Creating a Low-Tech Planted Aquarium: Simple, Relaxing, and Beginner-Friendly
In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up a small, low-tech planted aquarium using a mix of natural substrates, hardscape materials, and easy-to-grow plants. This aquascape is simple to recreate at home, making it ideal for anyone who wants a calming, low-maintenance tank with plenty of visual appeal.
Materials Used:
Substrates:
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Turtle & Axolotl Aquarium Pebbles (Aqua Natural)
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Tuti Fruitti Gravel (Aqua Natural)
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Eonian Black (WIO)
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Colorado Sand (ADA)
Hardscape:
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Gold Forest Wood (Dalua Fresh – L size)
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Dragonstone
Plants:
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Lilaeopsis brasiliensis (‘Micro Sword’)
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Limnophila sessiliflora (‘Ambulia’)
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Rotala rotundifolia (‘Rotala Green’)
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Hygrophila polysperma ‘Rosanervig’ (‘Pink Polysperma’)
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Myriophyllum sp. (‘Water Milfoil’)
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Lysimachia nummularia (‘Green Pennywort’)
Equipment & Tech:
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Petworx WXI-150 Internal Filter
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Aquavivo PlantGlo Mini Light
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Fluval P10 Preset Submersible Heater
Other Tools & Supplies:
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Seachem Equilibrium
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Reverse Osmosis Water
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Dalua Fresh 25cm Tweezers (Straight & Curved)
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Nature Pets Filter Wool
Whether you’re just starting with aquascaping or want a relaxing, easy-to-maintain tank, this setup demonstrates how to keep things simple while still creating a visually striking aquarium.
