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How Long Does It Take for a Planted Aquarium to Grow In?

Starting a planted aquarium is one of the most exciting parts of the fishkeeping hobby. Watching your tank transform into a lush underwater garden feels amazing – but many beginners ask: How long does it take for a planted aquarium to grow in?



What Does “Grow In” Really Mean?

When we say a tank has "grown in," we mean that the plants have:

  • Rooted firmly into the substrate

  • Started spreading or shooting new leaves

  • Look lush, healthy, and full

  • Created a balanced mini-ecosystem


So, How Long Does It Actually Take?

On average, a planted aquarium takes 4 to 8 weeks to start looking full and settled in.

But it depends on few important things:

  1. Plant type – Fast-growing plants like Amazon sword, Vallisneria, Rotala grow quicker (2-3 weeks). Slow growers like Anubias, Java Fern, Bucephalandra may take 2-3 months.

  2. Lighting – Plants need light to grow. Low light = slow growth. If you’ve got good LED lights, growth will be faster.

  3. Fertilizers & CO2 – Liquid fertilizers and CO2 boost growth speed. Without them, plants grow slowly.

  4. Tank conditions – Stable water parameters, regular cleaning, and good filtration also help plants settle faster.

So yes, you can see visible growth in just 2-3 weeks, but a fully grown-in tank usually takes 2 months or more.


Tips to Make Your Planted Aquarium Grow Faster

Here are some easy tips to speed up the growth:

Choose Fast-Growing Plants

Start with easy and fast growers like:

  • Amazon Sword

  • Hornwort

  • Rotala rotundifolia

  • Water wisteria

  • Hygrophila

These plants establish quickly and give your tank that lush look.


Use Good Lighting

A strong LED light with the right spectrum helps plants grow fast. Keep lights on for 6-8 hours a day.


Add Fertilizers

Use liquid fertilizers 2–3 times a week for stem plants and root tabs for heavy root feeders like swords and crypts.


CO2 Helps, But Not Always Needed

If you have CO2 injection, growth will be super fast. But if you don’t, it’s okay. Just choose low-tech plants and still enjoy greenery.


Do Regular Water Changes

Changing 30% water weekly helps remove waste and adds fresh nutrients for plants.


Common Mistakes That Slow Down Growth

  • Not enough light – Dim lights = no growth

  • Planting the wrong way – Floating plants that need to be rooted or burying rhizomes (like Anubias) causes rot

  • Skipping fertilizers – Plants need food too!

  • Overstocking with fish too early – Causes algae problems, which slows down plant growth


Be Patient & Enjoy the Journey

Remember, a planted aquarium is like a garden. It takes time, a little care, and a lot of love. Don’t worry if you don’t see instant results. Within a few weeks, your plants will start to grow, fill in the spaces, and your tank will look like a green paradise.

And once it grows in, trust us – it’s all worth it! 


 
 
 

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