How to Set Up a Planted Aquarium: From Substrate to Scaping

A planted aquarium transforms a simple fish tank into a living underwater garden. Beyond the stunning visuals, live plants create a healthier environment by absorbing toxins, producing oxygen, and reducing algae growth.

This guide walks you through setting up your first planted aquarium, from choosing the right substrate to selecting beginner-friendly plants that thrive.

Benefits of a Planted Aquarium

Natural Filtration:

Plants absorb ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate
Reduce the frequency of water changes needed
Create biological balance in the ecosystem

Oxygen Production:

Photosynthesis adds oxygen to the water
Fish breathe easier in planted tanks
Supports larger fish populations

Algae Control:

Plants outcompete algae for nutrients
Shade from plant growth limits algae growth
Natural algae prevention without chemicals

Fish Health:

Reduces stress with natural environment
Provides hiding spots and territories
Absorbs CO2 and improves water quality
Encourages natural behaviors

Aesthetic Appeal:

Creates a slice of nature in your home
Endless aquascaping possibilities
Dynamic environment that changes and grows

Planning Your Planted Tank

Choose Your Tank Size

10-20 Gallons:

Perfect for low-tech planted setups
Easy to light adequately
Manageable maintenance
Great for learning

29-40 Gallons:

Ideal for beginners wanting diverse plants
Room for hardscape and plant groupings
Stable enough for delicate species
Excellent for aquascaping

55+ Gallons:

Accommodates large statement plants
Room for dramatic aquascapes
Can include demanding plant species
Stable environment for rare plants

Determine Your Technology Level

Low-Tech (Easiest):

No CO2 injection required
Standard LED lighting
Easy-care plants only
Minimal fertilization
Best for beginners

Medium-Tech:

Liquid CO2 supplements (Excel, Easy Carbon)
Moderate lighting
Broader plant selection
Regular liquid fertilizers
Good for committed beginners

High-Tech (Advanced):

Pressurized CO2 injection
High-intensity lighting
Daily fertilization routine
Can grow any plant species
Requires experience and monitoring

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Choose the Right Substrate

The substrate is the foundation of a planted tank. Unlike gravel-only setups, planted tanks need nutrient-rich bases.

Best Substrate Options:

1. Commercial Aquasoil (Recommended):

ADA Amazonia, Fluval Stratum, UNS Controsoil
Contains nutrients plants need
Lowers pH slightly (good for most plants)
Long-lasting and effective
Cost: $25-40 per 10 gallons

2. Layered System (Budget-Friendly):

Bottom layer: Organic potting soil (1-2 inches)
Top layer: Gravel or sand cap (1 inch)
Very inexpensive
Requires careful setup
May cloud water initially

3. Inert Substrate with Root Tabs:

Gravel or sand base
Root tab fertilizers pushed into substrate
Good for root-feeding plants
Requires periodic tab replacement
Cost-effective long-term

Application:

Depth: 2-3 inches minimum for rooted plants
Slope: Create depth by making it deeper in back
Rinse: Pre-rinse dusty substrates (except aquasoil)

Step 2: Install Hardscape

Hardscape (rocks and wood) provides structure and anchor points for plants.

Popular Hardscape Materials:

Dragon Stone: Lightweight, porous, plant-friendly
Seiryu Stone: Classic aquascaping rock with character
Spider Wood: Branchy, creates height and interest
Mopani Wood: Dense, sinks easily, dark coloration
Lava Rock: Porous, lightweight, excellent for moss

Design Tips:

Place largest pieces first
Follow the rule of thirds
Create caves and hiding spots
Anchor wood with rocks if needed
Consider how plants will attach to hardscape

Step 3: Set Up Equipment

Filtration:

Use a filter rated for 1.5x your tank volume
Gentle flow preferred for plants
Canister filters or HOB work well

Heater:

Set to 72-78°F (most plants prefer this range)
Plants stabilize temperature, reducing heater workload

Lighting:

LED fixtures designed for planted tanks
Low-tech: 1-2 watts per gallon equivalent
Medium-tech: 2-3 watts per gallon equivalent
High-tech: 3+ watts per gallon with CO2
Timer essential: 6-8 hours daily to start

CO2 (if using):

Install before water fill
Set up regulator and diffuser
Start with 1 bubble per second
Monitor drop checker (target: green)

Step 4: Fill and Plant

Filling the Tank:

Place a plate or plastic bag on substrate
Pour water onto the plate to prevent substrate disturbance
Fill slowly to halfway
Begin planting (easier with less water)
Fill to final level

Planting Techniques:

Stem Plants (Rotala, Ludwigia):

Remove lower leaves
Plant stems 2-3 inches deep
Space 1-2 inches apart
Trim tops to encourage bushiness

Rosette Plants (Cryptocoryne, Sword Plants):

Don’t bury the crown (where leaves meet roots)
Spread roots over substrate
Gently push into substrate
Root tabs placed nearby

Rhizome Plants (Anubias, Java Fern):

Never bury the rhizome (horizontal stem)
Attach to rocks or wood with super glue gel or thread
Roots will anchor naturally over time

Carpeting Plants (Dwarf Hairgrass, Monte Carlo):

Plant in small clumps 1 inch apart
Divide into small portions
Takes time to fill in
Medium/high light required

Mosses (Java Moss, Christmas Moss):

Attach to hardscape with glue or thread
Can also be left free-floating
Grows in any light
Excellent for beginners

Best Beginner Plants

Undemanding and Forgiving:

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus):

Attach to wood or rocks
Thrives in low light
No substrate requirements
Propagates easily

Anubias (Anubias barteri, nana):

Rhizome plant—don’t bury
Extremely hardy
Slow-growing
Tolerates any conditions

Cryptocoryne (Various species):

Root feeders—benefit from aquasoil
“Crypt melt” is normal when transitioning
Recovers within weeks
Beautiful leaf shapes

Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri):

No planting required
Covers hardscape and substrate
Tolerates all light levels
Excellent for breeding tanks

Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus):

Dramatic centerpiece plant
Needs root tabs or aquasoil
Can reach 12+ inches tall
Creates excellent hiding spots

Vallisneria (Italian Val, Jungle Val):

Spreads via runners
Creates dense backgrounds
Very easy to grow
Tolerates various conditions

Amazon Frogbit (Floating):

Floats on surface
Reduces light for submersed plants
Roots hang down as hiding spots
Controls algae by blocking light

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum):

Free-floating or anchored
Fast-growing nutrient sponge
Excellent oxygen producer
Filters water effectively

Lighting Guidelines

Low Light (Low-Tech):

1-2 watts per gallon LED equivalent
Suitable for: Anubias, Java Fern, Java Moss, Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria
Duration: 6-8 hours daily
Minimal algae risk

Medium Light:

2-3 watts per gallon LED equivalent
Suitable for: Most stem plants, carpeting plants with patience
Duration: 8 hours daily
Requires balanced nutrients

High Light (High-Tech):

3+ watts per gallon with CO2
Suitable for: All plants including demanding species
Duration: 8-10 hours daily
Requires CO2 and fertilization
Higher algae risk if unbalanced

Fertilization Basics

Macronutrients (NPK):

Nitrogen: From fish waste and decay
Phosphate: From fish food
Potassium: Often needs supplementation

Micronutrients (Trace Elements):

Iron, magnesium, calcium, etc.
Required in small amounts
Comprehensive liquid fertilizers provide these

Fertilizer Schedule:

Low-tech: Weekly comprehensive liquid fertilizer
Medium-tech: Twice weekly comprehensive + root tabs
High-tech: Daily dosing following EI method

Signs of Deficiency:

Yellow leaves: Nitrogen or iron deficiency
Holes in leaves: Potassium deficiency
Stunted growth: Multiple deficiencies
Algae issues: Usually excess nutrients or light

Maintenance Schedule

Daily:

Check CO2 (if using) and drop checker color
Observe plant health and growth
Remove any dead leaves immediately

Weekly:

25% water change
Dose liquid fertilizers after water change
Trim overgrown plants
Clean glass if algae present
Test water parameters

Monthly:

Replace filter media (never all at once)
Deep clean if needed
Replace root tabs near heavy root feeders
Review and adjust lighting duration
Prune heavily and replant trimmings

Common Planted Tank Problems

Algae Outbreaks:

Cause: Excess light, nutrients, or organic waste
Solution: Reduce lighting, increase water changes, add fast-growing plants
Prevention: Balance light, CO2, and nutrients

Melting Plants (Cryptocoryne):

Normal when transitioning to new tank
Leaves dissolve but roots survive
New growth emerges within 2-4 weeks
Don’t remove unless rotting

Slow Growth:

Check: Lighting intensity and duration
Solution: Increase light or reduce expectations
Some plants (Anubias, Java Fern) are naturally slow

Dying Plants:

Check: Rhizome buried? (fatal for Anubias/Java Fern)
Check: Crown buried? (fatal for Crypts/Swords)
Check: Sufficient nutrients?
Check: Compatible water parameters?

Aquascaping Principles

Rule of Thirds:

Divide tank into 3 sections
Place focal points at intersection lines
Creates visual balance

Golden Ratio:

Nature’s proportion (1:1.618)
Apply to hardscape placement
Creates natural-looking layouts

Foreground, Midground, Background:

Foreground: Carpeting plants or open sand
Midground: Medium plants and hardscape focus
Background: Tall plants for backdrop

Creating Depth:

Higher substrate in back
Larger hardscape in back
Smaller-leaf plants in back
Creates illusion of distance

Conclusion

A planted aquarium rewards patience with a living, evolving ecosystem. Start with easy plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne. Focus on balancing light, nutrients, and CO2 (if using). Over time, you’ll develop an eye for aquascaping and can experiment with more demanding species.

Remember: Plants are forgiving. Even if they don’t thrive immediately, they often recover with adjusted care. The journey of learning and growing alongside your plants is half the joy of planted tanks.

Ready to stock your planted tank? Check out our guide to fish that thrive in planted aquariums for perfect plant-safe companions.