| By :
Bob Finklea
Some people prefer artificial grass or manufactured plants in plastic or silk. Many others prefer real grass which is transplanted from a lake, river, pond and wetlands or even from an aquarium plantation. There are advantages and disadvantages in choosing either the live version or the imitation. Of course, nothing beats the real one that is why many aquarists who master the hobby always aim to get only real grass in their aquarium. Most important is the grass can provide a great source of nutrients for the tank water and also look fantastic, as I once saw this aquarium in an insurance office with really long tall grass in the aquarium and the fish were darting in and out of it playfully. Grass also serves as both food and shelter for the fish. From the thousand species of plants, there are now hundreds of types of freshwater grass popularly used in aquariums. Some people prefer artificial grass or manufactured plants in plastic or silk. Some others prefer real grass, transplanted from the lake, river, pond and wetlands or from an aquarium plantation. Plenty of folks would rather have manufactured plants or artificial grass made in various different materials. A lot of others prefer real grass, transplanted from a lake, river, pond or sea or even from an aquarium plantation. There are advantages and disadvantages in choosing either the live version or the imitation. Of course, nothing beats real grass and that is why many aquarium owners who love the hobby, always aim to get the real grass for their aquariums. Artificial grass is easier to maintain than the real grass simply because it does not need light like real plants do, and it does not decay over time nor contribute to fish tank problems like ammonia build up. The fake grass is not subject to change in color, size and general appearance. Once planted, artificial grass just needs a light bath in slightly salty water before being added to your the tank. It functions as a major decoration in the tank while the fish can use it as a playing field and a nice hiding place, but not as food. There are artificial grasses made with many materials but stay away from the grass made of metals and toxic materials as they will give you water quality problems later on. Make sure that the grass is especially manufactured for use in an aquarium and no other application. Real grass on the other hand requires patient hands and eyes to maintain. It reacts to light, water temperature and the general activity of the aquarium. the live organisms in the tank like the rocks and coral as well as the other plants and the fish contantly interact with real grass in your aquarium. Your aquariums entire ecosystem benefits because it produces oxygen and soaks up carbon dioxide which helps stabilize your fish tank. Being active, live grass can help break down bacteria and make the removal of waste more efficient, thus chemical filtration in your fish tank becomes almost unnecessary. Real grass also provides organic food to fish especially the herbivore species that normally feed more often than the carnivore types. The grass needs special monitoring, care and maintenance as they may decay with time and that invites algae to grow, which can be toxic to your fish. Live plants are also known to be carriers of possible pests and parasites in the tank, but for the benefit of the fish and for a healthier environment, let the grass grow and live. The tank will still reap great nutrient benefits from the grass even if your fish make a snack out of some of the blades of grass. This is something not to worry about with fish tanks because even in their natural habitat in the wild, fish have always loved real grass for the nutrition it brings, the benefit of protection from predators and for spawning. Aquarium grasses like Willow Moss, Foxtail, Stonewort and Crystalwort are among the favourite plants for fish eggs, young live-bearers and baby fish. As a decor, the grass can be the centrepiece. It may also serve as a foreground or background. The Four-Leaf Clover usually grows up to two inches high that it makes a pretty front grass, while the flowering Eel Grass and the Corkscrew are highly recommended as background grasses. Grasses like the Salvinia and Duckweed are good top cover while the Micro-Sword Grass makes a magnificent foreground especially when coupled with a high intensity of light. Different types of Udwigia and Cryptocoryne are great choices regarding the instances where light can affect the shape and color of a plant. For Goldfish bowls, the Anacharis plant is a wonderful treat. Your fish and pets can live and breed in comfort in a pleasant and wholesome environment with grass and the grass can bring hour of blissful watching for your family. Grass is grown from a few sources that are transferable to an aquarium thru a store which are, from the ground on grass farms or in pots or floats and also can come in solo blades or in bunches. With artificial grass, you only have to consider the shape and color in selecting the type that you will add. With real grass, you have to anticipate the size and appearance of the plant as it matures. While both artificial grass and real grass have unique beauty, they have their pros and cons. The bottom-line is that it is still better to invest your money, effort and time for something that is real and is capable of completing the biological function of your aquariums mini-ecosystem. It is also good to get something that is natural and will look better in your fish tank, and freshwater aquarium grass can complete your tanks balance and at the same time, provide a nice full and green look to an otherwise boring looking scene.
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