How to Set Up Your First Planted Aquarium: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

If you want to improve your aquarium and create a natural environment, think of adding live aquatic plants. They make your tank look beautiful and also help keep the water clean by absorbing harmful waste and excess nutrients. Let's check out the simple steps to set up your first planted aquarium.

What You Should Do?

Collect The Supplies You Need

Before you set up your planted aquarium, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. If you are new to planted tanks or working with a budget, don't rush to buy an expensive rimless aquarium. A standard glass aquarium from a local pet store works perfectly well and is considered more affordable. 

Place your aquarium on a strong, level surface, such as a hard table, an aquarium stand, a kitchen counter, or other solid furniture. Keep in mind that when you set up an aquarium completely, it can become quite heavy. So, make sure both the furniture and the floor can safely support its weight. We also recommend using a lid or cover. 

It seems like an option, but a lid can help retain heat, reduce water evaporation, and keep water conditions more stable. It can also lower the workload on your heater and even help save energy. Most importantly, add a cover. It can prevent fish, shrimp, and snails from accidentally jumping or climbing out of the tank.

Learn How to Keep Your Aquarium Clean and Thriving?

Additional Equipment For Your Planted Aquarium

The Use Of Aquarium Background

An aquarium background is optional. However, it can also improve the overall appearance of your tank by hiding airline tubing, power cords, and other equipment. You can buy a ready-made background, attach a sheet of poster board to the back of the tank, or use a removable coating. Most aquarists prefer a black background because it can make plants and fish stand out and helps prevent algae. 

Heater and A Thermometer

If you want to keep a tropical fish, you need an aquarium heater and a thermometer. The heater keeps the water at a suitable temperature, and the thermometer checks it regularly. 

Right Lighting System

It is important to choose the right lighting for healthy plant growth. For beginners, LED lights are the right option because they can provide the light spectrum needed for healthy plant development.

Type of Substrate

The substrate, or material placed on the bottom of the aquarium, is another important consideration. The nutrient-rich soil can support plant growth, but it can also release excess nutrients into the water. 

As a result, the problem of algae growth arises when these are not managed properly. For beginners, a simple option is to use an inert substrate such as aquarium sand. It is easy to maintain the material and provide a suitable foundation for most aquatic plants.

Keep a Timer

You also need to use a timer. It ensures your plants can get the right amount of light each day and can help reduce the risk of algae growth. 

Choose Live Aquarium Plants

Once you are done setting up the aquarium, you can then buy live plants. It helps ensure that you have the right amount of lighting, substrate, and equipment needed before you introduce the plants. When choosing plants, keep these things in mind: 

Select beginner-friendly plants if you are new to planted aquariums. They are usually more durable and easier to take care of. You need to know that different plants can respond differently to water conditions. When you have different types of species, it increases the chances of success. 

Make sure to add different types of plants from the beginning if you have enough budget. A heavily planted aquarium can help reduce algae growth, improve water quality, and create a better environment when the tank matures. 

Set Up A Fish Tank With Live Plants

1. Choose The Right Location

Place the aquarium near an electrical outlet and a water source to make maintenance much easier. Make sure to avoid high-traffic areas, direct sunlight, and air conditioning vents. These can cause fluctuations in the temperature, encourage algae growth, or increase the risk of the tank being bumped. 

2. Prepare the Tank and Stand

Set up the aquarium stand or choose a sturdy surface that can support the weight of the tank. Clear the area before you place the aquarium. 

3. Rinse The Aquarium and Decorations

Wash the Aquarium, rocks, substrate, and other things you are adding. Do not use soap or cleaning chemicals as they can be very harmful to fish and plants. If needed, install an aquarium background after that. 

4. Add The Substrate

Place 2-3 inches (5-7.5) of substrate at the bottom of the aquarium. If you are using sand or gravel and plan to keep heavy root-feeding plants such as Amazon swords, add root tabs and fertilizers below the substrate. 

5. Carefully Place Equipment

Position the heater, filter, rocks, and driftwood inside the aquarium. Do not turn on the equipment. Take your time to place the hardscape, as it decides the foundation of your aquarium's design. Think about where you should place the plants before you move to the next step. 

6. Add Water Partially

Fill the aquarium with about 6 inches of dechlorinated water. The shallow water level makes planting much easier and helps protect stems and leaves. If you want to avoid disturbing the substrate, pour some water into a bowl, plate, or plastic bag placed inside the tank.

7. Plant the Aquarium

Add your aquatic plants according to their size and lighting needs. Place taller plants at the back and shorter ones at the front to create more depth and better visibility. Plants that need less light should be placed in the shaded areas, and those that need more light should be placed closer to the light source. After planting, avoid moving them, as plants need time to establish their roots and adjust to the new environment. 

8. Fill The Tank Completely

Carefully add the remaining dechlorinated water until the aquarium is full. Install the lid and lighting system, then check that all equipment is properly positioned. You need to keep the filter and lighting switched on.

9. The Use Of A Heater

If you are using a heater, make sure to let it sit in the water for about 20-30 minutes before you turn it on. It helps prevent damage caused by sudden temperature changes. 

10. Start Slowly With Light and Fertilizers

Newly planted aquariums develop algae when they receive too much light or fertilizers too soon. Make sure to keep light on for about 5-6 hours per day and use fertilizers. When the plants begin to grow and establish themselves, you can then increase both lighting and fertilizer levels.

Learn How to Prevent Algae Naturally Without Harsh Chemicals

A Pro Tip

If you are a beginner, don't think about setting up your aquariums like professionals. The best planted aquarium is the one that you actually need. First, think about how you want your aquarium to look, then design a layout you really enjoy looking at. If, after planting, some plants are losing their leaves or their leaves are melting, don't worry. It is a common part of the adjustment process as plants adapt to the new underwater environment.