Costs, Gear, and Time: Planning for How to Start Aquascaping

Thinking of creating your own little slice of underwater nature? Aquascaping is a rewarding and artistic hobby, but knowing what’s involved before you begin helps transform inspiration into a thriving, beautiful aquarium. In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs, the must-have gear, and the time you’ll invest so you can set realistic expectations and set up for success.

Understanding the Costs of Starting Aquascaping

Before you dive into aquascaping, it’s important to know that costs can vary widely based on your goals, tank size, and chosen aquascaping style. Let’s take a closer look at the key expenses.

Initial Investment Breakdown

• Aquarium Tank: Prices range from $40 for a small nano tank (10-20 liters) to $300 or more for larger tanks (over 100 liters).
• Filtration System: Expect to spend $30–$100 depending on tank size and filter type (hang-on-back, sponge, or canister).
• Lighting: Quality aquarium lighting, especially LED plant lights, costs from $30 for smaller tanks to $150+ for advanced setups.
• Substrate: Specialized aquascape substrates like ADA Aqua Soil range from $15–$60. Cheaper options are available but may impact plant health.
• Hardscape Materials: Rocks, driftwood, and decorative items cost $20–$100 or more based on complexity and types chosen.
• Plants: Starter plant sets for smaller tanks may cost $20–$50; larger or more intricate landscapes can require $100+ in plants.
• CO₂ Systems: Not essential for beginners, but a basic pressurized system starts around $70, while DIY CO₂ kits are cheaper.
• Fertilizers and Water Conditioners: Set aside $10–$30 for nutrient dosing and water care essentials.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Beyond setup, expect recurring expenses for:

• Plant fertilizers and CO₂ refills ($5–$20/month)
• Aquarium test kits ($10–$30, lasts several months)
• Replacement filter media ($5–$15/month)
• Energy consumption (varies by equipment but usually modest)

For a more detailed cost analysis and ways to save, check out our best gear for aquascaping beginners guide.

The Essential Aquascaping Gear Checklist

Equipping your setup thoughtfully from day one not only saves you money in the long run but also ensures your tank thrives. Here are the core pieces of aquascaping equipment you’ll need:

Aquarium Tank and Stand

Choose a tank size and shape that fits your space and matches your aquascaping ambitions. Remember that a sturdy stand is a must for safety and display.

Filtration and Water Circulation

A reliable filter keeps water clean and stable. Most aquascapes use hang-on-back, canister, or sponge filters—select one sized for your tank’s volume.

Lighting for Plant Growth

Modern LED lights designed for freshwater planted tanks promote lush, healthy plant development and bring your aquascape’s colors to life.

Substrate and Hardscape

Quality substrates (soil or sand) provide nutrients and anchorage for aquatic plants. Combine them with rocks, driftwood, and decorative elements to shape your underwater landscape.

CO₂ Injection Systems

While not essential for all setups, CO₂ is important for some high-tech aquascapes. It supports rapid plant growth and vibrant colors but can add to the complexity (ready more in our CO₂ in aquascaping explainer).

Testing and Maintenance Tools

Invest in a water test kit for pH, ammonia, nitrates, and other essentials, along with aquascaping tools (scissors, tweezers) for planting and pruning.

Time Commitment: Setting Up and Maintaining Your Aquascape

Setup Time Estimation

Initial setup: Allocates at least 4–8 hours for assembling equipment, arranging hardscape, planting, and filling your tank.
Cycling: Plan for a 3–6 week period where you let your aquarium establish crucial bacteria for a healthy environment (learn more in our beginner’s guide to cycling an aquarium).

Ongoing Maintenance

• Daily: Quick visual checks, feeding, and occasional CO₂ adjustments (10–15 minutes)
• Weekly: Water changes, algae wiping, trimming plants, and cleaning filter media (1–2 hours)
• Monthly: Deep cleaning, equipment checks, and plant replanting or rearrangement (1–3 hours)

Like any living display, maintaining a thriving planted aquarium is an ongoing commitment, but one that becomes more routine over time.

Planning Tips for Aquascaping Success

• Start simple: Choose a beginner-friendly tank size (20–40 liters) and hardy plant species.
• Set a budget: Plan for both upfront purchases and long-term care.
• Research aquascape styles: Explore layouts like Nature, Iwagumi, Dutch, or Jungle for inspiration (see our introduction to aquascaping styles).
• Join the community: Seek advice and share progress with fellow enthusiasts—an invaluable part of the hobby.

Ready to Start Your Aquascaping Journey?

Planning ahead for equipment, spending, and time will set you on the path to aquascaping success. Whether you’re building a lush planted tank or a minimalist Iwagumi, the effort is well worth the rewards. For more detailed guides, inspiration, and gear reviews, explore our beginner aquascaping resources.

Start designing your dream tank today—browse our learning hub and connect with the Aquascaping Academy community!