Planted Aquarium

A planted aquarium combines aquascaping (design), horticulture (plant care), and fishkeeping (livestock). At its best - Amano-style nature aquariums, Dutch tanks, Iwagumi minimalism - it approaches art. Live plants improve water quality, oxygenate the water, and dramatically reduce algae competition.

Temperature: 72-78 F. pH: 6.5-7.2. GH: 4-8 dGH. KH: 3-6 dKH. CO2: 20-30 ppm (high-tech). Nitrate: 5-20 ppm (plants prefer some). Phosphate: 0.5-2 ppm.

Full-spectrum LED with PAR 30-80 at substrate. CO2 injection system (regulator, needle valve, diffuser, drop checker) for high-tech. Fluid pump for circulation. Nutrient-rich substrate (ADA Amazonia, aquasoil). Fertilizer dosing (macronutrients + micros + iron).

Aquasoil for high-tech planted tanks - releases nutrients slowly. Add nutrient tabs for root-feeders. Hardscape: dragon stone, seiryu stone, spider wood, manzanita wood. Design in ratios (rule of thirds, golden ratio).

Small schooling fish that dont disturb plants: ember tetras, chili rasboras, celestial pearl danios. Amano shrimp and Neocaridina shrimp for algae control. Otocinclus catfish. Avoid diggers (large cichlids) and plant-eaters (large plecos, silver dollars, goldfish).

Insufficient CO2 with high light (algae bloom). Wrong substrate for plant type. Overstocking too soon. Poor water flow in dense plant zones. Nutrient imbalance (excess nitrate, deficient iron).