low-tech-planted-tank-setup

What 11 Days of Dying Dwarf Baby Tears Taught Me About Beginner Plants

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I killed $200 in “beginner”” plants before learning which ones actually survive budget lights and no CO2. Here’s my honest 3-tier ranking.”

My $8 Pool Filter Sand Grows Better Plants Than My $60 Aquarium Soil Did

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Spent $200 on fancy aquarium soil and killed every plant. Now I use $8 pool filter sand. Here’s what actually matters for your first planted tank.

How My $12 Gravel Tank Outgrew My Fancy Aquasoil Setup

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My $12 pea gravel tank beat my expensive aquasoil setup. Here’s the deep bury method that stops plants from floating, plus 12 species that thrive without soil.