The Planted Aquarium

A GUIDE TO THE PLANTED AQUARIUM

Welcome to the next step up in having an aquarium, the planted aquarium. "But wait.... I have had plants in my tank before?" Yes most people have, but a planted aquarium attempts to mimic a natural environment.

If you already believe you have a strong knowledge of planted tanks and how everything works, feel free to check out the more advanced techniques of aqua scaping in this guide:An Advanced Guide to Aquascaping

Creating a planted tank helps you to understand the chemistry within the water that allows the plants to grow and flourish if presented with the right environment. There are hundreds of types of plants that encompass different requirements, colours and sizes.

fish in aquarium planted planted tank

Steps to starting your planted Aquarium


Decide what type of plants you want in the tank. It is usually a good idea to stick with one central theme e.g. Stem plants, Anubais, Java Ferns and crypts. These are among the major types, moss is another plant that will grow in almost all conditions; it makes a fine addition to any planted aquarium.

Examples of Common Plants


Stem Plants

Anubais & Ferns

Potted Plants

Moss

Hair Grass


When the types of plants you are using have been decided we must think about what requirements the plants need to grow, a nutrient rich substrate will work but in this case is not entirely necessary.