A Beginners Guide to Setting up a Low Tech Planted Aquarium

Usually, the most beautiful and stunning aquariums also require a lot of effort, high-end equipment, and expertise. This is true for many planted tanks but there are exceptions to this rule. A low tech planted aquarium is perhaps the best example of this and we will look at how you can setup one for yourself.

What Is A Low Tech Planted Aquarium

Low-tech planted aquariums are exactly what the name implies. These are planted aquariums that require a minimal investment both in terms of effort and the money needed. This is perfect for someone looking for a planted aquarium that is easy to set up and is forgiving when it comes to upkeep. Beginners and anyone else with a limited budget and/or time on their hands can really benefit from such a tank. In essence, a low-tech planted tank can be best defined by these properties

• No dedicated CO₂ system needed
• Minimal fertilizing needed
• Basic lighting is good enough
• Plants are affordable, readily available, and hardy
• Maintenance and upkeep are easy

Are Low Tech Planted Aquariums Any Good?

A question that is bound to arise is if the low-tech planted aquarium is just a watered-down version of a regular planted aquarium. It is not, as aquariums do not work that way. Visually, these low-tech tanks can be just as stunning. They can also be quite fulfilling, as the challenge here isn’t getting the substrate, water chemistry, lighting, and pruning just right but creating something that is beautiful from a set of options that are a bit more limited.

Things You Will Need For A Low Tech Planted Aquarium

To start off, you will need

• A clean tank that is between 30 cm and 48 cm or 12 inches and 18 inches tall
• A basic substrate that isn’t too fine or too coarse
• Standard LED aquarium lighting rated for between 50 and 60 PAR
• Access to clean tap water
• Basic water conditioners to neutralize chlorine and other chemicals common in tap water
• A hang-in-the-back-filter
• An aquarium heater
• Clean rags

Once the tank is cycled, you will needA few hardy plants (covered in t

he next section)

• A few hardy fish (covered later)
• A planting tweezer and pruning scissors
• Inexpensive root tab and liquid fertilizers
• Basic testing kit

Once the tank is set up, you will need basic maintenance equipment such as a gravel vacuum and hoses and/or buckets

Best Plants For A Low Tech Planted Aquarium

The biggest challenge with a low-tech planted aquarium is choosing the right plants. Not having CO₂ and a robust fertilizing plan does limit the options, but these ten plants offer a lot of variety while being very undemanding.

Vallisneria

This is quite possibly the easiest plant out there and the best option for a low-tech planted aquarium. They take root very quickly without needing dedicated CO₂ and fertilizers. Standard lighting is more than good enough. I have had this plant grow even in aquariums with no dedicated lighting. They also thrive in a wide range of water conditions.

As for their placement, if you are going for a more organized look, plant them in the background as they grow tall very quickly. I prefer to plant them at random to create a more unorganized jungle look which is both easy to maintain and creates a rather unique aesthetic.

The biggest problem with this plant is keeping its growth under check. It needs regular pruning as it can very quickly take over the entire aquarium.

Rotala rotundafolia

For those thinking that plants suited for low-tech planted aquariums won’t be a match for the high-tech plants in terms of looks, then the Rotala rotundafolia is the perfect plant to clear this misconception. It grows long, slender leaves, and it can grow quite tall. Its colouration can also vary from a greenish yellow to red, depending on the lighting. While getting it to show a brilliant red is nearly impossible in a low-tech tank, it will still have tinges of yellow, which will provide a nice contrast for the other plants. It is one of the tougher plants to grow in a low-tech tank, but as long as you have a half-decent substrate and standard lighting and are willing to add some liquid fertilizer once a month, the Rotala should grow just fine

Bacopa caroliniana

The Bacopa caroliniana is a beautiful plant that adds a lot of substance and density to the tank. It is not completely easy to grow in a low-tech tank, but if the tank is healthy and you can occasionally dose the water column with some liquid fertilizer, this plant will grow tall and in a lush manner. It will even grow beyond the water’s surface, where it can bud flowers. This plant also has a nice fragrance to it, and its thick leaves act as great hiding spots for small fish and invertebrates.

Cryptocoryne

Also known as crypts, these come in multiple varieties. All of them grow perfectly well in low-tech tanks. You can create a great-looking aquarium just with all the different varieties of crypts out there. This group of plants creates a sparser look and is a good option for those who don’t want a dense appearance or a tank that does not require a lot of pruning. 

They can also be used to create a contrasting area in the tank. Plant them towards the front and go for something that grows quickly and densely in the background. They do need a nutrient-rich substrate to grow well.

Anubias

If there was a plant that embodied the low-tech philosophy, then that would be the Anubias group of plants. Almost all of them are hardy including the ones commonly available such as the nana. The great thing about this plant is that it can grow almost anywhere in the aquarium. It does not need a substrate. Using cotton thread, it can be tied to almost anything including hardscape items. Eventually, it will take root and attach itself to whatever it is tied to. 

This plant may not grow as quickly as some of the other options listed here but the final result is worth the wait. Its thick leaves and overall sturdiness also make it a great option for aquariums with goldfish or other similar fish that are aggressive towards plants.

Java Fern

This is another plant that does not require substrates. It can be wedged into crevices or tied to pieces of rock or wood. It has a bright green colour which in combination with its large leaves gives it a very lush appearance. If your tank doesn’t have substrates or the substrate isn’t very nutrient-rich, the Java Fern will still help you get that healthy planted aquarium look. 

You do need to keep the water parameters fairly stable and within a relatively narrow range but apart from that, the Java Fern will be perfectly at home in a low-tech planted aquarium.

Java Moss

This plant continues the theme of not needing a substrate to grow. This is one of my favourites as it can be used to create some stunning aquascapes. For example, you can create an underwater tree by tying or gluing patches of Java Moss to a driftwood that resembles the trunk and branch of a miniature tree. It can also be glued to large rocks to create a lush mountainous appearance. The possibilities are endless. 

It is also very hardy and does well in a wide range of water parameters. As a bonus, it can offer shelter to really small fish, fish fry, and invertebrates.

Dwarf Sagittaria

There is a general misconception that it is impossible to create a grass-like carpet in a low-tech planted aquarium. The Dwarf Sagittaria proves this wrong. All you need is a basic substrate. Plant them in patches around the aquarium. Once these plants take root, they will start spreading all over the aquarium floor by producing runners. 

The leaves grow to a maximum height of 3 inches. This is great if you don’t want to prune very often. These plants are hardy and keeping them in a low-tech planted aquarium is no challenge.

Staurogyne repens

This is another carpet plant option but with a slight difference. Instead of looking like grass, it looks more like a bush. These plants need a lot of light to create a carpet. However, in low-tech planted aquariums, they grow in a manner that resembles a thick bush which is beautiful in its own way. 

I like to mix this with something like the Dwarf Sagittaria to get the best of both worlds – a grassy and bushy aesthetic. They are very hardy and in a low-tech tank, they will require minimal upkeep.

Dwarf Hairgrass

This is the quintessential carpet plant that is used in even the most high-end planted aquariums. The great thing about the Dwarf Hairgrass is that it is very hardy and has moderate lighting requirements. It grows and spreads fairly quickly too. It needs regular pruning and the occasional fertilizer supplement, neither of which is a major concern considering how pleasing the end result is.

Lighting For A Low Tech Planted Aquarium

Lighting is one of the most crucial factors associated with a planted tank and it is no different for a low-tech tank. Lighting is a very vast topic, and you can get books with hundreds of pages on just how to get the lighting right. Thankfully, you do not need to go into that much depth when lighting up a low-tech tank. These are the conditions that need to be fulfilled here

• The light should be Inexpensive and durable
• It should emit a moderate amount of light so that the plants get enough of it without being so strong as to lead to issues like an algae bloom
• It should be power efficient
• The colour temperature should be between 5500K and 6500K
• The PAR or photosynthetically active radiation (a way to measure the intensity of aquarium lights) should be between 50 and 60

LED lights meant for aquariums from any reputable brand will tick all these boxes. 

The next important factor is the photoperiod or the duration for which the lights stay on. Anything between 6 and 8 hours works well. Start off with 6 hours when the plants are still getting established and gradually increase it once the plants have started growing out.

Best Fish For A Low Tech Planted Aquarium

All the plants that are viable for a low-tech planted aquarium, except for the Anubias and maybe the Java Moss, are structurally delicate and will not be able to stand up to fish that are aggressive towards plants. Such fish must be avoided. 

Another thing to consider is the ease with which the fish can be kept. A fish that is very difficult to keep would defeat the entire purpose of a low-tech planted aquarium. Keeping these in mind the best fish for such an aquarium are

• Cardinal Tetras
• Neon Tetras
• Other hardy Tetras
• Otocinclus Catfish
• Kuhli Loach
• Corydoras
• Betta
• Guppies
• Platies
• Molies
• Gouramis
• Harlequin Rasboras
• Shrimps
• Snails

You can keep more demanding fish like the Discus but if you are up for that level of care, you could consider a high-tech planted aquarium as well.

What Substrate To Use In A Low-Tech Tank?

There are a few options for substrates when it comes to a low-tech planted aquarium. The ideal choice is to go for something that is very nutrient rich such as Aqua Soil. This will be the best option for the long term, but it can increase the budget a lot. If that is something you can accommodate, then go for it.

If you want something a little less high-end then get any substrate with medium grain size. Add root tab fertilizers to compensate for the lack of nutrients. If you are planning to exclusively use plants like the Javan Fern which do not need a substrate, then the choice boils down to what looks best to you.

Steps For Setting Up A Low Tech Planted Aquarium

Now that we have gotten the basics out of the way, here are the steps on how to set up a low-tech aquarium. 

1. Find the right spot

This may seem like an insignificant decision, but it is one that can be very difficult to rectify. Choose a spot that is away from direct sunlight and near a power outlet. Preferably, there should also be a water source such as a tap and a sink nearby. 

The floor should also be strong enough to bear the weight of the tank once it is full. Just for reference, every 10 gallons can weigh between 90 and 120 pounds or 40 and 55 kg.

2. Rinse everything

Use chemical-free water to wash everything including the substrate and hardscape elements

3. Add the substrate

This isn’t necessary if you are going with something like Anubias or Java Fern. For plants that do need a substrate make sure that the substrate depth is between 3 and 5 inches. I prefer to gently slope the substrate in such a way that the back half is taller than the front half. This makes the tank appear deeper than it is. 

I also like to insert root tab fertilizers if the substrate isn’t nutrient-rich as it can help plants like crypts get the nutrients they need without having to use expensive and complicated fertilizers later

4. Add all the equipment and decor

Connect the filter and place all the decor. If using plants that do need a substrate, properly attach the plants to the decor and then add them. Play around with their placement till you get something you like. Add the lights, heater, and any other equipment you might have.

5. Partially fill the tank up

Lay something flat like a lid over the substrate and using a hose, start adding the water that has been treated for chlorine using conditioners readily available at pet stores. Fill to a depth of about 6 inches or 15 cm. If you only choose plants that do not need a substrate, you can fill the water all the way up and move on to step 7

6. Add The Plants

Spray some water on the plants and lay them out on a flat surface. Remove any pots or potting material they may have come in from the store. Using scissors, remove dead leaves and excess roots. Plan out the location for each plant and be doubly sure about it. Using the tweezers, start planting. Don’t push the plants down too deep. Be careful not to break the roots. 

7. Fill the tank up completely and turn everything on

Fill the tank up. A few plants may come loose. Don’t fret about it too much. Plant them back but if they keep getting uprooted, just remove them. The remaining plants will eventually fill up the vacant spots.

8. Cycle The Tank

Once the plants start producing new leaves, start the cycling process to make the tank hospitable for fish. Add the fish when the tank is cycled and that completes the setup process.

Maintenance Of A Low Tech Planted Aquarium

The best thing about a low-tech planted aquarium is the maintenance because of how easy it is. They still need maintenance though. A 20% to 30% water change is needed once every two weeks initially when the plants are taking root, and everything settles down. After about six months when everything becomes stable, a water change is only needed once every three weeks. Testing the water every now and then is also a good idea.

One question you might have is regarding the proper way to clean the substrate. You cannot shove a gravel vacuum as that will mess up everything. Instead, just hover over the substrate to pull off any detritus that might be there without disturbing the substrate or uprooting any of the plants.

You will need to do some pruning and trimming once every month. If all you have are slow-growing plants, then this can be extended to once every three to six months. The filter will also need to be cleaned once every six months.

Advantages Of A Low Tech Planted Aquarium

Here are some things that are great about a low-tech planted aquarium

• Easy to setup
• Easy to maintain
• Inexpensive
• Can look great
• Excellent for beginners as these tanks are very forgiving
• Does not need CO₂ dosing or frequent fertilizing

Disadvantages Of A Low Tech Planted Aquarium

Just like everything in the real world, there as some cons to keeping a low-tech planted aquarium such as

• Limited choice when it comes to the plants
• Converting to a high-tech planted aquarium may need a total overhaul. So, anyone looking to keep learning may hit a wall after a couple of years

Final Thoughts!

The great thing about the aquarium hobby is that there is something for everyone. The low-tech planted aquarium offers the aesthetics and joy of a full-fledged planted aquarium at a fraction of the cost. It is also a lot less time-consuming and needs only a minimal amount of effort as far as maintenance is concerned. You will have limited options when it comes to the plants and the fish but the options you will have are still great and with just a bit of creativity, you can create something that will be the envy of someone with even a high-tech planted aquarium. 

Finally, it is a great learning tool that will teach you the basics of a planted tank. It will be a lot more forgiving, and this will make you much better prepared for the challenges of keeping a high-tech planted aquarium with demanding plants and fishes in the future.

FAQ

Will a low-tech planted aquarium look good?

If the aquarium is healthy, a low-tech planted aquarium will look just as good as any high-tech aquarium

Do I need a dedicated CO₂ system to get better results with a low-tech aquarium?

You do not. Occasionally, you might want to add CO₂ supplements, but these are inexpensive and very easy to use and not at all compulsory

Do low-tech planted aquariums need fertilizer?

All plants will do well if they get some fertilizers. All the plants mentioned here will do just fine without any fertilizer but using fertilizer tablets when setting up the tank and adding some liquid fertilizer once every 3 months will offer faster growth

How do I fertilize a low-tech planted aquarium?

Use fertilizer tablets in the substrate when setting up the tank. Dose with liquid fertilizer once every three months. This is completely optional though 

How much light does a low-tech planted aquarium need?

A low-tech planted aquarium will need low to moderate lighting. A standard LED aquarium light with a PAR rating of between 50 and 60 is good enough

What are some of the best plants for a low-tech planted aquarium?

• Vallisneria
• Rotala rotundafolia
• Bacopa caroliniana
• Cryptocoryne
• Anubias
• Java Fern
• Java Moss
• Dwarf Sagittaria
• Staurogyne repens
• Dwarf Hairgrass

How often should I do a water change in a low-tech planted aquarium?

A 25% water change once every three weeks is enough

How much does a low-tech planted aquarium cost?

It totally depends on where you live. However, it doesn’t cost a lot more than a basic tank with no plants

Can I convert a low-tech planted aquarium into a high tech one?

You can but this needs to be done in a systematic manner as you might end up with an algae bloom or uncontrolled growth of some of the quick-growing plants. Ideally, starting over is a better option

Can there be an algae bloom in a low-tech aquarium?

If the light is left on for too long or if there is direct sunlight constantly hitting the tank, it can lead to an algae bloom

How long should I leave the light in in a low-tech planted aquarium?

Between 6 to 8 hours a day