Petco vs Petsmart Aquatic Plants: Which is BEST?🌱💦🌿

Hi !
I thought I would share all the similarities and differences between Petsmart and Petco's aquatic plants. Whether you are new to aquatic plants or experienced, I hope you find this video useful! 🙂
Want to learn more about aquatic plants? Check out these videos!
Crypts vs Anubias: • Beginner Aquarium Plan...
How to Propagate Anubias: • The Simple Way to Prop...
How to Attach Anubias: • How to Attach Anubias ...
Moss Ball Care: • Moss Ball - Most Under...
Full Petsmart Aquatic Plant Review: • Petsmart Aquatic Plant...
If you want more unique ideas check out my Instagram: @thesmallscape
If you want to see some of my more traditional aquascapes check out Aquascapes by Joanna at Prime Time Aquatics: / @primetimeaquatics
As always, thank you for stopping by!
Joanna :-)
#aquariumplants #petco #petsmart

[@thesmallscape]

Want to learn more about aquatic plants? Check out these videos! Crypts vs Anubias: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gprchaywqtuobKM How to Propagate Anubias: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nonJaoRrp8aVaqs How to Attach Anubias: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4nMhqdso7VlhtU Moss Ball Care: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4ikhGyAoZehgcU Full Petsmart Aquatic Plant Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWHaqXmco993iJI If you want more unique ideas check out my Instagram: @thesmallscape If you want to see some of my more traditional aquascapes check out Aquascapes by Joanna at Prime Time Aquatics: kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTA

[@jacklaporte472]

I’m not sure if this has been mentioned but I just went to 3 Petsmarts and 2 Petcos within the last two days (Feb 1-2). All the PetSmarts I visited had a “Buy 3 get a 4th free” mix and match sale on live plants including tissue cultures. I bought a S Repens and Dwarf Hair Grass for $4.97 each (regular $9.99 each) and still was part of their promo. So 2 Anubias small tubes and the S Repens and DHG for $17 !

[@thedarkside3394]

I love the Petco in my area. They are the only place I've got plants from that lived and had no snails.

[@wendihamlett105]

Never gave a second thought to buying plants at either chain. Will have to check them out. Thanks, Joanna!

[@thesmallscape]

Oh, yay! Hope you do, Wendi - I even just like “window shopping” them just like at a garden center. ☺️☺️

[@wendihamlett105]

The Small Scape sounds fun. I usually order plants from Aquarium Coop but it’s so cold now don’t want to risk it. Plus bonus of seeing exactly what you are getting! Win win

[@austin_shock]

So glad to have met you today at Aquashella! What a cool event!

[@EpicConspiracy]

I never would’ve considered buying plants in a tube. But I heard you talk about them in a live stream. Last weekend set up new planted 40 breeder. Bought tons in a tube and they are doing fantastic. Better than plants I ordered in mail. Thank you.

[@thesmallscape]

Wow! Great to hear!! Yippee!!

[@CarolynnMc01]

Thank you Joanna! I usually order my plants, but i did notice our Petco has nice plants in a few tanks last time i was there (plus their standard packaged plants), so i bought a couple. I think more people have projects because of having to stay home so much over the past year, and the planted tank must be a booming hobby right now and Petco finally noticed! I'm one of those who has been working on my aquarium all year as one of my projects. It's been fun! I've also been enjoying your videos and others quite often, which has given me quite an education about tanks, fish and plants. I'm glad you and your husband and so many others are giving their time to help others with their tanks. I appreciate all you do!

[@thesmallscape]

That’s so sweet!! Thank you Carolynn. ☺️Plants are just so much fun. And as yucky as 2020 was, at least a lot of plant parents were born. 😊🌿

[@kevinhu9308]

A lot more organized and glad that u had actual products from both stores videos are getting much better

[@thesmallscape]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

These are the best videos Joanna! I think I've shared with you before that I started off my planted tanks with the plants from PetSmart and Petco!! This is such great information and I wish videos like this were available when I first started!! I actually did look into the plants available from both places, but didn't find a lot on them!! The first time I bought plants I got all the sizes and some live plants.. I had great results except for the java fern that I put the roots down into the substrate 🤣😂 The packaging is a good point of discussion too! 👍 I just love plants all over the floor 😂🌿🤣 For me Petco is more convenient and I love getting the anubias and cripts😁 I'm really enjoying the content and loving your Channel!! Hope you all have a wonderful day!!🙏🌿🐟🌿💚

[@rickdde]

Thanks for that, it was very helpful. Can’t wait for livestream tonight !!!

[@thesmallscape]

Yay! Glad the livestream finally went through. ☺️☺️

[@finnwiggles28]

Thank you for featuring aquatic plants! I'm learning every day and steadily stocking my tanks w/plants, I treat myself to a new plant every couple of weeks; and I think I may be about ready for some Shrimps! Hey, that may be an idea for a future video; you've likely already done it; but maybe a shrimp care/guide series? ;)

[@disabled_llc]

You did a nice job breaking this down. I did gain a lot of information.

[@thesmallscape]

Thank you, Luis. Nice thing to say. ☺️

[@davidsamsell2031]

Joanna, very nice video. Really enjoyed the comparisons in products. 👍📺😎

[@thesmallscape]

Thank you, David! ☺️

[@krg9942]

I tried 2 Petco tube plants. Java fern and anubias nana. The anubias melted and the java is barely making it. I got a few of the java fern that is already tied onto forms, so far so good with those. They are really pretty too. Great review Joanna! See you both on your live chat soon!

[@thesmallscape]

Oh too bad, sometimes they need extra time to recuperate from being submerged again. I hope yours bounce back. See you soon - yay!

[@sed6]

Great stuff! Liked and subscribed 👍

[@thesmallscape]

Thank you! ☺️

[@fbasantajr]

Great overview on both big box stores, thank you

[@thesmallscape]

Great - so glad to hear it!

[@AlhanaTsuki]

The dry bulbs are on the powerwing to the left of the plants at Petsmart. There are also sometimes 3-4 sprouted aponogeton bulbs in those betta/moss ball cups, they always look kinda sad b/c they are smashed but if you buy them they almost always start growing tall in about a week or two. I've never tried the dried bulbs, but had great luck with the sprouted ones. In case you want some super tall plants = )

[@thesmallscape]

Good to know! One week Petsmart did have one cup of them but then I didn’t see them aver again. I’ve only bought them once and they grew FAST!!

[@MridulSinghMusic]

Great video! I too sometimes get plants from big box stores if I am in the area, but mainly buy from online sellers, or my LFS. But it is good to see that Petsmart and Petco are upping their plant game!

[@thesmallscape]

Now they just need aquatic people there who can help customers. ☺️

[@satanthesk8bum]

Your so cool thanks for all the info for me the two stores are on opposite sides of town so this is super helpful

[@JDfan3340too]

Just love love love the tube plants. I have a ton of them now.

[@thesmallscape]

So do I 🤭😑😆

[@JDfan3340too]

Funny part is, I can't stop buying them. I don't "need" any more plants. Don't really have room for more. But then I see a pretty little anubias nana, and I have to have it! So far so good. I always manage to find space somewhere. Lolol

[@jennc7718]

Great video. I’m new at planted aquariums and found this very helpful and enjoyable too, you’re quite funny 🙃 🌱

[@thesmallscape]

Thanks, Jenn! So glad to hear it and happy to welcome you to the aquatic plant world ! 💦 🌿😊

[@kelleycastle6822]

Have really enjoyed you knowledge and humor in presenting material to make it fun. KC

[@liliromero4910]

Oh, this makes me so jealous! I’m in Canada, so no Petco. My Petsmart only has sad- looking plants in a tank.

[@amandajoanbaker]

Same but the sadness level is variable, some look good! Not much variety is my biggest beef.

[@ibeanzz]

similar boat, alaska here. they are so pricey too 😭

[@lindyp12]

I have bought plants at both of them and I prefer Petcos plants over Petsmart. They have a much better selection. I also agree about their submerged plants, they just have a better setup. Petco also has a better Betta selection. It also helps that at Petco you can get reward points that is basically money that adds up that you can apply toward future purchases there. I have 7 fish tanks and 5 huge dogs so that a big plus also for me. I do shop at both of them but I prefer Petco. Thank you for the video, it was great😊

[@thesmallscape]

That’s so true - way better betta selection too! Dangerous for me to go by those little cuties...

[@broccanmacronain457]

Pet smart also has a reward points system. I have gotten quite a bit back due to our purchases for our cats and dogs, not so much fish or aquarium products.

[@silverbuyer]

My PetSmart has the same end cap of top fin plants and one tank of plants typically in really bad shape but the upside to that is they've given me some free hornwort and java fern out of it from time to time they also give me free baby guppies so love them regardless of their sad plant selection lol. My Petco is insane for fish and plants. It's like a LFS inside a Petco! They even ask what I'd like to see in their tanks and offer to special order. I feel so fortunate to have them as my local Petco because I've been to the others in the area & they dont have 1/3 of the variety. I ask them if they have certain fish and they're like oh no we can't order Pygmy Corydoras, American flag fish, Golden Dwarf Barbs, or Endlers and I'm like well that's odd because the other Petco has them in stock and has 5 times the variety as you. It's truly one of a kind imho. They have plants for days! Some of my favorites are these live plants they have in tiny terra cotta pots for just $4.99. They have Anubias, Java Fern, Windelov Java Fern and some others in them. They have loose plants, potted plants, plants on rock & wood. Floating plants. Love the $2.99 banana plants too. I don't wanna deal with c02 and all that lol. They must have 300+ plants for sale in just their tanks alone. They've probably got 300 species of fish too and the manager knows most of their scientific names.

[@thesmallscape]

No kidding?! I have heard some Petco stores have aquatic specialists! Sounds like yours is awesome!! I wonder if it depends on the different states? Thanks for the info!!☺️

[@silverbuyer]

@@thesmallscape Oh yes the aquatics manager at my Petco has referred to herself as an aquatics specialist I saw employees on a Petco reddit talking about aquatic specialists and how they have to hit certain sales goals to increase the stores payroll budget in order to hire a specialist so because of that they're only in select stores. Out of the 3 Petco's here only the closest one has a specialist.

[@debbiebamrick4020]

That’s funny that you made this video today- I was just at both stores this morning comparing the two. I totally agree with everything you said- except at my Petco - you really need to be there right after they get a shipment of plants in - otherwise they start to look sad. Unfortunately with the big snowstorm we just had here- it seems like they didn’t have any new plants- so I left both stores empty handed.

[@thesmallscape]

That’s a bummer, Debbie!! A couple weeks ago (first time ever) I was actually there as the box was opened. It was a magical day!!✨🌿✨Frequently I get there too late though 😑

[@HeathenOverlander]

Thanks Joanna, once my 38 finally cycles I've decided to plant it. I'm really anxious about keeping plants, but gonna give it a try. Nice to know that PetSmart and Petco might be viable for purchasing.

[@thesmallscape]

Hi Clint! Oh yes, we’ve had great luck with their plants and both are convenient for us. Once you try plants, hope you never look back! ☺️

[@joewwilliams]

Be sure to choose easy plants and you have nothing to fear! There are tons of guides to help you choose online

[@comment.highlighted]

I recently bought some Tissue Cultured plants at Petsmart and have been very happy. I’m definitely going to buy more when they get more stocked 🙂

[@thesmallscape]

Great to hear!!

[@isaacdempster1315]

Love your videos

[@thesmallscape]

Thank you so much!

[@ilove.cannabis.and.coffee9996]

Never thought to buy at big box store, might go check it out today

[@InTheEndTruthWillOut]

Me neither !!!

[@thesmallscape]

I hope you are pleasantly surprised if you do go. ☺️

[@CarolynnMc01]

Hello Joanna! Just a note -- i bought some of those Imagitarium bulbs at Petco. There were 5 bulbs in the package (supposed to be 4) and i put them into the aquarium a couple weeks ago. One has five leaves from 6-9" tall already and i think it's an aponogeton ulvaceus. . Another is just starting to sprout but i don't know what the heck it is yet. Duh.... i didn't save the package, but for $5.00, two plants is a good thing! I'm hoping the others will sprout eventually and next time i'm at Petco i am going to check the package to see what else is supposed to be included! . You did mention the bulbs, but I don't know if you've tried them yet. Thank you for all your great videos!

[@TripleJAquatics]

Love the "big box" reviews. Making me think that the 1.5 hrs commute to my nearest petco/petsmart may be worth trying. Thanks for the vid!

[@thesmallscape]

Gosh, if you make the haul - I sure hope so!! 🤭😆

[@TripleJAquatics]

@@thesmallscape thanks lol.

[@TripleJAquatics]

@@thesmallscape hope you don't mind, but I shared the link to this video on one of my own.

[@brianmenard4713]

i like petco plants better than petsmart. i really like my lfs better than both if i have a choice, but i will use petco also. love your vids keep up all the good info.

[@farmert9679]

Nice comparisons.

[@thesmallscape]

Thanks, Tom!

[@iceman9867]

I think its great that both give you a label of some sort when buying plants in the tube or packaged. The ones to stay weary of are the ones placed in a tank, theres a youtube channel that went in depth of these plants from petco because sometimes the employees don't know if certain plants are fully submersible. If you search "petco plants you shouldn't buy" by h20 plants he shows the problem of unlabeled plants.

[@thesmallscape]

Yes, saw it - that was very in-depth. I like that channel very much. ☺️

[@jamesparadigm]

Nice video. Very informative! Crypt. 'Flamingo' ? WANT!!!! 💚

[@thesmallscape]

✨🙌✨

[@DocDurr]

Happy Friday! I missed seeing the Nano Nook today. Perchance is there a secret project hidden from view. Are you scaping an IAPLC nano tank for this year's competition? What a perfect idea for the new plant queen of KZbin to show off your artistic side, your knowledge base of aquatic plants, and your ability of caring for your plants. I can't decide if you get angry if your plants die or if you weep from the loss.

[@thesmallscape]

Lol, Doc! Maybe I will enter one of my moss ball pets in the competition. 😂😂

[@ejfishes7610]

Hey Joanna, have you found it more challenging to grow the tissue culture plants vs non tissue culture plants?

[@cam_arkplayer6747]

The pulbs work so good I got a huge sword plant from 1

[@twunderaquatics1770]

I think it depends on the managers on which store is better. I'm a Petco fan hands down. I've never seen the tissue cultures at mine. The only plants I've been able to get live from Petsmart is the S. Repens and hair grass. Petsmart has plants that never should go in aquariums. Example is the mondo grass. Great video!!!!

[@Cichlids23]

Good info: I get my plants from the Co-Op or as trade ins at my LFS when I take my Brichardi in, for "trade". thanks for sharing..

[@timothydarling1826]

I have been in to my Petco and all there plants look really rough. But I didn't know that they sold bulb's. That you for the heads up. I will ne going today to check that out

[@thesmallscape]

Well, good luck to you!! ☺️

[@janicelange2160]

Great video, I do the same buying somethings from one chain and others from the other.. Love from Wisconsin.

[@thesmallscape]

Just like grocery shopping... ☺️

[@kasperaquatics]

When it comes to fish and plant quality, it’s always Petco that wins out. I just really love the layout and the choices of products. Plus, their tanks are always looking good.

[@thesmallscape]

Sounds like you’ve got a good one. ☺️

[@kasperaquatics]

@@thesmallscape, well it’s a new store so time will tell. Hoping for the best.

[@aquaticfury5273]

I live in Hawaii and went to Petsmart yesterday all the tube plants were marked wrong on accident small $2.50, medium $4.50, large $5.50. They were fully stocked and no one else saw it yet so I literally bought everything and I mean I wiped out the shelves. They also had a buy 3 get one free special so it was even cheaper. I only spent $65 and got hundreds of dollars worth of stuff. I have never owned so much Anubias 🥳🤩

[@Coyne.Wilcox]

I was so excited and heartbroken at the same time when I went to Petco yesterday and found a Crypt Pink Flamingo but it was dead 😭

[@thesmallscape]

Oh, don’t you just hate that! So close!

[@cherylbelott]

I bought a java fern in a tube at Petsmart about 10 years ago. It’s still around. Small and divided several times, but still around! Joanna-reporting back about the 2 anubias I got at my LFS that decayed in 4 days...I was able to get credit from the store. I got an anubias nana. This one seems to be doing okay!

[@thesmallscape]

Oh, glad to hear it, Cheryl! (And yay for a nana!) 😃😆

[@patrickscott1604]

I just bought a sword plant that was put inside a java moss ball I don't know if that will grow right.

[@phyiire]

You've sold me on getting a moss ball pet

[@thesmallscape]

🤭🙌😃 yahoo!!!

[@matthewloomis2942]

Right I'm so tempted to get one lol

[@feralon9570]

This video is dead on accurate down to the look of the plant tank at PetSmart. I have bought anubias, java fern and hair grass from Petco. You got me curious about moss balls, so I am on a quest to find a few of those this week! lol Our local mom n pop shop has one tank with amazing swords and a variety of other low light plants that change from week to week. This past week I found jungle val there and happily bought all that they had. They also have banana plants, I think they are called. I want to try one just to see what it does.

[@thesmallscape]

Yay! Glad you have a local mom and pop - wish we did close by. I’ve never had a banana plant either. 🙂

[@ndbyers23]

Nice video with clear examples. Only issue is that in the past several months invasive zebra mussels have been found in moss balls in 30 states. Very poor choice right now. US government has been urging that moss balls should be destroyed. Sorry Joanne.

[@thesmallscape]

Hi Nanci, oh yes, it’s quite a shame. I’m so glad they aren’t available for purchase now. My videos including moss balls came out before the issue of zebra mussels. We thoroughly inspected any we had for weeks following and ours were all clear. Jason did a video at that time on the zebra mussels on our other channel, Prime Time Aquatics. 🙂

[@theirishman8455]

I’ve purchased “tube” plants at my Petsmart before, decent luck with them.

[@joewwilliams]

Who does the editing? I love it 😂

[@thesmallscape]

That would be Mr. Primetime! I don’t know how yet. ☺️

[@kaitokisser_]

I got the big marimo ball from Petco and it wasn't very nice tbh. It doesn't hold it's shape and there's a yellow spot in the center as if it isn't getting enough light inside. I've torn a bit off and rolled it into a smaller ball and that one looks okay but I flattened the rest cause it looks better. I bought the cup of three and those are perfect though.

[@thesmallscape]

Interesting. Even good and bad moss balls out there.

[@michaelhokie]

Kind of new to the planted tank part of the hobby. Actually "kind of" new to the hobby as I just started having aquariums again after 20 or so years....In the past I never even tried having a planted tank. Sadly, I don't have a LFS in my area outside of Petco and Petsmart. (We have both.) Neither Petsmart nor Petco in my area have great plants or at least great plant selection. The Petco doesn't offer tube or tissue culture plants, only plants from a tank and even though I did try some from their tank...I wasn't that impressed with the quality, I did get some free snails though, lol! My Petsmart doesn't really have plants in a tank, but I love the Topfin tube plants and tissue culture plants. The Topfin plants seem to be good quality and have been very healthy, just wish there was a greater selection to choose from. Most likely I will have to start shopping for plants on-line to get the plants that I want. Anyway, thanks for the great content!

[@suee031]

I live in Ontario, Canada and I have bought plants from Petsmart and a local fish store that sells tropica plants. I have also ordered plants online from Aquascape Room in Guelph, Ontario. When winter is over, I will order more plants from Guelph as I want to rescape my 29 gallon tank a bit. I haven't seen packaged plants at our Petsmart and they aren't listed on the website. Have a nice week

[@thesmallscape]

Hi! Really? Must be a US only sort of thing.

[@suee031]

@@thesmallscape must be. That is a shame because the postage is a bit pricey. Have a nice weekend.

[@byz513]

How did your flamingo do? Did you float to transition? I got 2 cups from mine.

[@kevinneibergall9420]

Ya I've gotten the tissue cultures at petco but there real hard to get started. And also I've gotten the three pack of bulbs and only one out of the three grew. But I wouldn't give up. Thats part of gardening kill three to get one. Lol. ❤👍

[@nikkiaddison5998]

Thanks for the informative video. I tend to prefer petco for my aquatic critters and plants, however I’ve found PetSmart has better prices and selections on gear typically. Do you know if either sell floating plants? I’m thinking of getting into them.

[@thesmallscape]

Not that I’ve ever seen - just at online sellers.

[@glenhanley9918]

I bought some java fern at petsmart it didn't live very long,turn black and died. Then I saw a video and the person said to cut the thread where the rhizomes are. So I I bought some more and I now now have five plants instead of one. The plants are growing just fine. So if you buy petsmart or petco anubias, or java fern cut the the black thread at the rhizomes.

[@thesmallscape]

For java fern - yes! Good point. ☺️

[@viperr007]

My petcos got a couple new bulb plants packages. I tried the aponogeton ulvaceus and 2 of 3 have already sprouted. They had a variety pack also. I think they cost about 3.99-4.99 with a 3-5 bulbs

[@thesmallscape]

Nice! I hope you enjoy!

[@markhunter2244]

Much prefer the plants to be well labelled so I can pick out the easy ones. Would really love to try the bulbs but I’ve never seen them in our LFS or the UK equivalent of Petco/Petsmart 🤓

[@thesmallscape]

Me too, give me quick info!

[@Wooley_Booger]

How long will the plants be ok in those containers?

[@KittyKraftStudio]

My Petco had a shelf of moldy plants in those plastic tubes, I was confused why they let them on the shelf when they're all moldy and decomposed.

[@thesmallscape]

That’s so sad to see, I’ve seen it here and there too. No proper staffing for that area of the store perhaps and not enough people buying them. 🙁

[@AlexK-ew1mo]

Do the tube plants have less chance of hitchhikers? I've been considering experimenting with plants, but don't want to inadvertently bring snails in.

[@garnetmoon3485]

I get most of my plants at Petsmart because it is the only chain pet store in my town. And until recently, the ONLY pet store in my town, so I didn't even have the option of going to a local fish store for plants. And the nearest Petco is over an hour away so I have to make a special trip to go. My Petsmart used to be great, but now all the tanks are dirty, and the one plant tank looks worse than the one you pictured. So disappointing. I only by their tube plants, but they fortunately keep a pretty decent stock.

[@thesmallscape]

That is very disappointing, I’m always sad to see plants in poor conditions.

[@TheOfficialSteelReign]

I find that, in Rockford, the PetCo does not monitor, or even care to have someone occasionally glance over in the direction of, the fish department. Even after going to the register and telling them you need assistance, it could be 10 or 15 minutes before someone deigns to acknowledge someone over there. It's quite frustrating and the main reason I lean much harder towards Smart rather than Co. However, your description of plants may push me to at least go in and see what they have, so thanks for that. I might have been missing out on some quality plants simply because I don't like to be ignored - lol

[@thesmallscape]

That’s too bad. They’d have a gold mine if they could offer service and knowledge too ☺️

[@TheOfficialSteelReign]

@@thesmallscape Right? Well, maybe not a gold mine, this being Rockford and all. A city where you can buy a house (assuming you don't mind the idea that you might be murdered at any moment) for 30k. But yeah, they'd definitely be making more money if they actually attended to their customers, and that's never a bad thing. I feel like this sounds like I'm bagging on PetCo, but I'm not so much as a whole. I've gone in there plenty of times to buy stuff that didn't require employee interaction. And now your plant discussion has swayed me to go in there yet again to check out their plants. If they're as good in Rockford as they are out by you, that's a good thing too 😁 Thanks for the tips!!! I love it.

[@dan_e]

I prefer Petco for plants if I'm going to one of those places but more often I end up buying mine online now. Thanks 2020

[@thesmallscape]

Yes, better selection and expertise online. ☺️ “thanks 2020” - you said it.

[@ElizabethFranquiEsq]

Great pointers! I love Petco and try to support them anyway I can, but the plant selection at my local store is terrible compared to PetSmart's. I may look for a different Petco especially for the bulbs!

[@thesmallscape]

That’s too bad! I personally think aquatic plants will continue to rise in popularity so they will need to up their games!

[@dwighterickson6121]

I get plants from my local Petco out of the aquariums they have. That way, I have less melting, I know they are submersible, and I can tell what kind of condition they're in. Unfortunately, I still get a lot of melting from Petco plants. My local PetSmart, has the little bitty cup plants, I don't buy those

[@thesmallscape]

Right, better luck out of the gate then. I hear ya! ☺️I wish my Petsmart had plants submersed on display.

[@lindaclontz3634]

Nice

[@grayaquatics852]

Petco. Petsmart only sells tissue cultured plants which have never done well for me. Petco usually, depending on location, has a pretty decent selection of plants.

[@thesmallscape]

That’s a bummer.

[@UrbanNomadLife]

Great video. I’m a fan of Petsmart tube plants. I really like music in this video. Love it if you could share the title(s)/artist. Thanks!

[@addictedtofishchick6279]

Great video! Will fish lay eggs in/on a moss ball? I have a couple of White Clouds girls looking pretty big!

[@thesmallscape]

Hi! Well, only if the eggs happen to fall on it, not as big of a surface area as, say, java moss. ☺️

[@geekmashup6829]

I live in Canada and Petsmart (Petco doesn't really exist here) and there are no packaged plants. Petsmarts here only have a 20 gallon with a few plants in them

[@wrs8895]

My Petco and PetSmart don't really have a ton of tissue plants, or tubes for that matter. PetSmart doesn't my a plant tank, but PetCo does and it usually has a lot of nice choices. Nice prices too.

[@gustav24-7-52]

In my town, PetCo workers shop at PetSmart.

[@thesmallscape]

😂😂

[@foreverautumn2315]

You're lucky that your Petco and Petsmart have decent plant offerings... mine are absolutely horrible. They carry almost no plants, and the ones they do are at death's door. Nice to see one of yours is selling lily bulbs - my bettas love dwarf aquarium lilies, once they really take off. Lots of hiding places... :)

[@thesmallscape]

Oh yes! Lots of hiding places are super fun to provide. ☺️

[@karac5337]

I don't buy plants at either of those stores partly due to inconvenience. If I did, then I would choose Petco because they have a larger selection to pick from and usually have more in stock than our Petsmart. Conveniently the LFS is only 2 miles away, while Petco and Petsmart are 15 miles away. So many traffic lights it takes 30 minutes or more 1 way. Any other plant needs/wants go through Aquarium Coop who sends it to my door lol. I would drive across town for our LFS if the locations were reversed though.

[@thesmallscape]

I can understand that. ☺️

[@aquaticfury5273]

Moss ball illegal in Hawaii, use to be $14 for a tiny one here

[@iqbaljumani4717]

👏👏👏

[@dpowers2005]

My closest petsmart usually has better tissue cultures but tank plants are better at petco.

[@thesmallscape]

Oh yes. I’m hoping my Petsmart expands their “in tank” display. ☺️

[@dpowers2005]

@@thesmallscape went into petsmart today and they didn't have any tank plants. Also stopped at petco and was able to grab a crypt flamingo culture. Can't wait to see how it does.

[@kristopher1583]

all the Peacock Fern died, dwarf grass was mainly eaten, my amazon swords are doing great and just got a few more Ribbon is what the site calls them

[@bethanycirota1099]

I loved the video, Joanna! I have had moderate success at both of these chain stores, and for different reasons, like you. I will say that I have tried two different tissue cultures from Petco that melted completely and never came back. But, I got the red crypts from PetSmart and they are thriving! Super pretty! Keep the awesome content coming! I love it!

[@cranbers]

Petco is the kmart of pet stores. Petsmart on the other hand, always looks great, has everything and it appears the employees care. I sat at an empty check out register for 5 mins at petco. petsmart is further away but its worth it to me.

[@ironfae]

It really boils down to locations. I know coastal and lake filled states have better selections. Dry, southern states in the middle, not so much. I live in Oklahoma, so most good aquatic plants have to be found during gardening seasons.

[@thesmallscape]

Oh boy, that’s a good point. Gardening season is good for many reasons - even aquatic! 🙂🌿

[@klcpca]

My local chain stores have nothing but the plants they claim are aquatic but they're really just houseplants.... my area has NO decent aquarium supply stores any more :(

[@707bayareamaa]

The petco in my area is way more knowledgeable, friendly and has great quality products than petsmart for my betta fish but I bought one Anubis’s from petsmart two days ago and rinsed it well and today I noticed snail eggs from the top fin brand so I’m gonna stick with getting my live plants from petco 🌱

[@thesmallscape]

Oh no! Dang it - that’s too bad but at least you have at least one good source. So funny how they’re all different.

[@1Kent]

In my area Petco isn't very well stocked with anything aquarium related, PetSmart is way better!

[@deadfred821]

I got some bolbitis from petco, along with an anubias & Brazilian microswords. The gel was dried out on all of them. But the bolbitis turned out to be a java fern. I split it into two bushes & planted them both. One got moved to a bowl I setup but the one that stayed in the tank began to propagate little java ferns on it. Apparently it’s a rhizome plant that doesn’t want to be planted…🤷🏾‍♂️ I think you hinted at a key to these chain stores not all being equal when it comes to how your store doesn’t seem to have plants in a well looking tank while others do. The petco I always visit was out of plants so I went down the road & asked for tissue culture plants & was told they didn’t carry them. Found some on my way out…🤦🏾‍♂️ They didn’t have the one I was looking for but the misinformation startled me. How could this be the same chain? As far as who’s the preferred source; Petco is closer & I care for some elderly folks; so I limit my excursions to whoever’s closest. So I guess Petco for the win…🤷🏾‍♂️

[@thesmallscape]

Yes, they rarely are familiar with the plants they sell at the store. Too bad too, if they built a rapport with the people buying the plants, they could ensure they are bringing in the ones that actually sell. I typically run to petsmart myself, faster as well.

[@nightowl760]

Petco usually carries anubias on rocks and wood too

[@matthewloomis2942]

In my area in columbus ohio alot of the petco's don't have fish stuff anymore...most of them are just dog groomers now.....we used to have jacks aquariums but they are all gone now too....also not too many mom and pop style fish stores either kinda sucks lol

[@thesmallscape]

That all just kinda stinks...

[@alekkoomanoff7281]

Relative merits of Petco and Petsmart vary depending on location and timeline. Petco here had a great manager. He burnt out and left so it's not as good as they used to be. You might want to edit the section about mossballs, lol.

[@kirkscobey3031]

They both sell the same bio-developed product in San Antonio but I think Pet Smart does a better job on quality control/expired/dead product. I also had an issue during the start of COVID where the lily pods I bought were completely molded,desiccated,and infested with bugs. Unfortunately no refunds at time. We opened every bag and they destroyed the whole shipment. I no longer buy my plants at Petco.

[@thesmallscape]

No kidding, Kirk! That’s too bad. Petco still isn’t taking any returns....I’m still driving around with product waiting for them to accept...

[@yarihercules]

When it comes to moss balls, petsmart is a lot cheaper! I once purchased a 3 marimo ball container for $13 at petco but didn't find the fish i was looking for so i wnt to petsmart and the same 3 count container was $9!!! I was really disappointed that day... i could of buy me a betta fish with that difference money 😒

[@thesmallscape]

Wow. Doesn’t that stink? There should be an aquatic plant price app like the cheapest gas prices app. 😊

[@johnwood738]

I have gotten a lot of plants from both with mostly good results. Now that you are a farmer a little farm joke (my dads favorite) what’s the craziest piece of equipment on the farm is? The manure spreader,it goes around kicking the sh-t out of itself!

[@thesmallscape]

Oh my! Why do I have a feeling you have a LOT of jokes?! Lol! Thanks, John!

[@johnwood738]

@@thesmallscape twenty plus years of roasting pigs at parties will do that to you. But in my defense that one was dad’s favorite!

[@Jp_games30]

I've gotten Java Ferns in the PetSmart tank they lasted pretty long, they reproduce fast. Although petco wins for the vast variety. PetSmart is only good for the coupons

[@thesmallscape]

Yes! They do reproduce fast! 🙌

[@darrylmoore5847]

Awesome video. I really like the crypt undulata from Pet Smart. In my light it gets a really pretty dark mauve color.

[@mariaholland9583]

I know this is a old video but thank you. Unfortunately my PetSmart and Petco look horrible nothing like in ur video.

[@pezmojado8275]

Pet supplies plus have good plants and fish too.

[@thesmallscape]

I’ve heard! We don’t have one anywhere close though, I’m anxious to check one out!