Can trade for this, great for your ancistrus to breed in.. You just need to let the fry out of the boot if they get stuck ...
Give the guy a break.. how is one supposed to learn.. Jamin, you can maybe swap those items on TASA, they may like it.. here people like more natural stuff.. that is why they giving you a hard time..
We all start somewhere mate.. My advice is to get some rocks (granite does it), superglue moss, ferns and anubias to it, and replace those plastic plants.. Leave the lights on for just three hours a day.. more than enough.. Dose some ferts, and some excell, and change 20% of water every week... Start like that.. you will enjoy the hobby..
I am not afraid to admit...I have fake plants and ornaments... Use it in my hospital tanks or quarantine tanks...fish need hiding spots to feel safe...and it's a lot easier to bleach plastic plants afterwards to kill any nasties their might have been than live plants
Delighted you have finally come out the aquascaping closet and I'm sure you feel a lot better for it and a weight off your chest..