A planted tank is an aquarium filled with aquatic plants. It provides a beautiful, natural environment for your fish and other aquatic creatures to live in. Not only do they look great, but they also provide a number of benefits such as oxygenating the water and providing food and shelter for your fish.

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Planted tanks require some specific equipment in order to be successful. You will need an aquarium, a light fixture, substrate, and of course plants. 

Once you have all the necessary components, you can begin setting up your tank by adding substrate to the bottom and planting your aquatic plants.

The Relationship Between Fish And Plants

The fish provide nutrients for the plants to grow, while the plants help keep the water clean by absorbing ammonia, nitrates, and other toxins from the water. 

This helps create a healthy environment for both the fish and the plants to thrive.

When live aquatic plants are present, they act as a natural food source for the fish. 

The shade and shelter provided by the plants also provide an ideal environment for many types of fish to hide from potential predators or just relax in. 

Having both fish and plants in your tank helps create a balanced system that everyone can benefit from. 

Should I Choose Fish Or Plants First?

When starting a planted tank, it’s important to decide whether you should choose fish or plants first. 

Fish may need specific water parameters that are better suited for certain types of plants and vice versa. 

If necessary, do some research and make sure the two will be compatible before buying anything. 

Consider what types of fish and plants you want to include in your tank. Some fish may be more likely to eat certain plants or uproot them, so make sure the two will mesh well together.

Choose Fish

When selecting fish for your planted tank, consider their temperament, size and compatibility with the other species in the tank. 

Choose species that have similar water conditions and dietary needs to prevent competition and aggression. Avoid mixing different types of aggressive fish or schooling fish with territorial ones.

Make sure that all the fish in your tank are about the same size as smaller fish can more easily become prey to larger ones.

Choose The Right Plants

When selecting plants, choose slow-growing species in order to avoid overcrowding or causing excessive nutrient competition between the different plant species. 

Many live aquarium plants are also delicate and require special care and attention, so it’s important to research their particular needs before making a purchase. 

It’s also important to note that plants can be a source of pollutants, so you should make sure they are free of parasites and other diseases before introducing them to your tank.

Start With The Basics

In order to create and maintain a thriving planted tank, first you need to start with the basics.

Your tank should have adequate lighting, proper filtration, suitable substrate, and appropriate temperature control. These elements are essential for the healthy growth of your plants.

Understand The Lighting Requirements Of Your Aquatic Plants

Not all aquatic plants require full sunlight, but most do need some light to survive and thrive. Depending on the type of plant, they may have different lighting needs that must be met. 

The most important factor to consider when providing a light source for your aquatic plants is the intensity of the light. 

Some plants prefer bright lights, while others do better with lower light intensities. Fluval Plant 3.0 LED has given great results in the testing environment and in use, thus, is our recommendation. 

The type of bulb and wattage should be chosen based on the amount of light needed. 

If you’re unsure what type of lighting will work best for your plants, consult a professional or research the specific species of aquatic plants you have.

The duration of light your aquatic plants need also plays an important role in their health and growth. 

Different plants require different amounts and types of exposure to light. 

Some may do better with several hours of direct sunlight, while others may thrive under subdued lighting for twelve hours or more. 

Temperature is another factor that should be taken into account when providing lighting for aquatic plants. Some species prefer warm temperatures while others require cooler temperatures in order to thrive. If you are unsure of the light or temperature your plants prefer, research the specific species or consult a professional.

Make Sure To Have Enough Filtration And Oxygenation

It is important to make sure that your planted tank has enough filtration and oxygenation. 

When it comes to filtration, you should invest in an appropriate filter for the size of the tank, as well as one that will help keep all of the debris away from your plants. 

You also need to make sure that there are enough oxygen bubbles being produced for the plants to breathe. 

A power filter with a protein skimmer can help ensure that oxygen is evenly distributed throughout your tank.

How To Choose The Right Substrate?

When it comes to selecting a substrate for your planted tank, the choice is up to you. 

Some popular options include gravel, sand, and soil-based substrates such as eco-complete or aquasoil. 

Gravel provides good aeration and water flow, while sand has a softer and more natural look that some fish prefer. 

Soil-based substrates are great for providing nutrients to plants, but they can be more difficult to maintain.

Monitor Water Parameters Regularly

Water parameters refer to the quality of the water in terms of pH, hardness, temperature, nitrate levels and other chemical components. 

It is important to test these parameters at least once a week and adjust accordingly if necessary. Unbalanced water parameters can lead to poor plant growth, excessive algae blooms, and fish disease. 

A good water test kit should include a variety of tests for all the most important parameters. 

It’s also important to regularly check your filter media and clean it when necessary. 

Feed Your Fish Properly

A planted tank is a beautiful addition to any aquarium, providing an environment that looks and feels natural. 

To keep your planted tank looking its best, you must feed your fish properly and supplement with necessary nutrients for your specific type of plants. 

When it comes to feeding your fish, it is important to feed them according to their individual nutritional needs. 

Many aquarium fish require different types of food at different times in order to stay healthy and active. 

You should also vary the type of food you give them and make sure your fish are getting all the nutrients they need.

Some plants require more nutrients than others. 

For example, plants such as Java ferns and anubias require extra iron and other trace elements that can be provided through fertilizer tablets or liquid supplements. 

You may also want to introduce additional CO2 into the tank in order to optimize plant growth.

Prune Dead Or Dying Leaves On A Regular Basis

Dead or dying leaves detract from the overall appearance of your planted tank and can provide a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. 

To do this, simply use a pair of scissors to snip off the affected portions of the plant. 

If possible, try to leave some healthy leaves behind so that the plant can continue to photosynthesize.

If you’re unsure which parts of a plant are dead or dying, inspect each leaf closely and look for signs of discoloration, wilting or decay. Promptly remove any unhealthy material from the tank and discard it in the trash.

Utilize Beneficial Bacteria To Help Balance The Ecosystem

Beneficial bacteria are an essential part of a healthy planted tank. 

These bacteria help to break down organic matter, such as fish waste and uneaten food, into usable nutrients for the plants in the tank. This helps to reduce nitrate levels and prevent algae growth.

Beneficial bacteria also convert ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate, which is a necessary part of the nitrogen cycle. 

You can also add live plants and other natural sources of beneficial bacteria such as peat moss, decaying leaves, and compost teas. 

Regular maintenance of the tank, like frequent water changes and gravel vacuums, will also help to keep the bacteria levels balanced.

Conclusion

With the right knowledge and dedication, you can create a thriving aquatic environment that will be enjoyable for years to come. 

Maintaining such a system requires patience and regular care; however, with proper maintenance practices in place, it’s not too difficult to keep your tank healthy and happy