Does the color of plants matter?

[SoloNatedawg]

Hi I just recently got a GSP, (His name is Homer). He lives in a 3o Gallon (Completely cycled) tank by himself. Parameters are great and I am slowly raising the SG up since he was in FW when I got him. Anyway... he is doing really well adjusting to his new home and all but he doesn't seem to "explore" his surroundings all that much . The tank itself is decorated with allot of plastic plants and artificial Decor with plenty of hiding spaces (as far as I know). Anyway...I was wondering if he is bored because all the plants are of a green color. Should I have all different colors of plants? Or is something else a factor?

[ChesapeakeSwellfish]

Welcome Solo,
I also have a single GSP in a 30. Do you have a background ? Mine often prefers to try to find a way to get into the background rather than the tank decor. He will come around and gradually increase his exploring. They have their favorite places to hang out and rest and those places don't always happen to be the places that WE think are most interesting. Mine does like to swim through a fake mangrove root from Petsmart.

I've got different color silk plants but its more for aesthetics - I don't see him idling around admiring a different color plant!

[YBeNormal]

I have plastic and silk plants of differing sizes, types and colors in my 55. My two GSPs each have a favorite resting spot, but neither seems to prefer one plant over another when they are out and about.

[Pufferpunk]

Maybe you could post a pic of how your tank is decorated.

[RTR]

I am not convinced that color matters that much. The GSPs are looking for potential edibles, so they are exploring and scanning for contrasts and/or movement which could indicate prey. I would and do suit myself of the color selection, but try to suit them on the arrangement.

[lisalisa]

With my GSP's, I have found that color is much less important than density. They explore the densely decorated areas much more than the sparse areas.

[Raphael]

You may want to leave them for a day or to to explore or you could re-arrange the tank.

[SoloNatedawg]

I think you might be right RTR. I might have been feeding him too much and he didn't feel the need to "hunt" for anything. I will try and cut down his food intake. PufferPunk, I am not sure how to post a picture yet. Though I really would like to see what youz guyz think about my tank. Could you tell me how?

[puffernuke]

Here you go

http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=145

[SoloNatedawg]

Here iz my tank guyz. Tell me what you think. Any recomendations?

[lisalisa]

I think a black background would make it look more finished.

[SoloNatedawg]

Yeah, I agree but I heard that a black background wasn't good because it makes da fish think that the tank goes deeper into the "abyss", and they continuously swim towards it. I guess that isn't true is it?

[Pufferpunk]

Looks Great! How large is the tank? Those plants are silk? Generally, you will want to use crushed coral or aragonite for BW fish. Also, w/a deep sand substrate, you will have to stir thoroughly (even under plants), to prevent anaerobic (toxic) pockets of bacteria from forming.

[lisalisa]

I never had that experience, no.

EDIT (In regards to the black background, not PP's post)

[SoloNatedawg]

Hey thanks Pufferpunk ! The tank is a 30 Gallon, at least I think it is . The plants I have are mostly plastic . Their is 2 or 3 silk though. Right now I just have like the "pebble stuff" for the ground. Could I just mix in some crushed coral or aragonite with the pebbles to help keep the pH ~8 or would I have to change it all out?