A Beginner's Guide to Setting Up a Planted Aquarium

Planted aquariums bring the serenity of underwater gardens into your home. Lush greenery, vibrant fish, and crystal-clear water create a harmonious ecosystem. If you’re ready to dive into the world of planted tanks, here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

Step 1: Plan Your Aquarium

Decide on the type of planted tank you want:

Low-Tech Planted Tank: Requires minimal lighting and no CO2 injection, using hardy plants like Ferns and Anubias.
High-Tech Planted Tank: Features intense lighting, CO2 injection, and demanding plants like carpeting species or red-stem plants.

Choose a tank size. While 30 liters or larger is ideal, smaller tanks are manageable with proper planning.

Step 2: Gather Your Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need:

Tank: Glass or acrylic, depending on preference.
Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrates like aqua soil or gravel with root tabs for plant growth.
Lighting: Full-spectrum LED lights tailored for plant health.
CO2 System (Optional): For high-tech tanks, CO2 injection enhances plant growth and coloration.
Filtration: A canister or hang-on-back filter to ensure water clarity and nutrient distribution.
Heater: Maintain a temperature of 22–28°C (72–82°F) depending on plant and fish species.
Fertilizers: Liquid and root fertilizers to provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.

Step 3: Design and Set Up the Tank

Layer the Substrate: Start with a porous base like ADA Powersand for water circulation. Add a layer of nutrient-rich soil on top for plant growth. For specific species, consider finer substrates like the Power type of aqua soil.
Arrange Hardscape: Add rocks, driftwood, or both to create a natural and visually appealing layout.
Plant the Greenery: Position background plants (e.g., Vallisneria), midground plants (e.g., Cryptocoryne), and foreground plants (e.g., Monte Carlo). Use tweezers for precise planting.
Fill the Tank: Slowly add dechlorinated water to avoid disturbing the substrate.
Install Equipment: Set up the filter, lighting, and, if applicable, the CO2 system.

Step 4: Establish a Stable Ecosystem

Cycling: Allow the tank to cycle for 2-4 weeks before adding fish. Test water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
Monitor Algae: During the cycling phase, monitor for algae growth. Adjust lighting or nutrient levels if necessary.

"A planted aquarium is a living piece of art that requires dedication and balance. By combining creativity with care, you can craft a thriving underwater garden."

Step 5: Add Livestock Gradually

Introduce fish or invertebrates that complement your plants and tank size:

Shrimp and Snails: Amano shrimp and Nerite snails help control algae.
Fish: Neon tetras, Rasboras, or Dwarf Gouramis are popular choices.

Acclimate all livestock slowly to reduce stress.

Step 6: Maintenance Routine

Daily: Check equipment and observe fish behavior.
Weekly: Trim plants, test water parameters, and perform a 50% water change. Replenish liquid fertilizers.
Biweekly: Clean glass and equipment, prune old leaves if present.

Final Thoughts

A planted aquarium is a living piece of art that requires dedication and balance. By combining creativity with care, you can craft a thriving underwater garden that’s as rewarding to maintain as it is to admire.

Omi Draper

Owner | Project Manager & Nature Aquarium & Vivarium Specialist