants display a more realistic appearance than the real ones as the manufacturers of artificial plants. Aside from that, these plants move in the water flow naturally, like the live ones. 

Artificial plants are a nice choice for anyone who wants to add color and movement to their aquarium without the hassle of taking care of live plants. It is true that live plants require proper care and are somewhat challenging to maintain, while artificial plants provide instant appeal with no effort.

Pros of Artificial Plants

• Artificial plants are easy to clean.

• Artificial plants are easy to remove to clean, and then you can put them back, and from there, it can look like new.

• Artificial plants don’t die.

• Artificial plants require no special aquarium lighting systems.

Cons of Artificial Plants

• Artificial plants do not provide oxygen nor produce nutrients. In other words, it does not absorb nitrates, which is harmful for aquatic pets. 

• Artificial plants cannot provide a natural food source for fish.

• Artificial plants cannot help control the algae growth, and they are susceptible to massive growth of algae. 

Advantages of Live Plants

If you are a beginner aquarist and if you prefer live plants in a low-tech plant, you can consider the following:. 

• Live plants need CO2, balanced nutrition, and proper lighting.

• Most beginners start with putting the fish in the tank and then adding live plants later, which can lead to algae problems.

• Algae can grow fast inside a tank without enough plants that absorb the excess nutrients. 

How to successfully take care of the Live Plants

If you want to choose live plants instead of the artificial ones, consider the following:

1. Buy as many plants as possible before adding shrimp, snails, or fish to have balanced nutrients.

2. Start with a few fish to reduce excess waste.

3. Use proper lighting and nutrients to keep the plant’s optimum health.

Once you find the right balance, you can then enjoy the incredible benefits of the live plants. They are 100% live and real (because they are!). They can help with water quality by absorbing the excess nutrients. Fish and other aquatic pets interact more naturally with live plants.

Whether you choose artificial or live plants, each has its pros and cons. Artificial plants are perfect for beginners who are on a little budget looking for low-maintenance and easy-to-clean options. On the other hand, live plants , can help enhance water quality and create a more natural environment for your fish, most especially when properly maintained. 

Let us know in the comments—do you prefer artificial or live plants?