what do you think is the most importance equipment that i cannot go cheap on in a planted aquarium?

[fishgoring]

Hi everyone,
i am new to the hobby and i am hopping to set up a first planted tank. Can you please let me know what is a good equipment that i cannot go cheap on?

 

[JJays]

I'm relatively new to the hobby as well. I would say, a good water test kit, such as the API master. I don't have much faith in the test strips. Also if you are planning on going with a dirt substrate, using potting mixes, use organic, and pre wash it so as to dissipate some of the fertilizer value thus avoiding most of the nitrate, and ammonia spikes in your aquarium. I am not any expert, but it worked for me.

 

[dougall]

It really depends on how you are defining a planted tank..

So specifically for a planted aquarium I would go with research first, light second and CO2 regulator third (if applicable)

Otherwise, I wouldnt go cheap on anything . It's a box full of water in your home, something cheap failing generally can lead to a leak or death of livestock..

 

[JJays]

Dougall is right concerning research. Youtube is your friend. One can learn a lot there.

 

[fishorama]

I'm into low maintenance plants, no co2, low-medium lights. I have cheap LED lights, but maybe more than comes on tank kits these days. I'm not sure. A decent filter (or 2 depending on tank size), & like JJ said, an API master test kit is a must no matter what kind of tank you'll keep. But beware rando you tubers, there's some misinformation out there. Everyone's tanks are different, there's no 1 right way that works all the time or for every tank.

dougall in into higher end equipment, good maintenance & I'm sure prettier tanks.

I, like dougall, belong to a plant club. I've tried many & killed more than a few In a vague way, where do you live? What state or near a big city? Fish clubs are a good source of local info & plants. Plus, they're fun!

fishgoring, tell us more about your tank & what plants you might want to try. We can help