The right equipment, and above all the right settings

In a planted aquarium, equipment matters less for its power than for how it's set up. A filter sized to the volume houses the bacteria that break down waste; a programmable LED unit gives the plants consistent light; water tests tell you where the tank stands, especially in the first few weeks.

For filtration, aim for a gentle flow, enough to circulate water throughout the tank without creating a strong current, and protect the intake if you keep shrimp. For lighting, 6 to 8 hours a day at a moderate intensity is enough for easy plants: more light without CO₂ mainly favours algae. CO₂ becomes useful for foreground carpets and fast-growing plants under strong lighting.

Tests let you track the nitrogen cycle and react early. If algae appear, start by reviewing your settings with our guide to algae in nano aquariums.

Filtration

The filter doesn't just trap particles: its media houses most of the bacteria useful to the nitrogen cycle. Choose a model sized for the tank's volume, without creating too strong a current for shrimp and fine-leaved plants. An external filter frees up space in the aquarium; a hang-on-back filter is simpler to install on a small volume. Rinse the filter media in water taken from the tank, never under the tap.

Lighting

For a planted aquarium, choose an LED unit designed for plants, close in length to the tank. A dimmer and a timer make adjustments easier: start around six to eight hours a day, then increase gradually if the plants call for it and algae stay under control. A gradual rise in intensity, sunrise-style, avoids startling the animals.

CO₂

CO₂ isn't essential. A kit with a cylinder and diffuser should be adjusted with caution, increasing the flow in small steps and watching the animals: too much CO₂ puts them at risk. Turn the injection off at night, when the plants aren't using it.

Everyday maintenance

• Test the water regularly, especially during the first few weeks.
• Replace part of the water each week, with treated water at a similar temperature.
• Clean the glass and trim plants before they smother their neighbours.
• Feed in moderation: overfeeding is a common cause of cloudy water and algae.

Find these steps in the My first aquascape project.