55 Gallon Tank: What do you think?

GypsyGirl71 · May 3rd, 2009

I love looking at all the posted pics here and I thought I'd see what you all thought of mine. I'm already wishing I'd gotten the newer silklike plants instead of plastic. I'm thinking they 'float' more natural like. I'm afraid to try real one yet; especially since I've got 4 silver dollars. I'm thinking about a background or atleast a few more tall plants to hide the rest of the tubes, cords, heater. So, what do you think?

grump · May 3rd, 2009

hi GypsyGirl your tank looks great raely like the rocks in there and the plants look good...

joy1125 · May 3rd, 2009

you have a beautiful tank, and did a great job disguising the tubing, I can't even see it !

I use plain black background for my tanks.

Live plants are great , you'll find it to be a hobby in itself, plus they're beneficial to the tank. Altho your artificial plants look great. I have half and half in my tanks -- half the tank is planted, half is fake plants. Goldies like plants, goldies also like to destroy plants

But since it's their house, I provide the fresh plants for their enjoyment and nibbling pleasure; and keep the artificial plants on the other side of the tank for aesthetics. A happy medium

aquarist48 · May 3rd, 2009

Good morning. You've done a WONDERFUL job! Thanks for sharing!

Dozey · May 3rd, 2009

Very nice job GypsyGirl, your aquarium look great!

GypsyGirl71 · May 3rd, 2009

Thanks so much, everybody!

Shawnie · May 3rd, 2009

that tank looks like a ton of fun !! it came out great! im with you on the silk plants LOL

other than java moss, I cant grow the real things except outside of a tank

Lucy · May 3rd, 2009

Your tank looks terrific! I love it!
On some of my tanks I use colored poster board, it hides the cords nicely.

GypsyGirl71 · May 3rd, 2009

I just got back from WalMart. Has anyone ever used silk plants from the crafts dept? I found some pretty good looking ones for $3, much cheaper and more real looking than the plastic ones in the pet dept. The ones I found have a long bendable stem so I'll be able to bury in the rocks. I cant wait to try it out! Also found dark red sparkly wrapping paper that I'm gonna try for a background.

Shawnie · May 3rd, 2009

I use all silk ones from craft stores and the dollar store..just boil them for about 10-15 min and make sure none have perfumes or color dyes and you will be good..also, if they have the metal in the stem part, cut that off or get ones with just the plastic stems

Lucy · May 3rd, 2009

I use silk plants from the dollar store in a couple of my tanks. I boiled them first.
So far, no problems just make sure no metal is showing.

Wrapping paper is a good idea, I think thats what Shawnie uses.

navyscuba · May 3rd, 2009

Looking good.

GypsyGirl71 · May 3rd, 2009

Lucy and Shawnie, (and everybody else!) I just added the new plants and the wrapping paper and I think it looks pretty darn good. The silver dollars are a little freaked, of course, but this just gives them more places to hide.

navyscuba · May 3rd, 2009

Awesome.

CareBear · May 3rd, 2009

I am new to this forum, but I had to mention how great your tanks look! I also love looking at other peoples tanks for ideas and inspiration for my own. I can't seem to get my tanks "just right" and love reading other peoples ideas. I've wondered about silk plants from the Dollar Stores or Craft stores as well, but have been too afraid to try them (wondered also about the metal in them, dyes and perfumes). I'm so excited to try this.... our selection around my area of silk plants is small, and I'm ready for something different!
Anyway, my main point to was tell you I think the tank looks marvelous!

Take Care & Happy Fish Keeping!
C