Start aquascaping
Aquascaping is gardening underwater. Arrange stone, wood and living plants in a glass tank so it looks like a riverbank or a jungle, then add a few small fish once the water is ready. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need for your first planted tank.
Space neededA sturdy stand near an outlet
First projectA planted 10-gallon tank
Skill levelPatient beginners
Good forCalm evenings, any age with an adult
The video that hooks everyone
Building a jungle-style aquascape for rasboras, step by step
A step-by-step aquarium setup: driftwood, stone and dense plants arranged into a jungle-style aquascape, with a school of small rasboras swimming through it. Press play and see why it hooks people.
Is this your video? Claim your page and share in the sales
Tool list
What you need to start
Everything you need for your first project, and nothing you don't. A 10-gallon tank, easy plants and a test kit are plenty to learn on.
Starter kit
0110-gallon glass tank with a lidBig enough to stay stable, small enough to manage. A kit with a lid and light is fine.
02A stand made for the tankA full 10-gallon tank weighs over 100 lbs.
03Filter sized for the tankA hang-on-back or sponge filter. It keeps the water moving and clean.
04Adjustable heaterFor tropical fish. Sized for a 10-gallon tank.
05LED aquarium lightPlants need light. A simple plant light is enough.
06Aquarium substratePlant soil or fine gravel, enough for 2 to 3 in. deep.
07Driftwood or stone sold for aquariumsOne piece of wood or a few stones to build around.
08Easy plantsJava fern, anubias, crypts and java moss.
09Water conditionerMakes tap water safe for fish and bacteria.
10Liquid test kitTests ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. You'll use it a lot.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Adding fish on day oneA new tank has none of the good bacteria that clean the water yet. Cycle it first, with no fish, for about 4 to 6 weeks.
- 2Burying java fern and anubiasTheir thick root (the rhizome) rots if it's buried. Tie them to wood or stone instead.
- 3Light on all dayToo many hours of light grows algae. Set a timer for about 6 to 8 hours a day.
