How to Set Up Your First Planted Aquarium (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

How to Set Up Your First Planted Aquarium (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Published by BoughtFirst 
Updated October 2025

A planted aquarium is more than just a home for fish — it’s a living ecosystem and a beautiful natural display. If you’re in the UAE and thinking about starting your first planted tank, you’re in the right place.

In this beginner guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to create a healthy, low-maintenance planted aquarium — whether you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere across the Emirates.

✅ What You’ll Need

Before you begin, here’s a basic list of what you'll need:

  • Aquarium tank (Nano, medium, or large)

  • LED lighting (suitable for plant growth)

  • Live plants (like Anubias, Java Fern, Amazon Sword)

  • Substrate (nutrient-rich soil or gravel)

  • Filter (sponge, HOB, or internal)

  • Heater (if keeping tropical fish)

  • Water conditioner

  • Fertilizer (optional)

Step 1: Choose the Right Tank Size

For beginners, a nano tank (10–20 liters) is a great start. It’s compact, affordable, and easier to manage. If you have the space and want a more balanced environment, go for a medium-sized tank (30–60 liters).

At BoughtFirst UAE, we offer high-quality nano and medium aquariums with sleek glass designs perfect for modern homes.

Step 2: Add Substrate and Hardscape

Plants need a base to root in. Choose a plant-friendly substrate like nutrient soil or fine gravel. Add rocks, driftwood, or decorative stones to create structure — this is the foundation of aquascaping.

💡 Tip: Try to create depth by placing larger items in the back and smaller ones in the front.

Step 3: Fill the Tank & Treat the Water

Before adding plants or fish, fill the tank with water and use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and heavy metals (especially important for UAE tap water).

Let it sit for 24–48 hours.

Step 4: Plant Your Aquatic Plants

Gently insert the roots into the substrate. Use tweezers if needed. Start with beginner-friendly plants like:

  • Anubias Nana

  • Java Fern

  • Cryptocoryne

  • Amazon Sword

These plants grow well in low-light setups and don’t need CO₂ injection.

Step 5: Install Filter & Lighting

Install a filter that suits your tank size — sponge filters are great for nano tanks, while internal or HOB filters are better for medium tanks.

Set up your LED lighting to run for 6–8 hours a day. Good lighting is crucial for plant growth.

Step 6: Cycle the Tank

Before adding fish, let your tank run (cycle) for 7–10 days. This allows beneficial bacteria to grow, which helps keep the water safe.

Use a water testing kit to monitor ammonia and nitrite levels.

Step 7: Add Fish (Optional)

Once the tank is stable, you can add fish. Good beginner species include:

  • Betta fish

  • Neon tetras

  • Cherry shrimp

  • Guppies

Introduce them slowly to avoid stress or shock.

🌱 Maintenance Tips

  • Change 20–30% of the water weekly

  • Clean the glass and trim plants as needed

  • Dose liquid fertilizer weekly (if needed)

  • Check filter flow and clean it monthly

Final Thoughts

Starting a planted aquarium may seem complex, but with the right setup and guidance, it’s incredibly rewarding — visually and emotionally. It's like having a piece of nature in your living room.

At BoughtFirst UAE, we’ve curated the best planted tanks, live plants, and aquarium accessories to make your journey easy and enjoyable.

🛒 Ready to Start?

Explore our beginner-friendly kits and accessories here:
👉 Shop Aquarium Starter Kits
👉 Browse Live Plants


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