Planted tank equipment decisions
Most equipment questions come down to two or three realistic options. Each guide here explains how to decide based on your tank size, setup, and budget, before you compare specific products.
Lighting
Match the light to your tank's length and the plants you want to grow.
How to Choose Planted Aquarium Lighting Guide
Coverage, intensity, and control features explained.
Fluval Plant 3.0 vs Finnex Planted+ 3.0: Which LED Fits Your Tank? Comparison
Two popular planted LEDs, compared by tank size.
Aquarium Timers and Lighting Schedules Guide
Built-in schedules vs separate timers.
Filtration
Size the filter to the tank, then choose the type that suits your maintenance style.
Choosing a Filter for a Planted Aquarium Guide
Sponge, hang-on-back, and canister filters for planted tanks.
Fluval 07 Series vs EHEIM Classic: Which Canister Filter Fits? Comparison
Feature-rich vs simple canister designs.
Fluval 307 vs Fluval FX2: Which Canister Filter Fits Your Tank Size? Comparison
Choosing between two canister sizes.
Sponge Filter vs Canister Filter: Which Suits Your Planted Tank? Comparison
Gentle sponge filtration or a canister: which suits your tank.
CO2
Decide whether you need CO2 at all before choosing a regulator.
Aquarium CO2 Systems Explained: A Planted Tank Guide Guide
How pressurized CO2 works and what a full system includes.
FZONE Pro vs UNS Mini: Which Dual Stage CO2 Regulator Fits Your Cylinder? Comparison
Two dual-stage regulators, and which cylinder each fits.
Substrate and fertilizer
Your substrate choice decides how much fertilizing you'll do later.
How to Choose Aquarium Substrate for a Planted Tank Guide
Aquasoil vs inert substrates for planted tanks.
Seachem Flourite vs UNS Controsoil: Which Substrate to Choose? Comparison
Inert clay gravel vs active aquasoil.
Root Tabs vs Liquid Fertilizer: Which Does Your Tank Need? Comparison
Root tabs, liquid fertilizer, or both.
Seachem Flourish vs NilocG Thrive: Which Liquid Fertilizer Does Your Tank Need? Comparison
Two liquid fertilizers for different needs.
Water testing
Testing tells you whether a problem is water quality or something else.
API Master Test Kit vs Tetra EasyStrips: Which Water Test Suits Your Tank? Comparison
Liquid test kit vs test strips.
Aquascaping tools
A few tools make planting and upkeep easier; most can wait until you need them.
Essential Aquascaping Tools and What to Buy First Guide
What each tool is for, and which to buy first versus later.
Best Aquascaping and Maintenance Tools for Planted Tanks (2026) Buying guide
Tweezers, glass cleaners, and siphons sized to your tank.