Is this bad?

[lovleeko]

A friend ask me a Q today and I have no idea how to answer her so I need your opinions. She was at pet smart and talking with the lady about decorations in her tank. I know some people like the natural look but I am one of those who love to put flowers in the tank and stuff. I buy mine online because they are cheaper. I always find that the floral stuff for tanks is expensive hence why all of tanks don't have them. But for almost a year now she and her husband have been buying plant arrangements and stuff not necessarily meant for fish tanks and so far so good as far as they know I guess. She said the lady told her that she shouldn't do that but didn't elaborate why. I had no idea if it was bad or not. I know some of them have that waxy stuff but then again so do some of the stuff you buy for fish tanks. Maybe it is something proven safe. I don't know. Any advise? Should I tell her to take it out. I don't want to give bad advise because I don't want her fish to die and me feel like it is my fault.

[Iclimb06]

I do not know for sure, but the first things that come to mind as possible hazards would be the potential of internal wire rusting, and potentially harmful dies that could possibly leak out into the water. It might be kind of hit and miss. Once again, these are just ideas; I do not have any experience or knowledge of this actually happening.

[Kathyd]

This is from Aquariumfish.net. I really trust those guys.

When you buy decorations and ornaments for your aquarium be sure that they are all specifically labeled for use in aquariums. Do not put anything in your aquarium that may be toxic to your fish. We recommend you get all your aquarium decorations and ornaments from a pet store or an online aquarium specialty dealer.

There is wide variety of rocks, plastic plants, plastic driftwood, backgrounds, and ceramic decorations available. Rocks from your garden may contain pesticides, chemicals, or toxic minerals.


There seems to be a temptation to buy some beautiful rocks, gravel, or ornaments that are not labeled for use in aquariums, but there is a significant risk that some of these items may be toxic to your fish.


However, they have mentioned that once a person becomes advanced and knows what is bad for fish, they can get materials from other sources. It just depends on your knowledge and what you feel is an okay risk. I would say that if you have been doing it for years and nothing has gone wrong, continue, but this is probably why that woman said that.

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[lovleeko]

Thanks for your thoughts. I hadn't thought of the wires. But my silk plants have wires in them. I check them periodically to make sure they aren't getting worn and poking through as I have had that happen. I do wonder about the dyes as well. But they have been in there for a long time. IDK Maybe I should just say that to her. I am usually the one who helps her with all of her fish Q's so I feel bad I can't offer more. That's why I thought I would ask u guys what you thought.

[lovleeko]

Thanks kathyd. I guess maybe it is okay since she has been doing it a while. Thanks for the link and taking the time to post that :)

[Kathyd]

no problem