Build a living underwater garden
Real gear picks for planted tanks, filtration, lighting, CO2, hardscape, and a thriving aquascape
Lead guide
Best Lily Pipes for Canister Filters (2026)
Glass and stainless steel lily pipes compared by tubing size, skimmer inflows and mounting, so the set fits your canister filter hose the first time.
Top picks right now
Common tank sizes
- 5 galabout 19 L
- 10 galabout 38 L
- 20 galabout 76 L
- 29 galabout 110 L
- 40 galabout 151 L
- 55 galabout 208 L
- 75 galabout 284 L
- 125 galabout 473 L
Nominal US tank volumes (1 gal is 3.785 L). Real water volume is lower once substrate and hardscape go in.
New here?
Start Here: Your First Planted Aquarium
7 short steps in the order a beginner needs them, with the guides and tools for each one.
Popular right now
- Best Clip-On Aquarium Lights for Planted Tanks (2026)Buying guide
- Best Nano Aquariums for Planted Tanks (2026)Buying guide
- Best Low-Iron Glass Tanks for Aquascaping (2026)Buying guide
- Best CO2 Regulators for Planted Tanks (2026)Buying guide
- Best Full-Spectrum Grow Lights for Planted Tanks (2026)Buying guide
- Best CO2 Tubing for Planted Tanks (2026)Buying guide
Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Start here
All guides →
Shop by category
Aquariums & Stands
Nano, rimless, cube, and kit aquariums plus stands and lids for any scape.
Browse 11 guides →Filters & Media
Canister, hang-on-back, sponge, and internal filters plus media and skimmers.
Browse 11 guides →Planted Tank Lighting
LED plant lights, controllers, and mounts to grow a healthy aquascape.
Browse 8 guides →CO2 & Fertilizers
CO2 systems, diffusers, regulators, liquid ferts, and root tabs for plant growth.
Browse 10 guides →Substrate & Hardscape
Aqua soil, gravel, sand, dragon stone, driftwood, and hardscape materials.
Browse 13 guides →Tools & Maintenance
Aquascaping tools, water test kits, heaters, and cleaning gear.
Browse 8 guides →Best buying guides
Best Lily Pipes for Canister Filters (2026)
Glass and stainless steel lily pipes compared by tubing size, skimmer inflows and mounting, so the set fits your canister filter hose the first time.
Best Full-Spectrum Grow Lights for Planted Tanks (2026)
Full spectrum LED aquarium lights for planted tanks compared by fixture length, dimming, timers and how much light each gives low or high light plants.
Best Low-Iron Glass Tanks for Aquascaping (2026)
Discover the best low-iron glass aquariums for planted tanks. Learn how ultra-clear glass improves color, clarity, and plant display.
Best Clip-On Aquarium Lights for Planted Tanks (2026)
Compare clip-on aquarium lights for planted nano tanks. Learn what to check in spectrum, reach, and clamp fit for small rimless scapes.
Best CO2 Regulators for Planted Tanks (2026)
Compare CO2 regulators for planted aquariums. Learn about single vs dual gauges, solenoids, and bubble control for stable, safe carbon dosing.
Best Nano Aquariums for Planted Tanks (2026)
Compare the best nano aquariums for planted tanks and aquascaping. What to look for in glass, size, and shape for a thriving small setup.
Packing tips
All tips →How to Get Algae Off Aquarium Plants Without Killing Them
Remove algae from aquarium plants by hand, trimming, spot treatment or a short dip, and fix the light and nutrient problem so it stays gone.
Black Beard Algae in a Planted Tank: What Causes It and How to Get Rid of It
Black beard algae usually means unstable CO2 or weak flow. How to fix the cause, spot treat with liquid carbon or peroxide and clean leaves and hardscape.
What to Do With Your Aquarium During a Winter Power Outage
Winter storms can cut power for hours or days. How to keep tank water warm, oxygenated and safe, and how to restart filters after power returns.
Why Fish Gasp at the Surface in Planted Aquariums
Fish hanging at the top of the tank can signal low oxygen or too much CO2. How to respond quickly and adjust surface agitation, CO2 and temperature.