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I have a question about using fake plants - I have read that people dont use fake ones cause the turtles try to eat them and then I have read that the turtles are ok with the fake ones - I dont know what to do? I think one of mine would benefit from having a little more hiding places and a place to stand on top of-but want to make sure fake plants are ok

- by the way this place has helped me out so much- I had to rescue 3 res from the neighbors that abanded them(it was so sad)

Thank so much for having this place available

Welcome. I've never had any trouble with using fake plants in set-ups (I prefer plastic to the silk ones, easier to clean). The turtles took nips at them when they were first put in the tank, but that quickly stopped when they realized they weren't edible (turtles aren't stupid) and they make nice resting/hiding places in addition to perking up the tank. Just don't get fake plants that have small leaves/pieces, just in case one breaks off and is accidently ingested.

Thanks -feeling better now that I know I can use the plastic ones-I was afraid they would be bad for my little ones

I have both fake and real plants in my tank but I keep them separate. The fake plants are all together on one side and the real plants are all together on another so he knows this side I can eat and this side I can't.

Just be sure that your fake plants are the ones designed for tanks. I buy flowers for the wreath making that I do, and I was going to use some of those until I realized that they have metal in the stems. The last thing I need is the metal in the water turning to rust and doing who knows whatelse to my water quality. It was just a thought!

I think with every animal what works for one may not work for another. You will just have to try it out and see what works for your babes.

I haven't had any problems with my plastic plants. He even got his lettuce caught in one the other day, but it seemed like he could tell the real plant from the plastic.
Most plastic plants are pretty thick, so it's not likely that your RES could bite through them.

I saw my turtle tried bitting it too for first few days after I put the fake plant in. Just be careful that some fake plants aren't well made and you may want to check for exposing wire or sharp area.

I went out and got a fake plant for the tank and they really seem to like to balance on it and hide behind it- but Curly has not been spazing so bad he/she when someone passes the tank now-couple times Curly ran into the side of tank -thought she/he was going to knock itself out LOL-They did try to eat it at first but gave up after a while- I made sure I got a plant that did not come apart easy-thanks bunches guys-really a big help!!!!

I don't recommend using artificial plants. My turtle earl is not as smart as those posting above and ate a good deal of a silk plant. He is going to the vet tomorrow for an x-ray he is not doing well.

Oh no I hate to hear that - I used the fake ones and they are doing well-they tried to eat it first but relized they could not-so gave up-I hope Earl will be ok.

missibsu makes a good point about plants that aren't made for aquariums and wires--the wires should be taken out. I'm using some fake plants that are supposedly make for reptiles and have suction cups that allow them to be stuck to the sides of the tank. The stem that contains the suction cup has wire in it and will start to rust fairly quickly if kept in the water. I've kept the stem as is in one tank, but make sure that portion of the plant is suctioned above the water line. In another tank, I've cut off the stems so that no wires exist and allow the plants to float. I keep them anchored in one area with some thin nylon rope that's attached to the outer side of a stock tank.

Sorry to hear about Earl. Was the silk plant made for aquariums? Let us know how he's doing...

My turtle ignores the plant and tries to eat the thermometor. I sure it depends on the turt.

LOL Kona mine finally gave that up

I just put fake plants in my tank and baried the base under the rocks so they don't float but my babies knocked them out the same night and now they are all floating on top of the tank. How should I weigh them down to stay on the bottom? I love this site, it ansewers all of my questions!!