How to Set up a Fish Tank with Live Plants

🌱 Visit aquariumcoop.com/ to buy aquarium plants, lights, fish food, and more from Aquarium Co-Op
🐟 Buy fish at geni.us/LiveFish from our preferred online retailers with the code aquariumcoop to save 5%
‎ Follow along these step-by-step instructions to set up an easy planted aquarium for beginners.
🌱 Buy plants, lights, food, chemicals and more from our online store: aquariumcoop.com/
📕 Want in-depth articles on freshwater aquariums? Visit our blog: aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium
🐟 Searching for that respectful community to talk about fish? Join our forum: forum.aquariumcoop.com/
📚 RESOURCES
------------------------------------------------
• How to pick heater: www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aq...
• How to pick aquarium light: www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aq...
• How to plant aquarium plants: www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aq...
• How to pick plant fertilizers: www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aq...
🛒 MATERIALS
------------------------------------------------
• Beginner aquarium plants: www.aquariumcoop.com/collecti...
• Easy Green all-in-one fertilizer: www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
• Easy Root Tabs fertilizer: www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
• Finnex Stingray LED light: www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
• Power outlet timer: www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
• Rocks for decoration: www.aquariumcoop.com/collecti...
• Dechlorinator: www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
• Water test kit: www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
• Algae scraper for glass: www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
• Algae scraper for acrylic: www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
• Planting tweezers: www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
• Scissors for pruning: www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
WHO WE ARE
------------------------------------------------
At Aquarium Co-Op, we focus on your aquariums. We specialize in freshwater tropical fish, aquatic plants, and the overall betterment of the freshwater fish keeping hobby. Our goal is to help you with your first pet fish and graduate you to an advanced aquarium hobbyist. If you'd like to take it to the next level, subscribe to Aquarium Co-Op and check out our weekly videos.
Cory McElroy is employed by Aquarium Co-Op LLC. He also owns Aquarium Co-Op LLC. Therefore, all content is sponsored by Aquarium Co-Op.
0:00 How to set up a low tech planted aquarium
0:14 Step 1 - Gather the materials
8:19 Step 2 - Set up the stand
8:24 Step 3 - Prepare the tank and accessories
8:54 Step 4 - Add substrate
9:12 Step 5 - Place hardscape
9:27 Step 6 - Fill the tank with water
9:50 Step 7 - Plant the aquarium plants
11:00 Step 8 - Install the light
11:18 Step 9 - Check for leaks and equipment failures
11:26 Step 10 - Balance the lighting and nutrients
#Aquariumcoop #Aquariumfish #Fishtank

[@AquariumCoop]

*Like this high-level overview? Get more in-depth information with our playlist on planted tank tutorials: **kzbin.info/aero/PLNM4mDAXGxWwWPW5mX7gaSHaCPHDqy0b-*

[@SteveScapesYT]

Nice summary introducing folks to the planted aquarium hobby. :)

[@henryandhistrains9849]

I just make my own lid

[@rohanarafat4302]

@Ashley Cyril ppp

[@randallwallace4068]

i know im asking the wrong place but does anybody know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my login password. I love any tips you can give me

[@orlandomordechai7012]

@Randall Wallace instablaster :)

[@media12370]

Love Irene’s breakdowns, makes it so easy to understand

[@GirlTalksFish]

Yay, glad you enjoyed!

[@randomnesschannel8820]

Ikr

[@randomnesschannel8820]

Her vids are very helpful

[@ahappyimago]

Omg we love her

[@peteriverson4682]

I just love how aquarium coop has timestamped soooo many of y’all’s videos. It’s so helpful! Thanks!

[@AB-kj9jx]

I couldn't agree more! Thanks Aquarium Co-op!

[@infinity2z3r07]

Planted tanks are intimidating for beginners, especially for the type of person who wants to sift through ALL the information before trying. For me, I started with substrates, then lights, then fertilizer. I woke up six months later, like "do I even wanna do this?" 😂

[@izabelbajema151]

I totally agree with this, same thing happened to me lol

[@amandaeliz745]

Same! I keep googling pictures of planted aquariums to get myself excited again!

[@JustSoyy]

Same, I have a 3.5 gallon tank for my beta fish, i’m absolutely terrified… it’s been like a month and I haven’t done anything

[@mrspecks945]

@@JustSoyyyep same pretty much got everything apart from the plants to get my tank started but don’t want to mess it up lol

[@Emma-ux5iz]

Can I have live plants with gravel?

[@cuddleswithcavies9969]

This video was great, the main thing I learnt was to stop moving my plants around. I love rearranging my tank and trying out new layouts but I never thought it could upset my plants so much! I’ll have to sit on my hands from now on 🙈

[@ak33mSM]

God, tell me about it! 😂

[@xr55]

I move my plants along with the soil. They're enclosed. 😅

[@311daydreamer]

Great tips! Planted tank info can become so overwhelming when researching. I love how this breaks it down step by step and gives the important info instead of a bunch of fluff

[@GirlTalksFish]

That's definitely my modus operandi. 😉

[@fredgandolfi2356]

Nice to see a video about a calming hobby, narrated by someone who is also calm. It fits.

[@christopherfassett9973]

That moment at 1:30 when they thought they were getting fed XD

[@aje8790]

I can't get enough of y'all, Irene, Cory, Jimmy, Robert and Dean are what makes this hobby great

[@audreycooper4860]

I love all of Irene’s videos, when I was new to this hobby her informative videos (as well as aquarium co-op!) helped me more than I could ever say. So grateful for people like this who take the time to help people just starting out, it really helps to hear other experiences ❤

[@ronandoyle6097]

A quick note to anyone unfamiliar with Aquarium Co-Op who just stumbled upon this video: I don't work for them, or even know any of them at all. I'm not even that great a customer. Probably 5 orders over the past couple years. And, in fact, I actually get a lot of my plants at Petco or Petsmart out of pure convenience or spur-of-the-moment purchase. THAT SAID... I have made two recent purchases from Aquarium Co-Op, and I will never purchase plants anywhere else again. Neither should you. Cory and his team simply care more. The product is better. The packaging is better. The dedication to doing the right thing, delivering the best quality, and providing outstanding service is second to none. You can see in the videos that this isn't a business... this is a passion. A calling. I have watched videos from every fishkeeping KZbinr out there, and ordered products from no less than a dozen various sources. Aquarium Co-Op is the best. Fact.

[@furushovonputtkammer5715]

The mollies are following her hand!! 😍

[@GirlTalksFish]

Lol, they totally started nibbling on my fingers, but it's one of my favorite parts of doing water changes. 😂

[@benji13]

You assumed it's pronouns....

[@mahirajsinhrathod1523]

That plastic bag trick to fill the tank is a golden tip to prevent messing up the soil and plants, thank you so so much🙏💯

[@amarcus7757]

Great summary for beginners, as always!

[@MidnightGeekSS]

Just what I needed for a friend. This may be easier for them to follow since it has visuals

[@GirlTalksFish]

Good, I hope it helps them!

[@soulcandyalmadulce5885]

Great video, clearly explained, short and sweet, straight to the point at hand, love it. Much appreciated.

[@SMDoktorPepper]

Started an experimental tank over a decade ago with a DEEP sand bed...part of it actually being topsoil. Uses a trickle system as a filter and has been running well for the entire time at least for the plants.

[@RenitaWellmanPhD]

Thank you Irene. I like the idea of the spreadsheet to keep notes. I actually started a soil based tank and went through some growing pains with that. But I’m so glad I did. The floating plants helped to create a balance. I waited 3 months before adding root plants and fish. Thanks for all the information on planting on the website.

[@nessafelix5758]

Yaaaaasss THANK YOU so much!!! FINALLY someone has heard our prayers 🙏😁. Love yah guys!

[@harshruia2]

I love your videos, they are very well put. Detailed yet concise. You should put out more content

[@NickMillzzz]

Check out girl talks fish!

[@NeRo9k]

I love how you break everything down so easily!

[@happygherkin9958]

Such an Amazing video! I've been keeping fish for 21 years and have had to explain a lot of what was shown here many many times to people. This is definitely something I'm just going to recommend new comers to the hobby go and watch as it doesn't get more simply explained or any clearer than this when setting up a planted aquarium for the first time, or even the 20th time! Haha Awesome 👍

[@GirlTalksFish]

Yay, hope it helps many more beginners (and saves you some time in the process). :)

[@Verydeadbarbie]

This will really help me finally be able to start using real plants, i feel so bad i never knew. :( All the fish I had as a kid must of been so miserable

[@dcphifer4307]

Thanks. I am starting to set up a new tank. Being that I am in a real small apartment because when I moved in here, I was right out of a rehab/nursing care facility and using a walker. I miss having a fresh water water and a salt water tank. It has been 11 years since I had those tanks. Initially, it was because I moved around because of work and long hours. I am very limited in space and I treated myself to just having a 6.6 gallon for my new Betta. I bought a bunch of plants like you suggested of different sizes. Now, I will get a few mosses to add to aquascape. I bought a driftwood but found that it has lots of tannins. They are still leaching out in a bucket over a week. I will look for a few different wood pieces with less tannins when I go shopping next week. I had my Betta in a 1.7 gallon tank since October when I turned 70. And, used the filter original filter in this new tank and some of the gravel. I am going to keep this small tank to start plants in when I take a few from the larger plant. This will help me build up my plant collection and rocks to develop a biofilm on them. I am starting to look for a farm to rescue Equine to become Comfort Animals for those that might like to visit... with that said, I will create a place for setting up aquascape tanks and have needed supplies like rocks and wood. And, space for a larger community tank... or two. Making space for Veterans, Military, Special Needs Children, and more seems to be a great project to add to my plans. Thanks for sharing your ideas and tips as they stir up old memories of what worked and what didn't. Back where I used to live, I had really really hard water. Here, mid state... not so hard. Best Regards. Thanks again.

[@MasterPhotographer]

Great information Irene, and the time stamps are a real Blessing! I love being able to do a quick recall to refresh my memory.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you! You did a fabulous job with this presentation! All great advice!

[@LucyGr]

I love planted aquariums ♡♡♡

[@nataliebarroga6682]

Another great step-by-step video Irene! So helpful 😊 Another idea for a future video would be a step by step for moving with aquariums; so many people seem unsure how to do it, but I bet you could make it seem less intimidating with the fantastic breakdowns you do 😊

[@eu100eueu]

I kinda messed up my first planted aquarium in almost any aspect possible, but i'll suceed one day im pretty sure!

[@yungstaxxx6095]

This is the video I’ve been looking for. Just bought my very first 10 gallon and this help immensely!

[@themanwithamisionyethefail6935]

This really helped me understand how to set up an aquarium with live plants. Thank you so much for all your tips!

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Great Video Irene and Aquarium Co-op!! Great tips for anybody setting up a new aquarium! I really love how so many beginners are getting access to how to set up planted tanks as their first Aquariums. This is my second time in the hobby and the first time I've had planted tanks! And wow there's nothing more beautiful than a little underwater world where fish and plants coexist! Just beautiful Thank you as always for sharing! 💚🌱🐟🌿💚

[@sweetpotae]

It was so clear and helpful! I mean, I still have no idea what I’m doing but I feel confident that I can do it! I’ll be back, beginning the setting up of the tank today! Thankyou!!!

[@i.pastor01]

I'm glad to know I did most of those steps with my first planted tank. I really liked this step by step video.

[@jgirlm]

This video is so helpful!!! Thank you so much for walking through each step thoroughly

[@dalemansukh]

I'm putting together a tank tomorrow, and this was perfect timing! Thank you so much for this overview.

[@dalemansukh]

@@servus2634 it's been great! Really came out well, fish/invertebrates doing well, plants are growing well. My 18 month old loves the tank and her fishy and shrimpy friends.

[@flyinghigh8487]

I needed this video!

[@DreamDear]

This was one of the most helpful videos I’ve seen. Thank you!

[@sal9842]

That was a nice and helpful video... you make a good spokesperson for aquarium Co-Op.. nice job!

[@GirlTalksFish]

Thank you so much!

[@Honda90996]

Irene always shares such great info in an easy to understand way!

[@bobbin3997]

This video is great. I am just now getting ready to set up a planted tank but am anxious about cycling and maintenance. I haven't found clear videos about those so hopefully you have vids explaining those subjects as clearly.

[@EricLabelleUX]

Loved this one! Always good to get back to basics! Also an awesome video to share with friends looking to get into the hobby!

[@herbspeak]

Thanks so much for the engaging and to-the-point video!

[@mist9419]

Thank you, this really helped me improve my planted aqurium!

[@pungr]

Irene is my go-to for step by step instructions for newbies!

[@TurboFish]

Thanks for this. I see this question a lot in groups.

[@TinaWuu]

This is a great walkthrough, really informative

[@Mark-im6pm]

Irene, great info, presentation, natural excitement. Thank you!

[@slymarsthecat9494]

So glad I found you! All these other youtubers make no sense. You helped alot! I’m really trying to improve my betta care. Bc I did no research before getting it. And he has gotton fin rot so I’m taking action NOW. I feel so bad for not doing anything right no research or anything so can’t wait to get him the new tank and stuff

[@melchantz]

Omg.. the plastic bag is such a genius thing to show us.. thank u.. im adopting that from now on..

[@walidalsharabi858]

After watching many many videos to star my first home aquarium, your way very simple yet full of useful details with your beautiful smile. Thanks a lot

[@RTharr]

Neat, perfect, and to the point. Just how all informational videos from Aquarium Co-Op are :D

[@sofiaserez]

Awesome video so much information packed in! Thankyouuuu

[@sekharly]

Really amazing video! I wish I saw this video before setting my 4 tanks.

[@MaryK4242]

OMG I needed this!! Thanks Irene, you ROCK!

[@GirlTalksFish]

My pleasure!

[@TWilliams205]

Yes I really want to do my first planted and was so discouraged because I see all of the professionals do it and it so expensive this really helped

[@mavs2p2]

This is one of best videos for beginners on youtube.

[@AlanCarterTravel]

Very informative. I'm still struggling with my plants but learned some good tips today.

[@monicabetenbough565]

thank you for the instructions. i am confident in my abilities to have a healthy tank now

[@TheOrdinaryGamertag]

I was wondering when we would get another video from Irene. I love planted tanks and the Coop is the ones who got me started

[@evita1643]

Gonna use this in my new tank! Thank you

[@kokoromo7445]

I have been waiting for Girl talk fish to post for too long I am so glad she made a video with aquarium co op

[@GirlTalksFish]

Thank you for your patience! 🙇‍♀️

[@kokoromo7445]

Oh I am just so happy that I found your channel you are the reason I am going to try and make my 10 gallon a planted tank Thank you so much for making these great videos.

[@blaznmax8877]

Great video . Glad I came here . Every question I had was answered

[@KGcichlids]

Gotta love aquarium plants 🌱

[@carm1030]

Thank you for making it so simple and easy to understand!

[@GirlTalksFish]

My pleasure!

[@ericematey6073]

Great video. Your explanation and delivery is top notch. Thank you

[@blueridgeusa7817]

Love your great videos. Family friendly and well educated

[@ManuelVitoriano]

Thanks for the inspiration!! Always learning;)

[@peacefulaqua6221]

The perfect little guide for beginners :)

[@djlancer88]

Sheeeesh, that decor selection in those bins. Wish I had something like that around here!!

[@pinkylink6306]

Thank you for this it was very helpful! I really want to have live plants in my fish tank but I'm so nervous that they're not going to do well. It's so cute that your fish like you so much they follow you around :)

[@Raithed]

Having a lid is so good. Heat retention is a huge thing if you live in colder places, saves money!

[@Cbtrainnut]

Excellent video. I have never had a planted tank. This answered a lot of questions for me. Thanks. Also easy on the eyes lol!

[@joakslamayo7640]

Thanks I’ve been wanting to set up a planted tank

[@GirlTalksFish]

Go for it! It's totally worth it once you get the hang of it. :)

[@matthewmclaughlin7472]

Absolutely brilliant video. I’m new to this and this has helped me a lot. Many thanks

[@32sashu]

Great vid guys, very informative! Love "Girl Talks Fish", she's so cool!🙌🏾 Just bought the planted aquarium fertilizer bundle! Just learning that my rooted plants need root tabs, hoping they come quickly!😂😭

[@GirlTalksFish]

Best of luck to you!

[@suse1999]

That was really helpful.Thanks

[@jonmorgan293]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@chatterbox2989]

Once its all set up, like you did. when do you add your fish. thank you for your videos, they are fantastic! & easy to understand😊

[@k.hunter5362]

Fabulous walk through

[@calebcologna8681]

That reminds me, I need to look back into heater recommendations

[@ryanrogers1985]

Thanks for this! Definitely very helpful to a newbie like me. I admit I definitely used your idea of black posterboard and it looks gorgeous! Can't wait for the algae to grow on the back! Loved that idea too. :)

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Beautiful clear water tank 😍 👍❗️

[@hjrc746]

This is so helpful! Thanks.

[@TheGreenerLawn]

Grass reference was spot on 😉

[@muhammadhadi6391]

Hi love how you segregate the steps, thank you so much. And may I know do we really need c02, if we alrdy put the tabs and all in one fertilizer?

[@aquariumtreasures1054]

Great video 🐟🌿😄👍

[@sugarmuffin319]

Plastic bag tip is awesome!

[@CarlosTorres-ow9qr]

Thanks for video and all the tips thanks

[@Shyyshepherd]

Awesome video! Me and my husband plan on setting up a planted a aquarium soon

[@sugarmuffin319]

Thanks Irene! That was awesome. :)

[@anthonypautin]

Thanks for sharing!

[@thelifeofstephlo4271]

Great information thank you 😊

[@SandraRodriguez-eb5ke]

Super helpful !!

[@raywells2858]

Excellent video! Been into aquariums for about 45 years, mainly Saltwater Reef Tanks. Ive been wanting to do something a little lower maintenance wise but like the look of a planted tank. I have experimented with a 20 gallon planted tank with moderate success thus far but wanted to up my game and move to a 55 gallon tank thats been collecting dust as my mated pair of Angelfish have out grown the current tank.

[@lauraleamarlyn323]

Oh! perfect!! thank you

[@declanoloughlin8649]

Thanks great video

[@alishabradley4772]

I just ordered my first aquarium plants from the aquarium co-op website! Wish me luck 😊

[@dougkidd4799]

Great video thank you, I learned alot,.

[@ebat5]

Good job Irene. Very informative video

[@ReinhardvonHolst]

I've been a fan of yours for years and your vids are always great. I remember the days when you always had your sunglasses on. Peace from the UK.