Fake plants from craft stores?

[Ron]

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?

[Cat(fish)lady]

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!

[Regalblue]

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.

[Ron]

So the bleed off isn't a big deal? I was worried they might turn white in a few months.

[Steve]

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.

[mightieskeeper]

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.

[Regalblue]

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.

[Ron]

I'd picked some up:


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.

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.