The core aquascape supplies you need are substrate, hardscape materials (rocks and wood), plants, fertilizer, CO2 equipment (optional but helpful), and appropriate lighting. With those basics covered, you can build anything from a simple low-tech planted tank to a detailed nature aquarium-style scape. The gear choices you make in each category directly affect how your plants grow, how the layout holds up over time, and how much maintenance you will be doing each week.
This guide walks through each supply category, with specific product recommendations and the trade-offs you will encounter at different budget levels.
Substrate: The Foundation of the Scape
Substrate choice affects plant root health, water chemistry, and the overall aesthetic. Aquascape substrates fall into two camps: inert substrates that do not affect water chemistry, and active or nutrient-rich substrates that buffer pH and feed plant roots.
Active Substrates
For planted tanks, especially those running demanding carpeting plants or red stem plants, an active substrate is the most reliable choice. These substrates contain clay and minerals that plant roots can access directly, and many also buffer water to a slightly acidic pH (6.5 to 7.0) that is ideal for most tropical plants and fish.
ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia: The benchmark for planted tank substrates. Amazonia is made from Japanese volcanic soil, contains natural organic matter, and buffers water to a soft, slightly acidic range. New substrate leaches ammonia for two to four weeks, requiring careful cycling or large water changes before adding fish. A 9-liter bag (enough for a 2-inch layer in a 20-gallon tank) costs approximately $25 to $30. ADA also makes Amazonia Light version, which leaches less ammonia and suits setups where a shorter cycling period matters.
Fluval Stratum: Volcanic soil sourced from Japan. Similar in concept to ADA Aqua Soil but at a lower price point ($30 to $35 for 4.4 kg). It also buffers to slightly acidic pH and supports plant root growth. Stratum does not leach as much ammonia as Amazonia, making the initial cycle easier.
Seachem Flourite: A porous clay substrate that does not buffer pH. It is inert chemically but provides root anchorage and some minerals. It does not expire like organic active substrates do. A 7 kg bag costs around $20 to $25. Good for tanks where stable pH is important or where you do not want the initial ammonia pulse of organic substrates.
Inert Substrates
Fine-grain sand (0.5 to 1mm) and fine gravel work as a capping layer over active substrates or on their own for low-tech planted tanks. Pool filter sand, Caribsea Super Naturals, and black silica sand are all commonly used. Inert substrates require liquid or root tab fertilizers since they do not supply plant nutrients on their own.
Hardscape: Rocks and Wood
Hardscape forms the structural skeleton of any aquascape. Rocks and wood direct the viewer's eye and create depth and texture.
Rocks
Seiryu Stone: The classic aquascape rock with dramatic angular lines and a blue-gray color that photographs beautifully. It is a hard limestone and slowly leaches calcium and magnesium, which raises pH and hardness slightly over time. For soft-water plants and fish, use Seiryu minimally or buffer with remineralized water. Price ranges from $3 to $8 per pound at aquascape specialty stores.
Ohko Stone (Dragon Stone): A porous, reddish-brown stone with a rough, layered texture that looks natural against green plants. It is softer than Seiryu and has a neutral effect on water chemistry. Widely available from aquascape suppliers and Amazon at $3 to $6 per pound.
Elephant Skin Stone (Manten Stone): Gray with a finely textured surface, looks like compressed stone layers. Neutral water chemistry impact. Often used in Iwagumi layouts (the Japanese style featuring only rocks and a carpet of plants).
Lava Rock: Inexpensive, lightweight, porous, and pH-neutral. Red lava rock provides contrast against green plants. A 10-pound bag runs $10 to $15. Less visually refined than the stones above but excellent for budget-friendly builds and for attaching moss or anubias.
Wood
Spider Wood (Azalea Root): One of the most popular aquascape woods because of its branching, tree-like structure. Dark brown with pale branch tips. It stays submerged naturally over time (new pieces may float for weeks initially). Price varies widely based on size: $5 to $40 per piece.
Malaysian Driftwood: Dense, dark brown wood with smooth curves. Sinks reliably without soaking. Leaches tannins that turn water yellow-brown, which is aesthetically undesirable for bright, clear scapes but beloved in blackwater setups. Widely available at $5 to $30 per piece.
Cholla Wood: Cylindrical cactus skeleton. Used for contrast and as a plant attachment surface. Breaks down within a year or two, but while present it looks striking. Also popular in shrimp tanks where the hollow core provides hiding spots.
For more on hardscape and other aquascape components, the best aquarium equipment guide covers a range of products used in planted tank builds.
Fertilizers
Even with an active substrate, plants growing in a sealed glass box eventually deplete certain nutrients. Fertilizers replenish what plants consume.
Liquid Fertilizers
Seachem Flourish Comprehensive: A complete trace element supplement. It does not contain high levels of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), so in a low-stocked tank without much fish waste, you may need to supplement macros separately. Dose weekly or after water changes. A 500ml bottle treats thousands of gallons.
Easy Green (Aquarium Co-Op): An all-in-one liquid fertilizer that includes macronutrients and traces. It simplifies the dosing process by combining what many hobbyists previously needed to buy separately. This is a strong option for beginners who want a single-product approach. Priced around $12 to $15 per bottle.
ThriveS (NilocG): Well-regarded in the planted tank community for all-in-one dosing. Comes in formulations for different tank types (standard, shrimp safe, high-tech). A cost-effective option relative to Seachem's line.
Root Tabs
Carpeting plants and root-feeders like Amazon swords and cryptocorynes benefit from root tabs buried in the substrate near the roots. Seachem Flourish Tabs are the standard, lasting about 3 to 4 months per tab. Push one tab into the substrate every 6 to 8 inches in areas with heavy root feeders.
Lighting
Planted tank lighting is measured in PAR (photosynthetically active radiation). Low-tech plants (Java fern, Anubias, moss) thrive at 20 to 50 PAR at the substrate. Medium-light plants need 50 to 80 PAR. Demanding carpeting plants and red stem plants want 80 PAR and above.
Fluval Plant 3.0: A full-spectrum LED designed specifically for planted tanks. The 24-inch model is appropriate for 10 to 20-gallon tanks; the 48-inch model covers 40 to 55-gallon tanks. The light intensity and spectrum are well-matched to plant growth, and the app control allows sunrise/sunset scheduling and dimming. $100 to $180 depending on size.
Finnex Stingray 2: A budget-friendly option that provides adequate light for low to medium-light plants. The 24-inch version costs about $30 to $45 and is consistently recommended for beginners who do not want to inject CO2.
Current USA Satellite Freshwater Plus: Mid-range option with app-controlled dimming and color spectrum adjustment. Good par output for medium-light planted tanks. The 36-inch model covers 30-gallon tanks adequately.
Kessil A160WE Tuna Sun: High-end pendant light that produces excellent PAR and a pleasing shimmer effect from rippling water. At $150 to $200, it is expensive but produces noticeably better plant growth than budget options in high-tech builds.
CO2 Equipment
CO2 injection is the single biggest factor in plant growth rate in a high-tech setup. With adequate CO2, demanding plants carpet and fill in within weeks rather than months.
Diffuser: The Aquario Neo CO2 Diffuser produces micro-bubbles that dissolve almost completely before reaching the surface. The standard version works in tanks up to 40 gallons; the large version handles up to 100 gallons. Price is $20 to $30. Quality Japanese diffusers make a noticeable difference in CO2 efficiency compared to generic diffusers.
Drop Checker: A CO2 indicator device filled with reference solution that turns blue in low CO2, green in optimal range, and yellow in high CO2. The Jardli glass drop checker is a commonly used inexpensive option. Keep the solution green during the light period.
For more detailed CO2 equipment options, the top aquarium equipment guide covers diffusers, reactors, and cylinder systems for different tank sizes.
Tools
Plant Tweezers and Scissors: Stainless steel aquascape tools make planting stem plants and trimming carpets much easier than working with your hands. The ADA Pro Scissors and Tweezers set is the premium option at $50 to $80 for the pair. Functional alternatives from SunGrow or Aquascape Tools cost $15 to $25 and perform adequately for most hobbyists.
Gravel Vacuum/Siphon: A siphon with a fine screen at the intake picks up debris from the substrate without disturbing small foreground plants. The Python No Spill Clean and Fill system connects to your tap for no-bucket water changes, which makes weekly maintenance much less tedious in tanks over 30 gallons.
Algae Scraper: A magnetic algae scraper keeps the front glass clean without getting your hands wet. The Fluval Mag Float is the standard choice and comes in sizes rated for different glass thicknesses.
FAQ
Do I need CO2 injection to keep a planted tank?
No. Many beautiful planted tanks run without CO2. Low-tech plants like Java fern, Anubias, Bucephalandra, Java moss, and many Cryptocoryne species grow well under moderate lighting with only liquid fertilizer. CO2 injection is most valuable when you want fast growth, carpeting plants, or demanding high-light species. Start without CO2 and add it later if your plant selection grows to require it.
What is the best substrate for a beginner planted tank?
Fluval Stratum is a forgiving choice for beginners. It provides root nutrients, buffers pH gently toward the acidic range, and does not leach as much ammonia as ADA Aqua Soil, making the initial cycling period easier. If you are comfortable with careful monitoring and large water changes during the cycle, ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia produces excellent plant growth results.
How long should I run my aquarium lights for a planted tank?
8 hours per day is the standard recommendation for a planted tank with CO2 injection. For low-tech tanks without CO2, 6 to 8 hours is appropriate. Running lights for more than 10 hours per day without matching CO2 and nutrients almost always results in algae problems. Using a timer so your light runs on a consistent schedule is strongly recommended.
How do I prevent algae in a planted aquascape?
The most effective approach is controlling the balance between light, CO2, and nutrients. Algae typically appears when light levels are high relative to available CO2 and nutrients. In high-tech tanks, maintaining adequate CO2 (drop checker green), dosing fertilizers consistently, and doing weekly 30 to 50% water changes keeps algae minimal. Adding algae-eating fish and invertebrates (Amano shrimp, otocinclus, nerite snails) provides ongoing mechanical control.
Building the Scape: The Short Version
Start with a nutrient-rich substrate like Fluval Stratum or ADA Amazonia. Choose hardscape rocks and wood that create depth and visual interest. Use slow-growing plants like Anubias and Java fern if you are skipping CO2, or stem plants and carpeting plants if you are injecting. Light the tank appropriately for your plant selection, fertilize weekly, change 30 to 50% of the water weekly, and add algae eaters. Every successful aquascape follows this same basic framework, regardless of size or style.