Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up a Planted Aquarium & Water Cycling

Introduction

A planted aquarium (or "aquascape") combines aquatic plants, fish, and hardscape materials (e.g., rocks, driftwood) to create a natural ecosystem. Proper setup and water cycling are crucial for long-term success. This guide covers:

  1. Equipment Preparation
  2. Substrate & Hardscape Setup
  3. Planting Techniques
  4. Initial Water Filling & Cycling
  5. Maintenance Tips

1. Equipment Preparation

Essential Supplies:

  1. Aquarium Tank (Recommended size: 10–30 gallons for beginners)
  2. Filter (Sponge/Hang-on-back/Canister filter, depending on tank size)
  3. Lighting (LED plant lights, 6–8 hours/day)
  4. Substrate (Nutrient-rich soil or inert gravel/sand)
  5. Heater (Set to 72–78°F / 22–26°C for tropical plants/fish)
  6. CO2 System (Optional but beneficial for dense plant growth)
  7. Water Test Kit (Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH, KH/GH)
  8. Fertilizers (Liquid or root tabs for plant nutrition)

Optional Tools:

  1. Aquascaping tweezers/scissors
  2. Algae scraper
  3. Bucket for water changes

2. Substrate & Hardscape Setup

Step 1: Rinse Substrate

  1. If using soil (e.g., ADA Aqua Soil), avoid rinsing to preserve nutrients.
  2. For inert substrates (gravel/sand), rinse thoroughly to remove dust.

Step 2: Layer the Substrate

  1. Base Layer (Optional): Use lava rock or porous substrate for drainage.
  2. Main Layer: Add 1.5–2 inches of nutrient-rich soil (sloped for depth).
  3. Top Layer (Optional): Cap with sand for aesthetics (prevents soil clouding).

Step 3: Arrange Hardscape

  1. Position driftwood/rocks (e.g., dragon stone, seiryu stone) for visual balance.
  2. Soak driftwood beforehand to prevent tannins from leaching.

3. Planting Techniques

Step 1: Plan Plant Layout

  1. Foreground: Low-growing plants (e.g., Dwarf Hairgrass, Monte Carlo).
  2. Midground: Bushy plants (e.g., Cryptocoryne, Anubias).
  3. Background: Tall stems (e.g., Rotala, Hygrophila).

Step 2: Plant Carefully

  1. Use tweezers to insert roots into the substrate.
  2. For epiphytes (e.g., Java Fern), attach to hardscape with glue/thread.

Step 3: Initial Pruning

  1. Trim dead leaves and overgrown stems to encourage healthy growth.

4. Water Filling & Cycling

Step 1: Fill the Tank

  1. Place a plate/bag on the substrate to avoid disturbing it.
  2. Fill slowly with dechlorinated water (use a water conditioner).

Step 2: Start the Nitrogen Cycle

  1. Week 1–2: Add ammonia source (fish food/liquid ammonia) to reach 2–4 ppm.
  2. Week 3–4: Test daily for ammonia → nitrite → nitrate spikes.
  3. Week 4+: When ammonia/nitrite drop to 0 ppm and nitrates rise, the tank is cycled.

Step 3: Partial Water Changes

  1. Change 30–50% water weekly during cycling to manage toxins.

5. Maintenance Tips

  1. Lighting: 6–8 hours/day to prevent algae.
  2. Fertilization: Dose liquid macros/micros weekly.
  3. CO2 (Optional): Maintain 20–30 ppm if using injected CO2.
  4. Algae Control: Reduce light/nutrients; add algae eaters (e.g., shrimp/snails).

Conclusion

Patience is key! A well-cycled planted tank (4–6 weeks) ensures stability before adding fish. Monitor water parameters regularly and adjust care routines as needed.