Planted tank setups by style and size
Setting up a planted tank goes in a predictable order: tank and stand, substrate and hardscape, plants, filter and light, then cycling before livestock. Start with the guide closest to your tank, or let the setup finder build a checklist.
Beginner setups
Plan the whole build before buying anything.
Setup finder Planner
An equipment checklist from your tank size and growing style.
How to Set Up Your First Planted Aquarium Guide
The full first-tank walkthrough, from empty glass to cycling.
Aquarium Cycling and Water Testing for Planted Tanks Guide
Cycle the tank and know when it's ready for livestock.
Low-tech and high-tech
Decide on CO2 first: it changes the light, fertilizer, and maintenance you'll need.
Low-Tech vs. High-Tech Planted Tanks Guide
What each approach needs, side by side.
Aquarium CO2 Systems Explained: A Planted Tank Guide Guide
What a pressurized CO2 system includes and how it runs.
Shrimp and fish tanks
Livestock adds its own needs: water parameters, flow, and what's safe to dose.
How to Set Up a Planted Betta Tank Guide
Gentle flow, steady heat, and surface plants for a betta.
Keeping Shrimp in Planted Tanks Guide
Water, substrate, CO2, and copper for shrimp in planted tanks.
Best Sponge Filters and Air Pumps for Betta, Shrimp, and Nano Tanks (2026) Buying guide
Gentle filtration for shrimp, betta, and nano tanks.
Best Aquarium Heaters for Planted Tanks by Tank Size (2026) Buying guide
Heaters sized from nano and betta tanks up to larger setups.
Setups by tank size
Smaller tanks change faster; longer footprints give more room to scape. Measure your tank inside the glass first.
How to Set Up a Planted Nano Tank Guide
Small tanks: what changes when the water volume is tiny.
10-Gallon Low-Tech Planted Tank: Complete Setup Guide Guide
A complete low-tech 10-gallon plan with plants and equipment.
20-Gallon Long Planted Tank: Equipment and Planting Plan Guide
Equipment and a planting plan for a 30-inch 20 long.
Rimless Aquarium Buying Guide Guide
Choosing a rimless tank for an open-top aquascape.
Aquarium volume calculator Tool
Find your tank's real water volume.
Scaping the tank
Hardscape goes in before water, so plan the layout early.
Aquascaping Styles Explained Guide
Nature, Dutch, iwagumi, and jungle styles compared.
Choosing Aquarium Hardscape: Rocks and Driftwood Guide
Rocks and driftwood that suit planted tanks.