Can You Keep Fake Plants In Your Axolotl Tank? Pros & Cons

Plants make an axolotl’s tank look pretty. But can axolotls have fake aquarium plants? This is essential information before you decorate your axolotl tank. 

Can axolotls have fake plants?

Yes, you can keep fake plants in an axolotl tank. Fake plants are affordable, low maintenance, and they keep the tank clean. They also provide safety and hiding space. However, they can scratch your axolotl, which is quite uncomfortable, and they will degrade with time. 

As axolotl owners, we love making out tanks look as amazing as they can. However, there are some things to remember when using fake plants in an axolotl tank. 

Here, we’ll discuss the benefits and downsides of having fake plants in an axolotl tank.

Benefits of Having Fake Plants in an Axolotl Tank 

No Maintenance Needed 

As all axolotl keepers know, caring for these enchanting creatures requires significant time and effort. From maintaining water temperature to regulating pH levels, ensuring their tank is kept in top condition is important. 

One way to lighten the load is by using low-maintenance, fake plants in their tank. Unlike real plants, which require regular trimming and care, fake plants will stay in place without any additional upkeep. 

They also won’t produce waste or disrupt water quality like real plants can. In short, fake plants are a great option for those looking for an easy way to bring some greenery into their axolotl’s tank.

They Are Affordable 

When decorating a tank for an axolotl, fake plants can be a great option. Not only are they affordable and easy to find, but they also require much less maintenance than live plants. 

Fake plants won’t die and increase ammonia levels in the tank; they don’t need regular trimming like live plants. 

Plus, with a wide range of styles available, it’s easy to build a beautiful aquascape without breaking the bank. 

So next time you’re shopping for tank decorations, consider choosing some affordable fake plants for your axolotl’s home.

They Keep the Tank Clean 

Fake plants have many benefits for axolotl tanks, including cleaner water. Unlike real plants, fake plants do not shed leaves or debris that can contribute to tank build-up and make cleaning more difficult. 

In addition, because they do not need to be rooted in the substrate and can simply be placed within the tank, fake plants also eliminate the risk of uprooting and stirring up sediment during cleaning. 

Furthermore, some fake plants are even made with antimicrobial materials such as silicone, helping to further keep the water clean. 

Ultimately, incorporating fake plants into an axolotl’s tank can be a great choice to simplify maintenance and clean their water.

Ample Hiding Space 

For axolotls, hiding spaces are crucial for their emotional and physical well-being. These little creatures are naturally reclusive and love to hide away in small areas. 

They can become stressed and even develop health issues without ample tank hiding spots. That’s where fake plants come in. 

Not only do they add some visual interest to the tank, but they also provide numerous hiding places for your axolotl. 

And the best part is that they require no maintenance whatsoever – just plop them in the tank and let your pet enjoy their newfound hideaways! 

So next time you’re considering decor options for your axolotl’s tank, don’t forget about the benefits of fake plants as a source of ample hiding space.

Downsides of Fake Plants in Axolotl Tanks 

They Can Cause Scratches and Wounds 

While fake plants may seem like a low-maintenance option for axolotl tanks, these artificial decorations can harm the sensitive skin of these amphibians. 

Fake plants often have sharp edges or stiff materials that can scratch and cut the delicate skin of an axolotl. In addition, fake plants can also entangle the axolotl’s limbs and appendages, causing physical and stress-related damage. 

If you use fake plants in your tank, carefully inspect them for rough edges or hazardous materials. Instead, sticking with soft, natural options such as live plants or silk versions is often safer. 

Always err on the side of caution when it comes to your axolotl’s well-being – buying “real” plants may require a bit more upkeep, but it will ensure a healthier and happier pet in the long run.

They Can Be Toxic 

When choosing decorations for your axolotl tank, it may be tempting to opt for fake plants instead of the real thing. 

However, these artificial plants can negatively affect your tank’s water quality. Fake plants are often made from materials that degrade over time, releasing toxins and changing the chemistry of the water. 

In severe cases, this can lead to health issues for your axolotls or even their death. Therefore, it’s important to only use real or silk plants in your tank to ensure a safe and healthy environment for your salamanders. 

And bonus – real plants also provide extra oxygen and hiding places for your axolotls! So skip the fake foliage and make the real deal when decorating your tank.

They Can Be Accidentally Consumed 

As cute and whimsical as fake plants may seem in an axolotl tank, they can actually cause serious health issues for aquatic creatures. 

Unlike real plants, fake plants are often made of materials that are unsafe for consumption by axolotls. These materials can cause blockages in the digestive system if accidentally ingested or lead to toxicity. 

In addition, fake plants do not provide any nutritional value to axolotls and may even harm their teeth if they attempt to bite into them. 

To ensure the health and safety of your axolotl, always opt for real plants in their tank instead of imitation ones. While real plants require a bit more maintenance, there’s no risk of accidental consumption.

Ways to Clean Fake Plants

Keeping your axolotl’s tank clean is crucial for their health, including the fake plants within it. While they may not collect waste in the same way that real plants do, they can still accumulate debris and bacteria over time. 

Luckily, there are several ways to clean them. One option is boiling water. Simply place the fake plants in a pot of boiling water for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water before putting them back in the tank. 

Another option is creating a bleach solution (with one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water) and letting the plants soak for about 10 minutes before rinsing. For a more natural alternative, you can soak the plants in vinegar for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. 

Whichever method you choose, remember to never clean fake plants or any other tank decorations in soap or harsh chemicals as it could harm your axolotl. Regular cleaning of the tank will help keep your axolotl happy and healthy.

Key Takeaways 

When adding fake plants to your axolotl tank, there are several factors to consider. 

• First and foremost, make sure the material of the plant is safe for your axolotl. Some plastics can leach harmful chemicals into the water, so choose a plant made from aquarium-safe materials like silk or silicone. 
• Secondly, consider whether the plant will provide hiding places for your axolotl. These creatures can be timid and prefer to have places to hide and feel secure. 
• Thirdly, consider whether the fake plant may snag on your axolotl’s delicate gills or cause injury in any other way.
• Fourthly, ensure that the plant you choose won’t easily break or become detached from its base, as broken pieces can harm your axolotl or pollute the water. 
• Finally, check that the plant won’t interfere with filtration or circulation in the tank. 

By keeping these points in mind, you can add a decorative touch to your axolotl tank while also ensuring the safety and well-being of your pet.