Silk plants -- which do you have?

[Splashes]

I want to add a couple more small silk plants in betta's tank. I'm placing an on-line order and thought I could get some. But I can't tell how soft and betta-proof they are on-line. I already have a large Seagardens Caulerpa Mexicana as my background (it covers the whole back of tank).

So, which silk plants do you have that are safe and your bettas like? Thanks!

[abm]

My experiences with Seagardens has been very positive - the only problem I've ever had with any of their silk plants has been that a couple of them have pulled out of the base; I've been able to repair them easily, though, so I still recommend them , no fin dangers etc.
Which do they like the best? Well it varies greatly from betta to betta If you look at the pic I posted of Pentecost lounging on his Roman columns, you'll see his reddish leaved plant - he likes to hide in there sometimes and freak me out cause he blends in so well. Other than him, though, most of my other guys just like playing short games of hide n seek among the leaves. I have a couple of spare plants and I sometimes switch them out just for variety, but it seems to make a difference only to me.

[Rachel]

I used to use SeaGarden plants and most of them were always fairly safe. With any silk plant you need to watch after some time though because the stems may start to separate from the leaves and it may become too sharp for your betta (the ends are always really pointy and could easily tear a fin). After wear and washing over time the leaves may begin to fray and simple trimming with scissors usually works.

Like abm mentioned, I think individual bettas prefer to do different things with their plants. I didn't really notice mine being extremely interactive with their plants until I switched to real ones though.

[abm]

Rachel - you have uncycled small tanks, right? Which live plants do you find work well? I'd love to make the switch but dont' want dying plants decomposing in my tanks...(not much of a green thumb I'm afraid :

[Splashes]

Thanks! I guess I can safely choose one or two and they should be ok then. I saw your Pentecost's pic abm--cute!

[Rachel]

abm said:

Rachel - you have uncycled small tanks, right? Which live plants do you find work well? I'd love to make the switch but dont' want dying plants decomposing in my tanks...(not much of a green thumb I'm afraid :

Well, the only plant I can definitely recommend for bowls would be Java Moss. Java Ferns can survive also and are easy to care for, but may need a little extra care in an uncycled tank (although mine are still doing great). Java Fern is a leafy plant that unlike other aquarium plants you can just let it freely float in the tank rather than planting the roots in the substrate. Some people attach it to driftwood or something of the sort instead. Java Moss is a very hardy plant and grows well in really almost any condition. It is easy to maintain and my bettas love to hide in it. They like to wedge themselves up in it pretty far sometimes, but unlike fake plants you don't really have to worry about it hurting them. A lot of breeders use Java Moss in their fry tanks. Both plants are able to do fairly well in low to medium lighting. Java Moss grows at a reasonable pace so it is easy to get a decent supply even if you start with a small amount, whereas Java Ferns are more slow growing and you will see the new plants slowly sprout off of it and then separate. There may be other plant options, but both of these are known for being great for beginners and that is where I have started. Since I know that you do 100% water changes, you can simply take either plant out and either rinse if you’d like or just place in a container of water while you clean the tank. With Java Moss in my tanks I can easily go a day or two longer without needing to clean them. If you’d like more info, let me know.

Here is Melvin with his plants. He's kept in a 1-gallon uncycled tank.

Pic is from this article:Live Plants.