Starting your first planted aquarium in Delhi NCR? Confused about what to buy and what works with local tap water?
Be our guest! This step-by-step guide shows you how to build a beginner-friendly planted tank that thrives in Delhi NCR’s water and weather conditions — no CO₂ or fancy gear needed.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Tank Size
Bigger tanks are more stable. We recommend starting with:
- 2 ft tank (~54L) – Ideal for beginners
- 3 ft tanks (~120L) – For more plant and fish variety
- 18” cube (~45L) – Great for desks or compact spaces
👉 ProHobby™ custom makes extra clear and clear glass tanks in all sizes according to your specific needs.
Step 2: Use the Right Substrate Avoid colored pebbles and stones.
Go for:
- Aqua Soil
- Inert Sand + Root Tabs (budget-friendly)
- Optional – Cap Layers – white/black sand for aesthetic finish
💡 Plants like Amazon Sword and Crypts need root nourishment, so don’t skip a nutrient-rich base.
Step 3: Pick the Right Light In Delhi. Caution – algae can thrive in strong ambient light:
- Use full-spectrum LED lights (6–8 hours/day)
- Avoid placing the tank near direct sunlight
- Use a timer to prevent overexposure.
Step 4: Use the Right Water Conditioner Delhi tap water contains:
a. Minerals and Metals:
- Calcium and Magnesium: These are present as “hard water” and may lock out nutrients
- Lead: Even low levels can be harmful
- Copper: Toxic to fishes and shrimps
- Other Heavy Metals like Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Chromium
b. Chemicals and Disinfection Byproducts:
- Chlorine: Used to disinfect water and kill harmful bacteria
- Chloramines: Another disinfectant, formed by combining chlorine and ammonia.
c. Pesticides and Herbicides: Can contaminate water sources through agricultural runoff.
d. Microorganisms: Bacteria:
- Harmful bacteria like E. coli
- Parasites: Organisms like Giardia and Cryptosporidium
e. Other Substances:
- Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles that can leach into water from various sources.
- Drug Residues: Trace amounts of pharmaceuticals can be found in some tap water.
- Sediment and Turbidity: Cloudiness in water caused by suspended particles.
Step 5: Start with Beginner-Friendly Plants No CO₂? No problem. Choose:
- Java Fern
- Anubias
- Cryptocoryne Wendtii
- Hornwort (floating)
- Vallisneria Spiralis
Ask for our Delhi NCR-friendly starter pack in-store.
Step 6: Add Fish Slowly After 2–3 weeks, begin stocking hardy species like:
- Guppies
- Tetras
- Danios
- Rasboras
- Shrimps
- Snails
🧠 Don’t mix aggressive species or overstock your tank.
Step 7: Start Fertilizing Use a beginner-safe All-in-One (AIO) fertilizer like:
- ProHobby AIO – Custom made for Delhi NCR water
- Add root tabs when plants show deficiency
Step 8: Maintenance – Keep it simple:
- 25–30% water change weekly
- Glass wipe + light gravel vacuum
- Dose fertilizers as per schedule
- Trim old or melting leaves
We also offer maintenance guidance and dosing calendars!
A beginner planted tank doesn’t need to be expensive or overwhelming. With the right tank, light, plants, filter and advice, you can grow a lush aquascape in your apartment whether you are in Delhi, Gurugram (Gurgaon), Noida, Faridabad or Ghaziabad.
📍 Visit ProHobby Delhi (Sector 19, Dwarka) for custom beginner kits and full support for planted tanks.
