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Question
would real plants be better for fish so it could circulate the oxygen better
i just added a few seeds in my 55 gallon tank and my gold fishes just tried to eat it will they still grow
thank you

Answer
Hi Andre;

Plants are healthy for aquariums but Goldfish are very hard on plants. Especially the new shoots if they are very young plants or sprouting seeds and bulbs so they may not grow. You might want to grow them in a separate tank to get them stronger before you put them in with your goldfish. They will literally suck the tender new sprouts right off otherwise.

Goldfish actually require vegetables in their diet and that's why they try to eat them. There are a couple of certain plants that may survive though. Java Fern and Amazon Sword both have wide and more robust leaves that goldfish can't eat as easily as other plants.

Provide regular veggies for your goldfish too so they get the fiber they need. Dried flakes and pellets have too much protein, even the ones specifically for goldfish. I give mine sliced and peeled raw cucumber, cooked peeled peas, cooked shredded carrots, raw romaine lettuce, and cooked green beans. They should have these foods at least 3 times a week instead of a regular meal of flakes or pellets.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins