Michigan Cichlid Association
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Ron on January 03, 2015, 07:58:50 AM
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I stopped in at Michaels and Jo-Ann fabrics yesterday after reading online about people using these plants in their tanks as a cheaper alternative and/or better looking plants.
The stores were right next to one another, so I shopped around Michaels a bit, saw a few that looked intriguing, then went next door to Jo-Anns. There I saw more that looks intriguing, plus they were 25% off. I picked out a couple and then noticed on the tags that they said "For indoor use only. Colors will run when wet." I poked around some more ... they all seemed to have this warning on the label! If this is the case, I'm confused how anyone is using them IN aquariums.
I did pick up some more "filter floss", so the stopping wasn't a complete loss.
Anyone using fake plants from craft stores in their aquarium? If so, how are they holding up? Colors bleed at all?
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I've found decent silk plants at the dollar stores too!!
I've used them in my tanks after a good washing and I currently am using them for my crested gecko.
I've become a live plant kinda girl now, but they do the trick!
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I've found decent silk plants at the dollar stores too!!
I've used them in my tanks after a good washing and I currently am using them for my crested gecko.
I've become a live plant kinda girl now, but they do the trick!
Yep! Dollar Tree! I've been using them for years.
I just soak them in a bleach solution, rinse, dechlor & they're good. I do get a little bleed off in the bleach, but it's not too bad.
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So the bleed off isn't a big deal? I was worried they might turn white in a few months.
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The few I have in my 265 are actually from Micheals. I have used then in other tanks as well over the past couple years. I just wash them in warm water and call it good. Haven't had any issues with them to date.
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Ron, I have never seen them change the water a color but old silk or plastic loose color after years of use in my experience.
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So the bleed off isn't a big deal? I was worried they might turn white in a few months.
Bleed off is minimal. Some have been in the tanks for over three years & still look good.
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I'd picked some up:
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/RonARCF/photo1-3.jpg)
Washed them a few times and then let them soak for a day. No dye the next day, so into some test tanks they went. A little over a week later, no sign of any impact on the fish, so into the tank! So far, so good.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/RonARCF/photo1-4.jpg)
Ron, I have never seen them change the water a color but old silk or plastic loose color after years of use in my experience.
I've had that happen as well. Lately all my plastic plants from the last 8-12 years are now getting fading, becoming brittle, and breaking.