The Beginner's Guide to Starting a Planted Tank

Welcome to the World of Planted Tanks

A planted aquarium is one of the most rewarding setups you can create — a living, breathing slice of nature right in your home. Whether you're brand new to the hobby or transitioning from a fish-only tank, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get started with confidence.

Step 1: Choose Your Tank Size

For beginners, a tank between 60–120 litres is ideal. It's large enough to maintain stable water parameters but manageable enough to not feel overwhelming. Smaller tanks (under 40L) can be more challenging because water conditions fluctuate rapidly.

Step 2: Substrate Matters

Plants need a nutrient-rich substrate to thrive. Options include:

• Aquasoil (e.g., Mastersoil, ADA Amazonia, Seachem Flourite) – Best for demanding plants and shrimp; slightly lowers pH.
• Inert sand or gravel with root tabs – A budget-friendly option for low-tech setups.
• Specialised planted tank substrates – A middle ground with added nutrients.

Aim for a depth of 5–7 cm to give roots room to anchor and grow.

Step 3: Lighting

Light is the engine of a planted tank. The right intensity and spectrum drive photosynthesis and plant growth.

• Low-tech tanks: 6–8 hours of moderate light per day. LED fixtures like the Chihiros, Week Aqua work well.
• High-tech tanks: Higher intensity lighting paired with CO2 injection for demanding species.

Use a timer to maintain a consistent photoperiod and prevent algae outbreaks.

Step 4: Filtration

A good filter keeps water clean and oxygenated without creating excessive flow that stresses plants or fish. Canister filters are popular for planted tanks as they offer strong mechanical and biological filtration with adjustable flow. Aim for a turnover rate of 5–10x your tank volume per hour.

Step 5: CO2 — Do You Need It?

CO2 injection accelerates plant growth and helps outcompete algae, but it's not essential for every setup.

• Low-tech (no CO2): Stick to hardy, slow-growing plants like Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocorynes, and mosses.
• High-tech (with CO2): Opens the door to carpeting plants, stem plants, and more demanding species.

If you're just starting out, we recommend beginning without CO2 and upgrading once you're comfortable with the basics.

Step 6: Water Parameters

Most aquatic plants thrive in the following conditions:

• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• Hardness (GH): 4–12 dGH

Test your water regularly, especially in the first few weeks of a new setup.

Step 7: Choosing Your First Plants

Start with forgiving, fast-growing species that help stabilise the tank during cycling:

• Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
• Anubias (Anubias barteri)
• Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri)
• Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
• Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis)

These species are widely available, low-maintenance, and excellent at absorbing excess nutrients during the cycling phase.

Step 8: Cycling Your Tank

Before adding fish, your tank needs to cycle — this is the process of establishing beneficial bacteria that convert toxic ammonia into nitrite, then into the much safer nitrate. This typically takes 4–6 weeks. Be patient; it's the most important step for long-term success.

Final Tips

• Do regular water changes (20–30% weekly) to keep nutrients balanced.
• Trim plants regularly to encourage bushy, healthy growth.
• Introduce fish slowly after cycling is complete.
• Don't overstock — a planted tank is an ecosystem, not just a display.

Ready to get started? Browse our range of aquatic plants and aquarium equipment at Chloe's Aquatic Centre — we stock everything you need to build your dream planted tank.