Best artificial plants & greeneray according to redditors

The two biggest challenges with all-in-one setups for shrimp is light (not enough) and waterflow (too much.) Shrimp really require live plants to thrive, and those plants need enough light to grow. It's hard to judge from pictures, but that tank's light seems like it MIGHT be adequate for low light plants. Shrimp also require very low waterflow. High waterflow will blow them around (they're tiny and light swimmers compared to fish) and they will easily get sucked onto the intakes of most filters. The tank you linked would need some modifications to be suitable for shrimp: at the very least it will need sponges or pantyhose covering the inlet and outlets, and the flow will need to be turned down to the lowest setting, probably.

So, it might work. But if you're interested in shrimp specifically, you might as well spend a small amount extra and build a custom setup that is tailored to them. You'd need:

• a 10 gal tank (10 gal is cheaper to buy than 5, it's not any more work, and barely any more space.) Check thrift store for this if budget is a concern. You don't NEED a hood, unless you have kids or cats or something.
  
  
• A sponge filter , aquarium tubing, and an air pump. This is the preferred filter type for shrimp. While we're discussing filters, make sure you understand the nitrogen cycle, and the basics of cycling a tank.
  
  
• An aquarium heater and a thermometer. Don't stinge here. Maintaining a stable temperature is key.
  
  
• A nice light. Doesn't have to pricey. A desk lamp and a daylight CFL bulb works great, but LEDs like thisare not much, either.
  
  I think all of that will run you roughly $75, give or take. Obviously, more expensive than the all-in-one, but it would result in a tank that would be easier for a beginner to succeed with.
  
  You'll also need to get some non-equipment essentials, like subtrate for planting in, a test-kit for monitoring your water, and obviously food, and a petri dish for feeding is highly recommended.
  
  Then you can get into plants and stuff. Whew! Sounds like a lot, I guess. It is, but it's worth it, and shrimp are definitely a good place to jump into aquariums.
  
  
  

Hemianthus callitrichoides

Is not hard to grow, doesn't need that much light. It does prefer soft water with slightly acidic PH. I've found it grows quite easily with Fluval Shirmp Substrate which tends to lower PH.

I'm not using CO2 in any of my tanks

First start with a clean slate. Declutter and remove all the posters from the wall. New bedding, headboard, and a bedside lamp would really help brighten up the space and help it feel more mature. I’d also replace the curtains with a lighter color that are floor length (short curtains are a dated look). I agree that some wall shelves (on the wall to the right above your bed) would be a great way to add visual interest with art and pictures while keeping the room clean. Add some fabric baskets on your existing black furniture to organize your stuff and add texture, and a floor plant next to the tv and there ya go; bedroom refresh under $500 for a 20 something.

Here are the ones I ordered:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071LDMFSS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought two bags to go across a king sized bed! I cut them to different lengths and pinned them to the top of the ceiling and then laid the lights over top

If you're still having trouble getting ahold of Aquasoil, Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum has some similarities to Aquasoil Amazonia (mineral-rich baked earth pellets that buffer at a slightly acidic pH).

Some were gifts from friends and family who knows I’m obsessed with plants. The ones I did buy -

https://www.amazon.com/Nearly-Natural-5359-Banana-3-Feet/dp/B00FUNLKU6/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541607881&sr=sr-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=banana+tree

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/cr/B07B1TXSGH/ref=mw_dp_cr

https://www.amazon.com/Artificial-Boston-Leaves-Plants-Warmter/dp/B075V7ZFYH/ref=mp_s_a_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1541607994&sr=8-18&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=fake+fern&dpPl=1&dpID=51Qwp99sAIL&ref=plSrch

https://m.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/art/00349533/?gclid=CjwKCAiAt4rfBRBKEiwAC678KTMsaZwzG3kadE25t3ztOGsD6tZPtkmuoxBl2i-IgHuu7_cyTQaWzhoClTMQAvD_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/GTIDEA-Artificial-Garlands-Greenery-Decoration/dp/B07147344T/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1541608058&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=fake+vines&dpPl=1&dpID=61obEuTJ5gL&ref=plSrch

Italian ruscus--it's pretty expensive, usually starts around $2 per stem minimum. It might be worth it to look at faux options or add another more affordable greenery as supplement.

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2981JC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_I9ikDbPR2F1VN



Fifty flowers:

https://www.fiftyflowers.com/product/italian-ruscus-greenery.htm

With 50 flowers you get 25-40 stems for $79.99 (5 bunches of 5-8 stems), if you have 10 tables that's enough for 2.5 per table at minimum which j think is doable.

So - apologies for the length on this. My wedding is in December, about 150 people, with 7 bridesmaids and groomsmen.

I couldn't capture how truly wonderful these came out. One of my bridesmaids got started on the smaller bouquets and then did my big waterfall bouquet. My fiance helped with the corsages and boutonnieres. The grand total for everything - welcome sign, flowers, centerpieces, all came in under $450 and I'm super proud of finishing it up. I'll try to detail what I can and post links to places where I got flowers if someone asks!

​

Bridal Bouquet

https://imgur.com/Oe1uzUJ

I cannot take any credit for this - one of my bridesmaids had the vision and rolled with it. We bought peonies ($36), eucalyptus ($40), calla lillies ($40), and roses ($60) on Amazon. The last little bit of wispy flower at the bottom was a last minute buy at Michael's using a 50% coupon for $2.50. The roses are incredibly realistic and the full stems helped fill out the holders.

A florist would have certainly charged more than $400 just for something this size with the peonies. Similarly sized arrangements on Etsy were about $300-$350. And the flowers I bought for this leftover made all of the bridesmaid bouquets and misc arrangements!

​

Bridesmaids Bouquets

Detail: https://imgur.com/W74qjS0

Pre-Wrap: https://imgur.com/ofnivV4

Same flowers as the bridal bouquet! We also used a lot of floral tape ($3, coupon), ribbon ($5, after Christmas sale), and floral wire from the stems of roses that I used on the centerpieces.

​

Corsages and Boutonnieres

https://imgur.com/15aTilR

These were so easy! I took leaves from the rose a peony bundles, then ordered some extra baby's breath ($13, Amazon). Wrapped with floral tape and some ribbon I got on a 50% sale at Hobby Lobby. My fiance did most of the boutonnieres and he was pretty proud of himself.

​

Welcome Sign

https://imgur.com/QF7I3lr

Got the mirror at a garage sale ($5, what a steal), had Mod Podge and glitter from the centerpieces. Exploring options of getting a friend with nice handwriting to write the welcome message, or buy a decal off of Etsy (<$25). My cat was needy today and wanted to be in every picture :)

​

Centerpieces

Top w/ Table Number: https://imgur.com/NpheC3j

Low Light: https://imgur.com/4MmfiIE

Detail: https://imgur.com/HygEhD7

This has a lot of details. I first bought the cheap 1-20 wood table numbers on Amazon ($20, I think), the Mod Podge ($8), Fine Glitter ($10, Michael's), and mod podged the crap out of the numbers and layered on the glitter. This took several hours between drying and doing.

We then stumbled upon a $40 deal on Facebook marketplace that included 20 8" vases, 200 Dinopure White Roses, 25 purple fairy lights, various glass stones and beads, and an LED candle set.

I built on this by buying 100 more roses ($40, Amazon), 24x 3" styrofoam balls ($30, Amazon), 2 packs water beads ($15, Amazon), and two colors of the vase mix of floating pearls (Etsy, $40).

I hot glues the roses to the styrofoam balls with enough room for it to still fit on top of the vase. I then wrapped the fairy lights around that, and hot glued the table number to the top.

The water beads and floating pearls are an easy set up. Let the beads swell for a couple hours, pour in the vase and in layers add the beads and stir. Topping off with water gives the floating effect.

​

This was all enough to make ~18 centerpieces, 1 bridal bouquet, 7 bridesmaids bouquets, 12 boutonnieres, 5 corsages, 1 welcome sign, and we're using leftover flowers, vases, plus running medals (my and my fiance's hobby) to round out the decorations. I already have frames ($35, Micheals on 75% off plus extra 20% off super sale) and shimmer paper that I will DIY print any other signs needed.

Why is there a bottle of olive oil on the table? Is it supposed to be a symbol of the olive branch references in the bible? This dude couldn't be any lazier could he? I mean you can literally buy a nice decorative olive branch on Amazon and have it delivered in one day. Praise Jesus!!

Sure is!

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Plant-Shrimp-Stratum-17-6-Pound/dp/B00JMA9S52

I rescued him and he’s now back with his comrades

Definitely look into floor-length tablecloths, and tall centerpieces.

She used 100 of these roses for them, and only half to a third really need that tall one.

You can also hang paper lanterns from the ceiling and again, lighting makes a difference.

MyGift Mini Artificial Succulent... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z4C62N?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Wait - is it this? https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Plant-Shrimp-Stratum-17-6-Pound/dp/B00JMA9S52

I got them on Amazon (smile links below)

• Big flower pot
  
• Owl pots
  
• Succulents
  
• Weird dog pot
  
• Small pebbles

something like this

Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum... here is an amazon link if you want it :) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JGQIY48/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EE3TCb3DY0BV5

Amazon, I found these and used plant weights and black thermoplastic I already had to make a base so they’d sink. I used half of one of the plants for each side of my aquarium. They came with the stems attached to a plastic coated wire so I just popped them off and pieced them out.

6 Pots Small Artificial Succulent... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JJ4WDJ7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I used these roses in ivory for my bouquets and they are seriously gorgeous in person. So happy I ran across them (from someone on this subreddit!)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071LDMFSS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fyIHBb9N78P22

First result
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MZWC1LM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_e9P1DbSSWHW0C

This

I think all of these things are thrust and cute

15 WHOLESALE WHITE MOROCCAN STYLE LANTERN WEDDING CENTERPIECES https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CSFWC9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3gwiDbXVC8TRQ

20 WHOLESALE WHITE MOROCCAN STYLE LANTERN WEDDING CENTERPIECES https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CO1ZOU4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UlwiDbR2ZT49Q

25 WHITE MOROCCAN WEDDING CANDLE LANTERN CENTERPIECES https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Q8ATIW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VmwiDbDPZH9F0

10 White Lattice Lantern Wedding Centerpieces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044E6TNU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3mwiDbDACV5H7

Soyee 48pcs Tropical Large Palm Leaves, DIY Waterproof Artificial Leaf Table Runners for Hawaiian Luau Party Decoration, Jungle Party Supply https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075KVN83D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3nwiDbAQBG02C

Artificial Fake Greenery Garland with Flowers - 6' Long Silk Faux Decorative Hanging Vines Contrasting Green Silver Leaves and White Flowers - Perfect for Table Wedding Party Home Garden Wall Decor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QN1GVFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4owiDbCG5NRFQ

NszzJixo9 Artificial Green Plant Wreath -Simulation Green Plant Garland Home Office Decor Artificial Boxwood Wreath Leaf Wreath for Front Door Wall Window Party Decor,Indoor/Outdoor Use https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RQQPQ1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_opwiDbVPY9N0J

The Tank

https://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-Fish-Aquarium-Starter-Gallon/dp/B01LCZMHPM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536884869&sr=8-1&keywords=aqueon+10+gallon

For the gravel I het a $5 discount card since I bought some cat toys, so I got that for $7 from Petco. I would recommend the fluval shrimp stratum though

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Plant-Shrimp-Stratum-4-4-Pound/dp/B00JGQIY48/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536884958&sr=8-1&keywords=fluval+shrimp+stratum

Then I got this set of marimo balls

https://www.amazon.com/Marimo-Moss-Ball-Variety-Pack/dp/B00I323A0E/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1536884997&sr=1-4&keywords=marimo+balls

Got some pre-filter inlet covers

https://www.amazon.com/LTWHOME-Pre-Filter-Sponge-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B00J5Z44OE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536885057&sr=8-1&keywords=fluval+prefilter+sponge

API Freshwater test kit for $20 from amazon

API GH KH test kit for $8 from amazon

a basic TDS electric meter for $10 from ebay

I got salty shrimp 100 grams for about $20 off ebay

Then I bought a piece of driftwood from the Pet store for $10

I got three java moss balls from the pet store for $6 each

Bought an Anubias plant from the pet store for I believe it was $12

I got 3 amano shrimp and 5 CRS from the pet store, prices vary so check your own pet store.

The first layer is API Laterite and the top layer is Fluval Stratum

Picked up the driftwood + rocks at my local fish store!

I’d just hang the sign up if you can. I wouldn’t worry about the bed color. If you add a few prints on the wall that will help take the focus from it.

I’ve added some links with some accent ideas.
I hope you like them.

cactus art


Fun cactus lamp

Throw blanket

Cactus pillow

Accent pillows

decorative fake succulents

It's been awhile, but I'm planning on ordering these plastic plants and curious how they are holding up? Is it easy to keep them clean?

https://smile.amazon.com/Hukidoy-Artificial-Hanging-Plastic-Greenery/dp/B07JDF8F83/ref=redir_mobile_desktop

Artiflr Artificial Vines Faux Eucalyptus Garland, 2 Pack Fake Eucalyptus Greenery Garland Wedding Backdrop Arch Wall Decor, 6 Feet/pcs Fake Hanging Plant for Table Festival Party Decorations https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M8Q2T5Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_e0X0DbDGK1E7B

Here are some tips that might help.

1. Get some new desks, I own this one cause it's cheap in my area: Cool Ikea Desk
   
2. Have better cable management. Not only does it make it look nicer, but it also makes it easier to know where each cable is connected... Amazon Zip ties
   
3. Wall mount the Monitors, or desk mount. Cheap Amazon Desk mount
   
4. Add some plants, pictures, and stuff to spice up the room. It looks very bland right now, so add a bit of colour. Some cheap Amazon plants

Thank you! I didn't have quite enough of the roses or eucalyptus to do all 12 bottles (only 9 with all floral pieces) so the others 3 just have the tea roses. We only have 6 guest tables though so it works out fine!

The flowers are these:

Roses https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KFV3KKZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GLxKDbDFVGGC4

Eucalyptus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NL5S4Z8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UMxKDbTC2Y9H0

Tea roses https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H4PV9M6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oNxKDbX19JKJ5

The bottles are these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GF646S2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UNxKDbP3H99FF

stratum

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Plant-Shrimp-Stratum-17-6-Pound/dp/B00JMA9S52

There are other brands like this as well

I used Fluval plant and shrimp stratum

You mean this stuff, right?:

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Plant-Shrimp-Stratum-4-4-Pound/dp/B00JGQIY48

I was looking at that, but ultimately, potting soil has more nutrients in it (and it's what I'm used to using in all other aspects of my life), and I just prefer the idea of roots going into real soil.

So with that in mind, would you suggest the stratum as a cap? Or is that too light for a cap?

Well, it does is a hard challenge for a beginner, but doing a properly carpeted nano-Aquascape (~20l <=> ~5g <=> ~2.0 × 10^-2 m^3) with DIY CO2 and a small sponge filter is doable in <150$

A quick, small suggestion:

Tank, ~13l <=> 3.4g, 40$

Soil, 20$

Light, 40$

stones, 25$

Filter, 10$,


1 pot Monte carlo or some other easy carpet plant at your lfs: 8€

We‘re left with 7$ for ~4 RCS, I guess.

I assumed you construct you DIY CO2 from an old bottle with sugar and yeast, so 0$ effetivly.

For cycling and food some free samples of fish food does the job. When food rots it emits ammonia, that could be used for cycling.

So here we go, every thing ready for a nice iwagumi-aquascape. If you do well, it might looks like this (That Tank has HC as carpet, but Monte carlo looks similar)!

Well, if you‘re willing to put up a dozens of hours on studying to to properly keep a planted tank.

edit: Wrong link for tank, this was the one I mistakenly linked to. Still a nice, small tank, tho. Also some additions for clearance.

So, ADA doesn't seem to be on Amazon. I found Aquasoil, and its a huge bag and kinda pricey. Would fluval plant media be comparable or is it worth the larger investment?

http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Plant-Shrimp-Stratum-4-4-Pound/dp/B00JGQIY48/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454206929&sr=8-1&keywords=Fluval+Stratum

http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Soil-Amazonia-Liter-Normal/dp/B00519832W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454206929&sr=8-2&keywords=Fluval+Stratum

I'm starting a new shrimp tank and want it to be well planted. What suggestions to you have? I think I'll get a glass square cut and 3D print mounts and maybe buy a larger light. Any suggestions on plants? I don't want to pump in CO2.

Substrate: Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, 4.4-Pound https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JGQIY48/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_Ly8FzbWTZZ8CG

Tank (4 Gal): Vepotek AQUARIUM FISH TANK NANO Kit 4 Gallons w/LED light and filter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AGVYASU/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_YE8Fzb1JCXHA1

Oh i used the fluval stratum https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Plant-Shrimp-Stratum-8-8-Pound/dp/B00JGQIY48?th=1

Hmm, I don't think I've ever encountered a substrate guide like that, but based on the plants and fish you want to stock, you'll have success with either aquasoil, or sand+RootTabs.

If you weren't looking for a dark sand I would suggest going to your local hardware store and picking up Pool filter sand, but unfortunately it's usually white.

I've heard great things from Black Diamond blasting sand, but I'm not sure if it's available in Canada.

If you go to any of the pet stores near you, you'll probably be able to find "CaribSea Super Naturals" sand, which works well and it pretty commonly available.

For soil, I used Fluval Aquasoil for my first heavily planted tank, and it worked well. It's a bit expensive, but since you're setting up such a small tank I don't think it'll be too bad. I'm guessing a 4.4lb bag will be enough, but please double check!

Do you need like a giant bag or something? Not sure how big your tank is. But this here is only 27 pounds https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seachem-495-Flourite-15-4-lbs/dp/B00025YSB0

Theres also Fluval stratum that's said to be good too
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fluval-Stratum-volcanic-planted-aquarium/dp/B00JGQIY48?th=1&psc=1

Thank you so much this has been a great help!

I have one lonely shrimp in my betta tank because for some reason he kills everything else apart from her and I can vouch for the poop on light sand, haha!

Edit: is the this the sort of stuff I'd be looking at for substrate? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JGQIY48/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Fh9TDbSYJJ01M

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

this

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

My amazon sword and anacharis loves it! Even my anubias attaches itself to the substrate even though it has a decor for itself. There's other substrate that has fertilizer for the plants but that's only an online purchase from Amazon.

I feel like it will help with keeping the tank healthy. When I changed out the substrate for another color I crashed my cycle. I asked Reddit and researched and finds out I killed a lot of good bacteria :/ But remember to get a siphon to clean it every week. I do about a 25% water change when I clean the substrate. For the plants, since I just have this substrate from petco, I add weekly or bi weekly leaf zone, also found at petco. It does what the fertilizer substrate would do.

This is the fertilizer substrate from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002DH0QM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502907088&sr=8-1&keywords=aquarium+substrate+for+plants

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JGQIY48/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502907088&sr=8-2&keywords=aquarium+substrate+for+plants

You could try some crystal red shrimp. Since your tap water is soft, you might be able to use some shrimp stratum that will help lower your pH to a more comfortable level for them. Bees also like cooler water, try to keep it around 70-73F for best results. Personally, I use [salty shrimp bee mineral] (http://www.saltyshrimp.de/english/beesalt_bee_shrimp_mineral_gh_plus.html) to remineralize the RO water my LFS sells.

PS: Bonus Shrimp Parameter Page

Is this substrate good? https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Plant-Shrimp-Stratum-17-6-Pound/dp/B00JMA9S52

It’s an artificial snake plant! Looks pretty real though

Nearly Natural 4855 Sansevieria Plant with Black Planter, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FUNM8MU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5lmUCb13RJ382

Fluvial stratum for the substrate and black diamond blasting sand for the middle. Can’t say much about my substrate yet, but it hasn’t made the water murky or tannic. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JMA9S52/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The glass pipes are called Lilly pipes and they’re really snazzy. I’m happy with the purchase https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01FJI2U7S?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd

Another option is gold leaf wall art. I think wood leafs would work better but here’s another option. ShoppeWatch Artificial Gold Palm Leaves with Stem (30 Pcs) 3 Sizes | Tropical Wall Decor | Philodendron Monstera Fronds | Wedding Party Decorations | Faux Palm Tree Leaf AF55 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TFDHXQ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_3H03DbNZHMXE7 otherwise if Irish and this is large enough St. Patrick's Day Home Decoration Shamrock Wall Hanging Robert Emmet Company Lucky Four Leaf Clover Ireland Wall Hanging Silver Plated Pewter Irish Blessing Wall Decor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6BA7WG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_jL03DbQPXKNZJ