A Beginner's Guide To Setting Up a Planted Aquarium

Setting up a planted aquarium for the first time can feel overwhelming, but it can become a rewarding and manageable hobby with the right guidance. A planted aquarium doesn’t just look stunning; it promotes a healthier environment for fish, as live plants contribute to natural filtration, oxygenation, and providing shelter. This guide will walk you through each step of setting up a beginner-friendly planted tank, covering everything from choosing the right plants and substrate to balancing light, nutrients, and CO₂ levels.

 

Step 1: Selecting Your Aquarium Size and Equipment

Choosing the right aquarium size is key to setting up a balanced ecosystem. For beginners, we recommend starting with a 20-gallon tank. It’s large enough to provide stable water conditions and space for various plants and fish, while still being easy to maintain.

Equipment Essentials:

• Aquarium Heater: Most tropical plants and fish require temperatures between 74°F and 80°F.
• Filter: Choose a gentle filter suitable for the size of your tank. A canister or hang-on-back filter is ideal, as it doesn’t disrupt plant placement.
• Lighting: Full spectrum LED lights designed for aquariums are the best choice, as they’re energy-efficient and customizable.
• Substrate (more on this below).
• Optional: CO₂ System: For tanks with moderate- to high-light plants.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Substrate for Your Planted Aquarium

The substrate is the foundation of a healthy planted aquarium, playing a key role in supporting plant roots, storing nutrients, and creating a natural look. Choosing the right substrate involves balancing plant needs, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance level. Here’s a closer look at different types of substrate and how they affect your aquarium.

Understanding Substrate Types

1. Aquarium Soil
• Description: Aquarium soil is specifically designed for planted tanks. It’s nutrient-rich, containing minerals that promote plant growth, and often has a clay-based composition.
• Benefits: Ideal for supporting root growth and providing essential nutrients directly to the plants. Soils also help buffer pH, typically keeping it slightly acidic, which benefits many tropical plants.
• Drawbacks: Aquarium soil can be expensive and may initially cloud the water. Your filter should clean your water within 24 hours if it clouds your water initially. It usually requires careful rinsing before use, and it may break down over time, needing replacement after several years. 
• Best for: Heavily planted tanks with nutrient-demanding plants, as well as aquarists looking for long-term plant growth and stability.


2. Inert Substrates (Gravel and Sand)
• Description: Gravel and sand are popular choices for aquariums and are usually made from inert materials that don’t alter water chemistry. They come in various colors and grain sizes, making them versatile for creating a natural or decorative look.
• Benefits: Easy to clean and widely available. Inert substrates don’t affect pH or water hardness, making them safe for most fish.
• Drawbacks: These substrates don’t contain nutrients on their own, so they don’t directly support plant growth. For planted tanks, gravel or sand typically requires supplementation with root tabs or a nutrient-rich layer underneath.
• Best for: Beginner tanks with hardy plants that don’t demand high nutrient levels, or for aquariums where aesthetics are a top priority.


3. Layered Substrate
• Description: Combining a nutrient-rich bottom layer (such as aquatic soil) with a cap of inert gravel or sand on top is a popular choice in aquascaping. This method creates a “best of both worlds” substrate, with nutrients for plants and a clean, natural appearance on top.
• Benefits: Provides plants with a nutrient reservoir without compromising the visual appeal. The cap layer helps keep soil from clouding the water and stabilizes plant roots.
• Drawbacks: Can be challenging to set up, as you’ll need to carefully layer the substrates without mixing them. The nutrient-rich layer may require periodic replacement or additional root tabs over time.
• Best for: Beginners wanting a balanced approach between aesthetics and plant support. Layered substrates work well in most planted aquariums.

Pros and Cons of Substrate Types at a Glance

When selecting a substrate, consider these key factors:

1. Type of Plants: Different plants have varying nutrient needs and rooting structures.
• Heavy Root Feeders (like Amazon Swords and Cryptocoryne): These plants thrive with a nutrient-rich soil or a layered substrate.
• Rootless or Rhizome Plants (like Java Fern and Anubias): These plants don’t need a nutrient-rich substrate, as they absorb nutrients directly from the water. Inert substrates with occasional liquid fertilizers work well for them.


2. Budget and Longevity: High-quality aquarium soil can be pricey, but it provides long-term benefits for plant health. Gravel or sand is more affordable and long-lasting but will require nutrient supplementation for plant health.


3. Tank Maintenance: Some substrates are easier to maintain than others.
• Gravel: Easier to vacuum and maintain. However, small debris can settle within, requiring careful cleaning.
• Sand: Provides a smooth, natural look and is gentle on fish that like to dig, such as Corydoras catfish. However, it can compact over time, potentially restricting root growth and oxygen flow to the roots.
• Soil: While nutrient-rich, soil is more prone to clouding if disturbed. It’s best for planted tanks with minimal rearranging.

Setting Up Your Substrate

1. Nutrient-Rich Soil Setup:
• Add a 1–2 inch layer of aquarium soil directly to the bottom of the tank. Rinse lightly if recommended by the manufacturer to reduce cloudiness.
• Carefully spread the substrate evenly, and avoid disturbing it once plants are added.
2. Layered Substrate Setup:
• First, add a 1-inch layer of nutrient-rich soil or plant substrate at the bottom.
• Carefully cap with a thin layer (about 1 inch) of fine gravel or sand to prevent soil from mixing into the water.
• Gently fill the tank with water, pouring slowly over a plate or plastic bag to avoid disturbing the layers.
3. Inert Gravel/Sand with Root Tabs:
• Start with a 1–2 inch layer of sand or gravel. Position root tabs around plants every few inches. Root tabs release nutrients over time, ensuring root-feeding plants get the nutrition they need.
• Supplement the water column with liquid fertilizers to ensure all plants receive adequate nutrients.

Final Tips on Substrate

• Avoid Disturbing the Substrate: Once plants are rooted, avoid moving them too frequently. Disturbing the substrate can release debris and nutrients into the water, promoting algae growth.
• Use a Plant-Specific Substrate: General-purpose gravel or sand doesn’t contain nutrients, so if you plan on keeping demanding plants, consider investing in a substrate designed for aquarium plants.
• Gradual Slope: For visual appeal, consider sloping the substrate from the back to the front. This creates depth and helps showcase plants better.

Choosing the right substrate is one of the most important steps in setting up a planted aquarium. With these insights, you’ll be able to create a substrate foundation that supports plant growth, enhances water quality, and adds to the natural beauty of your aquarium.

Step 3: Selecting Low-Maintenance Plants

Some plants are more forgiving and better suited for beginner aquariums. Start with hardy, low-light plants that can adapt to varying conditions. Here are a few excellent options:

1. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
• Light Needs: Low to medium
• Placement: Midground or attached to rocks/wood
• Care: Java Fern thrives in low light and can be tied to decorations rather than buried in the substrate.
2. Anubias (Anubias barteri)
• Light Needs: Low to medium
• Placement: Midground or attached to hardscape
• Care: Anubias grows slowly and is highly resilient. Attach it to rocks or driftwood, as burying the rhizome can cause rot.
3. Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri)
• Light Needs: Medium
• Placement: Background
• Care: Amazon Swords are ideal for background planting, providing tall, leafy coverage. They do well in soil and may require root tabs for optimal growth.
4. Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne wendtii)
• Light Needs: Low to medium
• Placement: Foreground to midground
• Care: This low-maintenance plant is great for beginners. Crypts may “melt” (lose leaves) when first introduced but will regrow once settled.
5. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)
• Light Needs: Low
• Placement: Foreground or on decorations
• Care: Java Moss is versatile and perfect for attaching to rocks or driftwood. It grows slowly and doesn’t require much light.

Step 4: Balancing Light, Nutrients, and CO₂

Plants need light, nutrients, and CO₂ to thrive, but balancing these factors is key to avoiding algae growth and poor plant health.

Lighting

• Type: Choose LED lights designed for plant growth; look for “full-spectrum” options for best results.
• Duration: Keep lights on for 6–8 hours per day to avoid algae. A timer can help maintain consistent light schedules.

Nutrients

• Fertilizer: Liquid fertilizers are essential in tanks with a simple substrate like gravel or sand. Choose a comprehensive aquarium fertilizer that supplies trace elements.
• Root Tabs: Place root tabs under rooted plants like Amazon Swords and Cryptocoryne every few months.

CO₂ (Optional for Low-Light Tanks)

• When Needed: If you have higher-light plants or want accelerated growth, consider adding a CO₂ system. For low-light tanks with beginner plants, CO₂ isn’t essential.
• Alternative: Liquid CO₂ supplements can provide low-dose CO₂, but they are generally less effective than a pressurized system.

Step 5: Choosing Compatible Fish for Your Planted Tank

Now that your tank is set up, it’s time to introduce fish. For planted tanks, look for peaceful species that won’t disturb plants or dig up the substrate.

1. Neon Tetras
• Size: 1–1.5 inches
• Water Conditions: Soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6–7)
• Temperature: 72°F–78°F
• Behavior: Peaceful, schooling fish that thrive in groups of 6 or more. Their small size and vibrant colors add visual interest without disturbing plants.
2. Corydoras Catfish
• Size: 2–3 inches
• Water Conditions: Neutral to slightly acidic water (pH 6.5–7.5)
• Temperature: 72°F–78°F
• Behavior: These bottom-dwelling fish help keep the tank clean by scavenging for food on the substrate. They do best in groups of 4 or more and are gentle on plants.
3. Guppies
• Size: 1–2 inches
• Water Conditions: Slightly alkaline (pH 7–8)
• Temperature: 74°F–82°F
• Behavior: Guppies are hardy, colorful, and peaceful. They’re easy to care for and add lively movement to the tank.
4. Cherry Shrimp
• Size: 1–1.5 inches
• Water Conditions: Neutral pH (6.5–8)
• Temperature: 65°F–78°F
• Behavior: Cherry shrimp are fun to watch as they clean plants and surfaces. They add diversity and are beneficial for keeping algae under control.

Step 6: Basic Maintenance for a Healthy Planted Tank

Consistent maintenance is the key to a balanced planted aquarium. Here are the essentials:

• Weekly Water Changes: Replace 10–20% of the water weekly to maintain water quality.
• Trimming Plants: Remove dead or damaged leaves and trim plants to promote new growth.
• Test Water Parameters: Monitor pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates using an aquarium test kit.
• Check Equipment: Regularly inspect lights, filters, and heaters to ensure they’re working properly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Overfeeding Fish: Excess food can contribute to algae and ammonia spikes. Feed small amounts, and remove uneaten food after a few minutes.
• Too Much Light: Extended light periods encourage algae. Stick to 6–8 hours daily.
• Incompatible Fish: Avoid aggressive species or those known to uproot plants, like cichlids or large goldfish.

Conclusion

Setting up a planted aquarium is a fantastic journey, combining science, creativity, and care. By selecting beginner-friendly plants, peaceful fish, and a balanced setup, you can create a thriving underwater ecosystem. With a little patience and regular maintenance, your aquarium will flourish and become a captivating focal point in any space.