How to Plant a 10 Gallon Tank

While veteran aquarists often recommend setting up the largest tank you can afford because ideal water quality is harder to maintain in small aquariums, a 10-gallon tank is just the right size for a small fish community and attractively landscaped aquatic plants. The objective is not just to create to an eye-catching aquarium for onlookers; it's also to maintain a healthy habitat for your fish, so know what you're doing before you begin. Planting a 10-gallon tank requires preparation, but can be very rewarding.

Things You'll Need

  • Assorted aquatic plants
  • Substrate (sand or gravel)
  • Planting sticks
  • Decorative rocks (optional)
  • Driftwood (optional)
  • Overhead lighting
  • Tablet or liquid aquatic plant fertilizer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a plan for how you want your aquarium to look with its new plants. Talk to aquascaping experts; you'll often find them hanging around pet stores that sell fish and aquarium supplies. Research photos of established planted aquariums to discover what's possible and what particular type of setting you would like to maintain.

    • 2

      Do your homework. Hundreds of aquatic plants will do well in a 10-gallon habitat, but you need to know in advance what their requirements are in terms of lighting and growth space. Some plants are invasive and can take over a whole aquarium in no time, while others take a long while to show signs of growth; find out what specific plants will go well with your aquascaping plan.

    • 3

      Set up your 10-gallon aquarium. Lay out a clean substrate of sand or gravel, preferably three to four inches deep, so that there is enough depth for root growth and anchorage. Fill the tank halfway with water.

    • 4

      Arrange the substrate so that it slopes higher in the back of the tank. This slope lets dirt and fish waste matter accumulate in the lowest part of the slope, which is towards the front of the tank, where the dirt is easier to see and vacuum out.

    • 5

      Plant tall and tapering plants in the back of the tank. Use a planting stick (a long fork-tipped stick) to insert the base of the plant into the substrate.

    • 6

      Plant medium-height plants towards the sides and middle area of the tank. Plant rosette-type and small or short plants towards the front of the tank. Use decorative items like driftwood, rocks or pieces of slate to help anchor the plants.

    • 7

      Fill the tank with water and install the overhead lighting. Following the two watts per gallon rule, the plants in the 10-gallon tank should thrive under a 20-watt fluorescent aquarium light.

    • 8

      Apply tablet or liquid aquatic plant fertilizer as needed. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the frequency and amount of application.