Start Here: Your First Planted Tank

This is your complete beginner's guide. Follow these steps and you'll have a thriving planted tank.

Step 1: Choose Your Tank

Start with at least a 10-gallon tank. Bigger is actually easier—water parameters stay more stable. A 20-gallon long is the sweet spot for most beginners.

Step 2: Pick Easy Plants

Start with plants that tolerate low light and don't need CO2. Java Fern, Anubias, and Amazon Sword are practically impossible to kill.

Step 3: Get the Right Substrate

Your substrate matters more than you think. A nutrient-rich substrate like Seachem Flourite or Aquasoil gives your plants the best start.

Step 4: Set Up Your Lighting

You don't need expensive lights. A basic LED that runs 6-8 hours per day is plenty for beginner plants. Too much light causes algae, not better growth.

Step 5: Plant and Wait

Plant your plants, fill with dechlorinated water, and be patient. Most plants take 2-4 weeks to settle in. Some will melt back before regrowing stronger.

Check our plant guides, equipment reviews, and care tips for detailed walkthroughs on each step.