How to Set Up a Planted Aquarium: Your Ultimate Guide

• Building your own planted aquarium can be simpler than you think.
• Following this step-by-step guide will ensure you have the right tools for aquarium setup.
• Learn what you need to do to create a healthy planted aquarium.

Planted Aquarium Setups For Beginners

If you want to level up your aquarium, Modern Aquarium is here to help with our expert guidance. Whether you’re an experienced aquarium enthusiast or this is your first tank, check out our guide on how to set up a planted aquarium today.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you start planning out your intricate waterscape, you’ll need to make sure you have everything you need to provide a healthy environment for your new plants. In addition to your fish tank, you’ll also need a hard, level surface for it to rest on, like an aquarium stand or countertop. We also recommend investing in a lid for your aquarium, which can minimize heat loss and evaporation while keeping aquarium inhabitants in and pets out.

Other essential supplies for how to set up a planted aquarium include the following.

Heaters & Thermometers

Some fish and plants require very specific water temperatures in order to thrive. You’ll need a thermometer to monitor your water temperature and heaters to keep the water at the right temperature levels. A heater is especially crucial for tropical plants and fish when living in colder environments.

Lighting

There are many lighting options and configurations for keeping your plants healthy. We recommend LED options that feature PAR levels (Photosynthetic Active Radiation) and color spectrum that support healthy plant growth. You may also want lights with built-in timers so your plants get the optimal amount of light, not too much or too little.

Substrate

A highly contested topic in how you set up a planted aquarium: substrate. You may want to keep in mind that dirt and soil with high nutrient levels can leak excess nutrients into your water and disrupt optimal nutrient levels in your aquarium, leading to algae growth. Check out the best substrate for planted tanks here.

Tweezers & Scissors

Tweezers are essential for adding new plants or placing nutrient root tabs into your substrate, while scissors help you prune and propagate plants and remove dead leaves.

Fertilizer

You can keep your fertilization methods simple with an all-in-one product that provides everything your plants need. Things may get a little more complicated for how you set up a planted aquarium if you have a unique variety of plants or if you have fish with specific water requirements.

Dechlorinator

This product helps remove chlorine, waste, and other toxins from your planted aquarium setup for beginners. Maintain optimal water nutrients with the right water change products.

Algae Scraper

You don’t want unsightly aquarium glass covered with algae to obstruct your vision. An algae scrubber will help you keep your tank glass clean with minimum effort from you! Better yet, you may want to consider adding algae-eating snails to your tank so they do most of that work for you.

Water Testing Tools

How you set up a planted aquarium can be a pretty personal process, but plants and fish have very specific and standardized water requirements. Regular testing, especially in the beginning, is recommended to ensure optimal water levels.

Optional Additions

An aquarium background is completely optional, but using one can hide airline tubing and power cables that may disrupt the visual appeal of your waterscape. You can explore intricate 3D backgrounds that seamlessly blend in with your live plants or go with an all-black piece that hides algae and makes your plants stand out!

Setup Situation

 

With all your supplies at the ready, it’s time to jump into your planted aquarium setup for beginners with this step-by-step guide.

• Pick the Right Spot

Place your tank near an outlet in an area with minimal traffic, little to no natural light, and no air conditioning vents to ensure you have complete control over the aquarium environment.

• Rinse Everything

When it comes to how you set up a planted aquarium, this step is essential: wash EVERYTHING. This includes washing your tools, hardscape, tank, and background. Do not use soap or any other cleaning products or detergents, as their residue can be harmful, even deadly, to tank inhabitants and cause cloudy water when filling the tank.

• Add Your Substrate

Place 2-3 inches of substrate along with necessary root tabs at the bottom of the tank.

• Time for the Equipment

Position the heater and filter in your tank, but don’t turn them on. Early placement helps you hide equipment with plants and decoration. Use this step to plot placement for all your live plants and decor.

• Partial Fill

Add about 6 inches of water to support the plant leaves when you start to incorporate them into the tank.

• Add the Plants

Place your plants where you want them in the tank. Consider background, midground, and foreground plants for a balanced waterscape.

• Fill the Tank

Fill the tank the rest of the way with water and turn on your equipment to make sure everything is working properly.

Shop Modern Aquarium

Now that you know how to set up a planted aquarium, you can customize your waterscape to create a unique and original design. Shop Modern Aquarium for any missing essentials!