The Best Aquarium Method For Your First Planted Tank! (3 Planted Aquarium Methods Explained)

INERT SUBSTRATE TANK
Substrate - https://glassboxdiaries.com/gravel
Driftwood - https://glassboxdiaries.com/spiderwood
Rocks - https://glassboxdiaries.com/lavarock
Filtration - https://glassboxdiaries.com/doublespo...
Plants - Easy Category Epiphyte Plants

AQUASOIL TANK
Substrate - https://glassboxdiaries.com/fluvalstr...
Light - https://glassboxdiaries.com/hygger957
Driftwood - https://glassboxdiaries.com/spiderwood
Rocks - https://glassboxdiaries.com/lavarock
Filtration - https://glassboxdiaries.com/doublespo...
Plants - Easy And Some Medium Category Plants

DIRTED TANK
Dirt - https://glassboxdiaries.com/topsoil
Capping Layers - https://glassboxdiaries.com/gravel
Driftwood - https://glassboxdiaries.com/spiderwood
Rocks - https://glassboxdiaries.com/lavarock
Filtration - https://glassboxdiaries.com/doublespo...
Plants - Easy And Some Medium Category Plants

Best Plants For Natural Water Purification -    • The Best Plants For Walstad Method Ta...  
Worst Plants For Natural Water Purification -    • Bad Plants For Walstad Method Tanks! ...  

Tropica Plant Data Base - https://tropica.com/en/plants/
Dennerle Plant Data Base - https://dennerleplants.com/en/plants/#

MY LINKS
SOCIALS - https://glassboxdiaries.com/socials
MY VIDEO REVIEWS OF PRODUCTS I USE - https://glassboxdiaries.com/amazonpage

The Best Aquarium Method For Your First Planted Tank! (3 Planted Aquarium Methods Explained)

First, let’s explore an inert substrate setup with hardscape and epiphytic plants. This is a straightforward and beginner-friendly method that uses sand or gravel, which won’t alter water parameters. Because it lacks nutrients, this substrate limits plant choices to hardy, epiphytic plants like anubias, java fern, and moss. These plants anchor to rocks or driftwood, creating a natural look without complex care. For hardscape, I recommend black lava rock, which is inert and affordable, and spiderwood, which won’t release tannins. This type of setup is low-maintenance, requiring only a basic hang-on-back or sponge filter for water clarity, making it perfect for those seeking a low-effort, stable planted tank.

Next is the aquasoil setup, demonstrated here with Fluval Stratum. Although more expensive than inert options, aquasoil delivers a nutrient boost, supporting a broader range of plants and enhancing tank aesthetics. Aquasoil is easy to use and offers flexibility, allowing you to grow easy-care and medium-care plants alike. Some aquarists cap it with sand or gravel for a varied look, though this is optional. Aquasoil’s high cation exchange capacity absorbs nutrients from fish waste and decaying matter, building plant-supporting nutrition over time. This substrate also mildly lowers pH temporarily, which is helpful for softwater fish. While still beginner-friendly, this method may need slightly more attention to light and CO₂ levels for plants with specific needs, so a bit of research can go a long way for a lush, vibrant aquascape.

Finally, we have the dirted tank method (Walstad method or Father Fish method) ideal for those who love a self-sustaining, low-tech approach. Dirted tanks include a layer of nutrient-rich topsoil capped with sand or gravel, creating a planted environment that’s nutrient-dense. Using topsoil adds complexity, as some soils may release too many nutrients, causing algae issues or toxicity in fish. I use Westland Top Soil and recommend a 2mm grain sand or gravel cap, which allows oxygenated water to reach the substrate while controlling nutrient release. This setup can support a wide range of plants and is often designed for natural filtration. While this method is budget-friendly, it requires more understanding of substrate chemistry and may benefit from a simple sponge filter for water clarity, especially in the early stages.

These three methods each provide distinct benefits. If you’re looking for a low-cost, easy-to-set-up tank, the inert substrate setup with hardscape and epiphytic plants is ideal. If you have a higher budget, want more plant options, and prefer a straightforward setup, the aquasoil option could be a great fit. For those who enjoy geeking out over aquarium ecosystems, the dirted tank method is highly customizable and offers a more natural environment.

Each setup has its strengths, so select the one that best aligns with your goals and the level of effort you’re comfortable putting in. Thanks for watching, and happy aquascaping!

BRAND MEDIA KIT - https://glassboxdiaries.com/brands

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro
00:05 - Best Aquarium Method
00:32 - Method 1
04:17 - Method 2
07:44 - Method 3
11:13 - Round-Up

Some of the links in this video description may be affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission from any purchases made.