Hello!

I hope this is the right forum to ask for this advice.

I need some recommendations about how best to arrange the plastic plants in my tank. From what i understand so far, the GF need places to hide, but what about open swimming space, and interesting things to do to prevent boredom?

Also, how many plants are enough? How many plants are too many?

I have a 10 gallon tank, with one common, and one comet, both under 2 inches. Available for decoration are one 10" plastic plant, two 6" plastic plants, and two 2" plastic plants, and one 4" castle with a hidey-hole.
I have a pump for an airstone tha can support up to 2 devices, and a couple of different airstones (one 1/2" cylinder, one 1" wide x 4" long, one flexible bubble wall tube)

I'm not sure whether i should spread all the plants out, or bunch them together in one spot, or what airstone would be best, or to use use more than one airstone.

I hope someone wouldn't mind taking the time to give me some suggestions. Thank you for your consideration.

Dana.

Mine seem happy with a plant or two near a good hiding place, so they can venture out slowly. The rest I have scattered around the tank, with about a fish width between the plant and the wall so they can sneak by, but still have most of the center open.

I did have the plants scattered around, but i was worried that there wasn't enough open swimming space. Now i have all the decorations in the back corner, with tons of open swimming space, but now it seems so bare in the other 3/4 of the tank! And i've never actually seen one go in the hidey hole in the castle. Maybe it's not big enough. I've been looking at the pots with tank pictures for ideas - i like the terracotta pots for hiding places. I guess i'll just have to keep trying!

They seem to like different arrangements, so you may try a few to find something you like. some of my fantails don't care, and some love to sneak behind the java fern I gave them. And one of them likes to use his bubble wall as an elevator to the top of the tank, while the rest of them avoid it.

That's so funny about the elevator! And thanks for telling me about your fish who avaiod the bubblewall - at least mine aren't the only ones!

Dana.

You've probably already been told, but a 10 gallon is too small for 2 single tailed goldfish in the long run. I hope you plan on upgrading to a 40 gallon tank soon

Anyways, on to your question. I tend to decorate my aquariums by placing plants along the back and sides of the tank, but leaving the front and middle open for swimming. I try to put the most plants and ornaments in the back corners to create hiding places for shy fish, as well as an aesthetically pleasing aquarium. For variety, try mixing it up with some nice ornaments like your castle. This will make a great centerpeice. If you choose to use a plastic plant as a centerpeice, pick out a large plant that stands out in color and/ or shape. Place the centerpiece off-center, but still toward the middle/back. I think aeration looks nicest as a 12" bubble wand that stretches across the back wall of the aquarium.

Thanks for your great suggestions Kissy! They were exactly what i was looking for! I will try them out, and then i'll try to post a picture - if i can figure out how to do that!

Yes, i know that a 10 gallon is too small in the long run. I hope to upgrade to a 20 gallon someday soon. I don't have space for anything bigger. When do you know that they've outgrown their tank?

Dana.