Setting up your first planted aquarium? Here’s the complete guide!

When starting your aquascaping journey, two of the most crucial decisions you’ll make are what size aquarium to choose and where to place it. Whether you’re envisioning a 30cm nano tank for a shrimp sanctuary or a full-blown nature-style scape in an ADA 180P, the size and placement of your aquarium play a foundational role. From VIV tanks to ADA tanks, and from compact setups like the 30c and 45p to larger layouts like the 120P and 180P, each has its own advantages, challenges, and unique visual impact.

Today’s aquascaping market also offers ultra-clear/extra-clear tanks, enhancing visibility and color clarity, making your underwater world look more vibrant and true to life. Choosing the right one ensures your scape doesn’t just survive but thrives.

Where you place your aquarium plays a big role in how well it performs and how easy it is to maintain. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause algae growth and temperature fluctuations especially in ultra-clear tanks that let in more light. Always use a sturdy, level surface that can support the full weight of the tank, whether it’s a compact 30cm cube or a large 180P setup. Keep the tank near power outlets and close to a water source to make equipment setup and water changes easier.

Before setting up your aquascape, it’s important to gather all the basic tools and materials you’ll need for a smooth and stress-free start. Start with using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water to convert Higher TDS water to RO water you can use ADA NA WATER , contaminant-free base that gives you full control over water parameters. Use a TDS meter to measure total dissolved solids and ensure ideal water quality for your planted aquarium. Since RO water lacks minerals, you’ll need a remineralizer like aquavascular GH Recharge to add back essential elements for healthy plant growth and stable water chemistry. When it’s time to plant, aquascaping tools like chihiros pro tweezers and chihiros  scissors make the job much easier and more precise. Use aquascaping glue (ISTA glue) to securely attach mosses and plants to rocks or driftwood without damaging them. And don’t forget a base mat it cushions the aquarium and prevents pressure points that could lead to cracks.

The next step is adding a layer of Super Pour to boost beneficial bacteria and activate the soil. You can also place ADA root sutra under for heavy root feeders like Cryptocoryne or Echinodorus to provide targeted nutrition. Now its time to add substrate, which forms the base of your layout and supports plant health. The type of substrate you choose depends on the style of aquascape you’re creating. For nature-style or lush planted tanks, nutrient-rich soil like ADA AMAZONIA V.2, JUN Master soil, dennerle scaper’s soil, is ideal for supporting rooted plants. In minimalist riverbed-style layouts its suggested to use JUN Platinum soil, WIO sand, WIO riverbed can be used to create clean lines and contrast. For biotope or paludarium-style scapes, WIO Artist Wetland, DOOA Jungle base substrate mimics natural swampy environments and enhances biological stability.

After laying the substrate system it’s time to Choose your aquascaping style whether it’s a minimalist Iwagumi, lush Nature-style, or dramatic diorama scape. Select quality hardscape materials like WIO Rocks , WIO accent stones, driftwood, or branch wood to build the structure. These materials form the structure of your aquascape and define its overall character.

To bring your layout to life, use scaping essentials like chihiros tweezers, chihiros scissors, layout tools, and adhesive glue or putty to secure rocks and wood in place. Take your time during this stage your hardscape is the visual foundation of your entire underwater world.

Filtration is one of the most important parts of a healthy aquarium setup, especially in planted tanks. Choosing the right filter depends on your tank size, layout, and livestock. For smaller tanks like a 30cm cube or 45P, a compact hang-on-back filter like shiruba pf series filter may be enough, while larger setups like a 60P, 120P, or 180P typically need a more powerful canister filter like Aquael, Shiruba and fzone for better circulation and water quality. Filters work best when they have the right media inside biological media (like ADA Bio Rio, bio home, Sera siporax ) support beneficial bacteria that break down waste, sponge media trap debris and provide extra surface area, and chemical media such as NT Labs ammonia remover, NT Labs phosphate remover, it helps remove odor, discoloration, or toxins when needed.

To complete the setup, lily pipes often made of glass or stainless steel help create gentle flow while keeping your aquascape visually clean. They not only improve water circulation but also enhance the overall aesthetic, especially in ultra-clear tanks. A good filter setup ensures your water stays clear, balanced, and safe for both plants and fish.

Choosing the right light depends on your tank size, plant types, and whether you’re running a low-tech or high-tech setup. For low-tech aquariums, such as those with hardy plants like Anubias, Java Fern, or mosses, basic low tech light with moderate output will do the job without the need for CO₂ injection. Mid to high-tech tanks, like those using carpeting plants or red-stemmed species, require stronger, full-spectrum lighting that penetrates deeper and supports photosynthesis these setups typically go hand-in-hand with CO₂ and fertilizers. Brands like Chihiros, ADA, ONF and Skylight offer a range of lighting solutions suitable for both beginners and advanced aquascapers.

Choosing the right plants is all about understanding your lighting and your ability to care for them. Low-light tanks, such as nano setups or tanks without CO₂, are best suited for hardy plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Cryptocoryne, which are slow-growing and easy to maintain. mid to high-tech tanks allow for more demanding species like Monte Carlo, Hemianthus Cuba (HC), or Rotala. Always consider the care level of each plant some need daily attention and trimming, while others thrive with minimal effort. By matching your plant choices with your tank’s light intensity and your own routine, you’ll create a healthy, balanced aquascape that’s both beautiful and manageable.

This process allows beneficial bacteria to grow in your filter and substrate, which helps break down fish waste and keep the water safe. You can kickstart this process by adding bottled beneficial bacteria solutions such as Mydilabs bacto-clean, NT Labs Filter Starter, ADA Bacter 100 (100g), Microbelift Nite-Out , which speed up colonization and create a healthy biological environment. During the cycling phase, it’s important to monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, and perform regular partial water changes to keep things stable. This process usually takes a couple of weeks, but it’s essential cycling helps prevent fish stress and avoids sudden spikes in toxins.