Aquaponics is Fun

Opening: Diving into the Lush World of High-Plant Aquariums Embark on a journey to create a breathtaking underwater garden! A heavily planted aquarium, often called an 80+ plant tank, offers a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem that's as rewarding to observe as it is beneficial for your aquatic inhabitants. This guide will walk you through the steps to build your own slice of aquatic paradise.

Step 1: Planning and Preparation Before diving in, meticulous planning is crucial. Consider the size of your tank, the types of plants you desire, the livestock you intend to keep, and the necessary equipment.

Tank Size: Opt for a larger tank (40 gallons or more) as it provides greater stability and allows for a diverse plant selection.

Plant Selection: Research plant species that thrive in similar conditions (lighting, CO2, nutrients) and complement each other aesthetically. Consider a mix of foreground, midground, and background plants.

Livestock Compatibility: Ensure your chosen fish and invertebrates are compatible with a heavily planted environment and won't damage or consume your plants.

Equipment: You'll need a filter, heater, lighting system, substrate, CO2 system (optional but highly recommended), and plant fertilizers.

Step 2: Setting Up the Hardscape The hardscape forms the foundation of your aquascape. Use rocks, driftwood, or other inert materials to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional layout.

Placement: Arrange the hardscape elements to create depth, focal points, and hiding places for your fish. Consider the "golden ratio" for visually appealing compositions.

Securing the Hardscape: Ensure that rocks and driftwood are stable and won't shift or topple over, potentially harming your inhabitants or damaging the tank.

Step 3: Preparing and Adding the Substrate The substrate provides essential nutrients and anchorage for your plants.

Substrate Choice: Choose an aquasoil designed for planted tanks, as it's rich in nutrients and promotes root growth.

Layering: Add a layer of substrate to the bottom of the tank, sloping it slightly towards the back for a sense of depth. You can also use a base fertilizer underneath the substrate for additional nutrients.

Washing: Some substrates release ammonia initially. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding pre-washing or cycling the tank before adding livestock.

Step 4: Planting Your Aquarium This is where your vision comes to life! Plant your chosen species carefully, considering their growth habits and light requirements.

Foreground Plants: Plant low-growing species like *Glossostigma elatinoides*, *Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba'*, or *Eleocharis acicularis* in the front of the tank. Use tweezers to carefully insert the roots into the substrate.

Midground Plants: Place taller, bushier plants like *Cryptocoryne wendtii*, *Anubias nana*, or *Bucephalandra* in the middle ground. Attach *Anubias* and *Bucephalandra* to rocks or driftwood rather than planting them directly in the substrate, as their rhizomes can rot.

Background Plants: Arrange taller, stem plants like *Rotala rotundifolia*, *Ludwigia repens*, or *Hygrophila polysperma* in the back of the tank. Plant them in groups for a lush, dense effect.

Step 5: Filling the Tank and Setting Up Equipment Carefully fill the tank with dechlorinated water, avoiding disturbing the substrate and newly planted plants.

Water Preparation: Use a dechlorinator to remove chlorine and chloramine from tap water, which are harmful to fish and plants.

Equipment Setup: Install your filter, heater, lighting system, and CO2 system (if using). Adjust the heater to the appropriate temperature for your chosen livestock. Set the timer for your lights to provide a consistent photoperiod (typically 6-8 hours per day).

Initial Setup: For the first few weeks, perform frequent water changes (25-50%) to help establish the biological filter and prevent algae blooms. Monitor water parameters regularly.

Step 6: Introducing Livestock Once the tank is cycled and stable, you can gradually introduce your fish and invertebrates.

Quarantine: Quarantine new arrivals in a separate tank for a few weeks to observe them for any signs of disease before introducing them to your main tank.

Acclimation: Acclimate new fish slowly to the tank's water temperature and chemistry by floating them in a bag in the tank for 15-30 minutes, then gradually adding small amounts of tank water to the bag over the course of an hour.

Stocking Slowly: Avoid overcrowding the tank by stocking it gradually over several weeks.

Step 7: Maintenance and Care Regular maintenance is essential to keep your planted aquarium thriving.

Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (25-50%) every week or two to remove nitrates and replenish essential minerals.

Fertilization: Regularly fertilize your plants with a liquid fertilizer or root tabs to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow.

Pruning: Prune your plants regularly to maintain their shape and prevent them from overcrowding the tank. Remove any dead or decaying leaves.

Algae Control: Monitor the tank for algae growth and take steps to control it, such as reducing lighting intensity, adding algae-eating fish or invertebrates, or using an algae treatment.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Aquatic Paradise Creating a heavily planted aquarium is a rewarding endeavor that requires patience and dedication. By following these steps and providing proper care, you can create a stunning underwater world that will bring you years of enjoyment. Remember to research thoroughly, adapt to your specific tank's needs, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating your own aquatic masterpiece!