A simple filter of your choosing (hang-on back filters are the easiest to find and are suitable for most tanks), A tank light for growing plants, secured properly for safety. Different plants need different light levels, so do research and plan your tank accordingly. An air pump (with airstones and airline tubing). It does not need to be strong, but needs to disturb the water and add oxygen to prevent stagnant water buildup. If your tank’s water temperature reaches cool extremes, it’s best to invest in a heater as well. Sunlight is not a suitable replacement for tank lights! It can heat up the tank; it’s unregulated, and accelerates algae growth, so keep your tank away from it.
You can skip decorations, but substrate is vital in planted tanks. Keep in mind that certain plants do better with certain substrates.
Don’t, as yet, add the plant fertilizer (substrate or water soluble).
While some (not a lot!) of nitrates are vital to the plants’ growth – ammonia and nitrites are toxic to them. Plants handle the chemicals better than fish do, but it’s better to err on the caution side. [2] X Research source
Buy from reputable sites. A snail-free promise should be searched for, as snails can reproduce quickly to decimate your tank. Research carefully. Some “aquatic” plants actually should not be fully submerged. It’s great to use these, but don’t put them fully in the water. [4] X Research source They will rot. Many plants are fine with gravel, but some do poorly in sand. Keep this in mind.
If you included natural wood décor, there are “mosses” or other plants that flourish on floating wood. Add them to the wood! A good example would be an underwater “meadow”. Hairgrass, wood, and rocks are used to create the illusion of a scene usually seen on ground.
Follow suppliers’ instructions. Don’t just put in whatever seems reasonable. Too much can burn the roots and plants or mess up water chemistry.
Plants that grow on wood can be tucked into crevices or held in place gently by a temporary, weak rubber band. Rooted plants should have their roots tucked completely into the substrate. Floating plants can be anchored to aquarium weights or rocks, or left to freely wander.
Once in a while, use your gravel or substrate vacuum to clean the substrate surface of rotting organic matter.
Avoid too much algae by keeping the tank away from sun, not using too-strong lights, and not overdoing fertilizer/supplements.
Most pet store variety invertebrates only eat dead matter, but some do eat live plants. Furnishing their needs and protecting your aquatic plants can include putting in bits of plant material.
Don’t be afraid to request particular sizes and kinds of specimens! This is common and acceptable. Avoid buying baby invertebrates for an unestablished tank. They generally do not do well in a newly prepared tank.
The best method to acclimate them is to simply float the animals’ bag in the tank water for at least 30 minutes.
Inadequate feeding of vegetable food will push normal scavengers into eating your plants at times, so protect your plants by feeding adequately. Remove food after a few hours/within the day if not eaten, to prevent mold/algae.
