Planted tank care and maintenance
A planted tank stays healthy with a short, regular routine: a partial water change, trimming, and quick checks on the filter, lights, and water. Build a checklist for your setup, then use the guides for the why behind each task.
Your routine
Most of the work is a short weekly session plus a few checks every few weeks.
Maintenance checklist Tool
A routine tailored to your filter, livestock, CO2, and fertilizers.
A Planted Tank Maintenance Routine Guide
Weekly and monthly tasks, including how much water to change.
Water changes and testing
Testing tells you whether your routine is keeping up.
Aquarium Cycling and Water Testing for Planted Tanks Guide
What to test, how often, and what the readings mean.
Best Aquarium Water Test Kits for Planted Tanks (2026) Buying guide
Test kits matched to cycling, CO2, and shrimp tanks.
Best Water Conditioners and Bacteria Starters for Planted Tanks (2026) Buying guide
Conditioners, bacterial starters, and minerals for safe water changes.
Pruning
Regular trimming keeps plants dense and stops fast growers shading the rest.
How to Trim Stem Plants Guide
When and how to trim stem plants, and fixing leggy growth.
Essential Aquascaping Tools and What to Buy First Guide
The scissors and tweezers worth owning, and which to buy first.
Filter cleaning
Clean the filter gently so you don't remove the bacteria that keep the tank cycled.
Choosing a Filter for a Planted Aquarium Guide
How often to clean a planted tank filter, and media basics.
Lighting schedules
A consistent photoperiod matters more than any single setting.
Aquarium Timers and Lighting Schedules Guide
Set a schedule, and pair CO2 timing with the lights.
Aquarium Light Intensity and Duration for Planted Tanks Guide
How strong and how long to run your light.
Ongoing plant care
Feed plants to match their growth, and adjust slowly.
Planted Tank Fertilizer Basics Guide
How plants get nutrients and how to dose without overdoing it.
Root Tabs vs Liquid Fertilizer: Which Does Your Tank Need? Comparison
Root tabs, liquid fertilizer, or both.