How to Convert a Fish-Only Tank into a Thriving Planted Aquarium
- Blessings Aquarium
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Have a fish-only aquarium and want to turn it into a beautiful planted tank You’re in the right place! Adding live plants not only makes your tank look amazing but also helps improve water quality, reduces algae, and creates a natural, healthy environment for your fish.
But how do you convert your existing fish tank into a thriving planted aquarium without disturbing your fish.
Why Add Live Plants to Your Aquarium
Before we jump into the conversion process, let’s look at some amazing benefits of adding live plants:
Improves water quality – Plants absorb nitrates and toxins.
Reduces algae – They compete with algae for nutrients, keeping your tank cleaner.
Provides oxygen – Plants naturally oxygenate the water for your fish.
Creates a natural habitat – Fish love swimming around real plants, just like in the wild.
Enhances tank aesthetics – A planted aquarium is visually stunning.
Step 1: Check Your Existing Setup
✔ Tank Size – How much space do you have for plants.
✔ Lighting – Do you have a basic aquarium light, or do you need an upgrade.
✔ Substrate – Are you using gravel or sand.
✔ Filtration – Do you have strong water flow, Some plants prefer gentle currents.
✔ Fish Type – Are your fish plant-friendly, or do they dig & nibble on plants.
Step 2: Upgrade Your Substrate
Most fish-only tanks use regular gravel or sand, which is not ideal for plant growth. Plants need nutrients to thrive! Here are some substrate options:
Nutrient-Rich Aquasoil – Best for plant growth (ADA Amazonia, Tropica Soil).
Fine Gravel – Works if combined with root tabs for nutrients.
Sand – Some plants (like Vallisneria) can grow in sand with root tabs.
Step 3: Upgrade Your Lighting
Plants need good lighting to photosynthesize and grow. If your current light is too weak, you may need an upgrade.
Low-Light Plants Basic LED lights will work.
Medium-Light Plants Get an LED light with full-spectrum lighting.
High-Light Plants You may need a stronger LED + CO₂ system.
Step 4: Choose the Right Plants
If you’re new to planted tanks, start with easy, beginner-friendly plants that don’t require much maintenance.
Best Beginner Plants:
Anubias – Attaches to driftwood/rocks, low maintenance.
Java Fern – Doesn’t need substrate, super hardy.
Amazon Sword – Rooted plant, grows big & beautiful.
Vallisneria – Spreads naturally, perfect for background.
Cryptocoryne – Low-light, great for mid-ground.
Floating Plants (Salvinia, Frogbit) – Reduce algae & provide shade.
Step 5: Add Hardscape - Driftwood & Rocks
Hardscape materials like driftwood and rocks make your tank look more natural and provide places to attach plants like Anubias & Java Fern.
Best Hardscape Materials:
Spider Wood – Unique twisted look.
Malaysian Driftwood – Dark, rich tones.
Dragon Stone – Great for nature-style scapes.
Seiryu Stone – Perfect for Iwagumi layouts.
Step 6: Introduce Plants to Your Tank
Rooted plants (Amazon Swords, Crypts) – Bury the roots in the substrate.
Rhizome plants (Anubias, Java Fern) – Attach to rocks or wood using glue or thread.
Floating plants (Frogbit, Salvinia) – Simply place them on the water’s surface.
Step 7: Adjust Filtration & Water Flow
✔ Adding a pre-filter sponge to slow down flow.
✔ Using a spray bar to spread water evenly.
✔ Placing driftwood/plants near the filter output to reduce current.
Step 8: Start Fertilizing & Maintaining Your Planted Tank
Liquid Fertilizers – For water column feeders (Easy Green, Seachem Flourish).
Root Tabs – For rooted plants (Amazon Swords, Crypts).
CO₂ Injection (Optional) – Boosts growth for demanding plants.
Weekly Maintenance Checklist:
✔ Trim plants to prevent overgrowth.
✔ Remove algae from glass & leaves.
✔ Do 20-30% water changes to keep water clean.
✔ Replenish fertilizers based on plant needs.
Converting your fish-only tank into a planted aquarium is easier than you think! With the right substrate, lighting, plants, and care, your tank will transform into a beautiful, self-sustaining ecosystem.
Quick Recap:
✔ Upgrade substrate (if needed).
✔ Add the right lighting.
✔ Choose easy, beginner plants.
✔ Introduce hardscape for a natural look.
✔ Adjust filtration for gentle flow.
✔ Start fertilizing & maintaining regularly.
Comments