Curated Guides from Trusted Sources
BeginnerAquascape compiles and simplifies information from industry leaders like Tropica, Aquarium Co-Op, and ADA—so you don't have to dig through dozens of sources.
See how easy it can be to create your first planted aquarium.
Why We Built This
When I started aquascaping, I spent weeks jumping between YouTube videos, Reddit threads, and manufacturer websites. Every source had different advice, and "beginner" guides assumed I already knew terms like KH, GH, and PAR.
BeginnerAquascape exists to solve that problem. We compile information from the most trusted sources in the hobby—Tropica's plant database, Aquarium Co-Op's equipment reviews, Dennis Wong's scientific research at 2Hr Aquarist—and present it in plain English with specific calculations for YOUR tank.
Every guide cites its sources. Every calculation shows its formula. No black boxes, no "trust me bro."
Our Sources (Full Transparency)
We don't make things up. Here are the primary sources we reference:
Tropica Aquarium Plants
Danish company, 50+ years in aquatic plants. We use their plant difficulty ratings (Easy/Medium/Advanced) and CO2 requirements.
Aquarium Co-Op
Cory McElroy's store and YouTube channel (1M+ subscribers). We reference their equipment reviews and beginner tutorials.
2Hr Aquarist
Dennis Wong's research-backed guides. We cite his work on fertilization, CO2 levels, and algae prevention.
r/PlantedTank Wiki
500K+ member community. We cross-reference their wiki and common advice for community-verified information.
Our Editorial Standards
✅ Every Claim is Cited
If we say "Monte Carlo needs medium light," we link to Tropica's official plant page. No unsourced claims.
✅ Calculations are Transparent
Substrate volume = L × W × Depth. We show our math so you can verify or adjust for your specific setup.
✅ No Brand Sponsorships
We recommend Fluval and AquaClear because r/PlantedTank does—not because they pay us. We have zero brand deals.
✅ Regular Updates
Product prices and availability change. We review and update guides quarterly based on current market data.
Site Statistics
💰 How We Make Money (Transparency)
We're part of the Amazon Associates program. When you click a product link and buy something, we earn a small commission (usually 1-4%). This doesn't cost you anything extra.
This is how we keep the site running without annoying ads or paywalls. But here's our promise:
- We never recommend a product just because it has a higher commission
- We include budget alternatives even when expensive options pay more
- If a product sucks, we'll tell you—even if we could make money from it
Get in Touch
Found an error? Have a question? Want to share your tank? We'd love to hear from you.