CROCI Replica Anubias, 30 cm is an artificial aquarium plant imitating anubias from the Wave brand of the Croci Group (Italy). According to the manufacturer, these plants match natural ones in craftsmanship and appearance. They're made of quality material, don't rot, are easy to clean and, with minimal care, keep their look for 5–10 years. An artificial plant needs no proper planting, substrate, lighting or fertiliser, whereas live plants can sicken and die if conditions — temperature, water chemistry, substrate minerals, light — aren't right. Height: 30 cm.
Why artificial plants
Plants make a tank feel cosy and give fish cover. Live plants need the right lighting, fertiliser and sometimes CO2, and if something goes wrong they rot and foul the water. Artificial plants always look bright and never overgrow or die, so they're popular with beginners and with owners of large fish that eat live greenery. More on getting started in aquarium for beginners: what to buy.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | artificial aquarium plant |
| Imitates | anubias |
| Height | 30 cm |
| Lifespan of appearance | 5–10 years with minimal care |
| Care | no light, substrate or fertiliser needed |
| Manufacturer | Wave brand, Croci Group, Italy |
Pros
- Doesn't rot. Won't foul the water.
- No light or fertiliser. Zero plant care.
- Keeps its look 5–10 years. According to the manufacturer.
- Safe during treatment. Medicines won't harm it.
- Easy to clean.
- Movable. Rearrange your layout any time.
- Fish won't eat it.
Cons
- Doesn't clean the water. Unlike live plants, it doesn't absorb nitrate.
- No oxygen. No photosynthesis.
- 30 cm tall. Too big for small tanks.
- Gets coated with algae. Needs washing from time to time.
Which tanks it suits
At 30 cm, it suits medium and tall tanks — roughly 40 cm of glass height or more, so the plant doesn't hit the surface. In nano tanks such as the Priroda Mini Cube, shorter plants work better. Anubias is usually placed in the background or midground, often next to driftwood and rocks.
Aquariums and medication
The manufacturer highlights an important advantage: with artificial plants it's easier to use aquarium chemicals and medicines if fish fall ill, without risking the plants. This is handy for quarantine and hospital tanks. Water treatments and medicines are in the fish medicines and water care section.
How to install it
Rinse the plant in warm water without detergents before use. Bury the base in the substrate or weigh it down with a stone so it doesn't float up. Position it so it doesn't block the filter flow or hide the heater.
Care
Over time, algae forms on the leaves. Take the plant out, rinse it with warm water and a soft brush, without chemicals, and put it back. To reduce algae, watch the lighting and don't overfeed. Clean water is the filter's job; for fine filtration, try JBL Symec filter floss.
Live and artificial together
Artificial plants can be combined with live ones: tall plastic plants at the back and hardy live plants at the front, for example. You get stable decor plus the water benefits of live greenery.
Building a layout
The manufacturer suggests making use of the fact that artificial plants can be moved and swapped. Put tall plants like this anubias at the back, medium ones in the middle and short ones at the front — the tank looks deeper that way. Leave open water for the fish to swim.
Who it suits
Beginners, owners of tanks with plant-eating or digging fish, quarantine and hospital tanks, and anyone who wants green decor without looking after live plants. More decorations are in the aquarium decor section.
Verdict
The CROCI Replica Anubias is a 30 cm artificial anubias: it doesn't rot, needs no light, substrate or fertiliser, keeps its look for 5–10 years according to the manufacturer and doesn't interfere with fish treatment. The downsides are that it doesn't clean the water or produce oxygen like live plants, it gets coated with algae, and it's too tall for small tanks.
FAQ
How tall is it?
30 cm.
Does it need light or fertiliser?
No.
How long will it last?
5–10 years with minimal care, according to the manufacturer.
Can I treat fish with it in the tank?
Yes, medicines won't harm it.
How do I clean it?
With warm water and a soft brush, without chemicals.
Does it produce oxygen?
No, it's an artificial plant.
Who makes it?
The Wave brand, Croci Group, Italy.
