The right tools. Happier plants.
Every category below explains what matters, what to check for compatibility with your tank, and when you can skip the purchase entirely. Start with your tank’s dimensions and growing style, not a shopping list.
All equipment categories
Plant lighting
Light is the engine of a planted tank, and the most common place people over- or under-buy.
CO2 systems
Injected CO2 can transform growth in a well-lit tank, but it is a system of parts that must fit together and be adjusted carefully around livestock.
Substrates
The substrate anchors roots and, depending on the type, can supply nutrients and change water chemistry.
Fertilizers
Plants need more than light and CO2.
Filters
Filtration keeps water clean and moves it through the plants, carrying CO2 and nutrients to the leaves.
Aquascaping tools
A few long tools make planting and trimming far easier, and keep your arms out of the water.
Rimless tanks
Rimless aquariums are the classic aquascaping look: no plastic frame, just clear glass edges.
Timers
Plants and algae both respond to consistency.
Water test kits
Testing turns guesswork into decisions.
Build a checklist for your tank.
Enter your tank’s volume, length, and growing style. The setup finder separates essentials from optional upgrades and skips what you already own.