Answers to the questions we hear most from planted tank and aquascaping enthusiasts.
Nutrient-rich aqua soils like ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia are the gold standard for planted tanks — they buffer pH slightly acidic, supply root-feeding nutrients, and support strong root growth for carpeting plants and stem plants alike. For low-tech tanks, a basic gravel or sand substrate with root tabs also works well.
Most high-tech planted tanks run CO2 injection at 20–30 ppm, which gives plants enough carbon to photosynthesize quickly without stressing fish. Low-tech and no-CO2 setups can still grow undemanding plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Cryptocoryne using only ambient atmospheric CO2.
Liquid fertilizers are typically dosed 2–3 times a week, while root tabs are pushed into the substrate near heavy root-feeders every 4–6 weeks. Dosing frequency depends on your plant mass, light intensity, and CO2 levels — more light and CO2 mean plants consume nutrients faster.
High-PAR LED lights such as Chihiros or twinstar fixtures are popular for high-tech planted tanks because they deliver strong, full-spectrum light that drives fast plant growth when paired with CO2 and fertilizer. For low-tech tanks, a lower-intensity light prevents algae outbreaks from outpacing plant growth.
The nitrogen cycle is the biological process where beneficial bacteria convert toxic ammonia (from fish waste) into nitrite, then into less harmful nitrate. A new tank needs 2–4 weeks to fully establish this bacterial colony before it's safe to add a full fish stock — adding fish too early causes ammonia spikes that can be fatal.
Yes, many shrimp species like Neocaridina (Cherry Shrimp) and Caridina coexist peacefully with small, peaceful fish such as Chili Rasboras or Pygmy Corydoras. Avoid larger or predatory fish, which will hunt shrimp, especially young ones.
Algae usually signals a nutrient or light imbalance — too much light, too little CO2, or excess nutrients relative to plant uptake. Reduce photoperiod to 6–8 hours, ensure CO2 and ferts are balanced with light intensity, and add algae-eating species like Amano shrimp or Otocinclus catfish as a supporting measure.
ADA Aqua Soil buffers aquarium water to a slightly acidic pH of around 6.0–6.8, which suits most tropical plants, fish, and shrimp. It also releases ammonium briefly when first submerged, which is normal during the initial cycling period.
A weekly 20–30% water change is standard for most planted tanks — it replenishes trace minerals, removes excess organics, and keeps nitrate levels in check. High-tech tanks with heavy fertilizer dosing sometimes benefit from twice-weekly changes.
A low-tech tank relies on moderate light and no (or minimal) CO2 injection, growing hardy, slow plants with less maintenance. A high-tech tank combines strong lighting, pressurized CO2, and a structured fertilizer routine to support demanding carpet plants and fast, lush growth — at the cost of more frequent upkeep.
The Nature Aquarium style, pioneered by Takashi Amano, uses natural hardscape (driftwood, stone), a foreground-to-background plant gradient, and asymmetrical composition to mimic a landscape in miniature. Start with a hardscape layout following the Golden Ratio, then plant in layers — mosses and carpeting plants up front, stems and larger leaf plants behind.
Dhara Nature Aquarium, located at 828, 4th Main, 4th Cross Rd, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru 560040, stocks ADA, Tropica, Seachem, Fluval, Chihiros, Eheim and 20+ other aquascaping brands — including aqua soil, LED lights, canister filters, live plants, and live fish. Shop online or visit our store; we're open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.