| Planted tanks allows the tank to be more suited to | | | | fixtures which could damage the leaves. The tank |
| its inhabitants by mimicking and recreating their | | | | should be in a well lit location or have additional lighting |
| natural habitat. One example is a tropical tank where | | | | as needed to meet the needs of the plants. Place |
| the live plants help increase the humidity of the tank. | | | | the plants in the tank and re-arrange them until |
| Live plants can in some cases offer a food supply for | | | | you're happy with the layout. Try piling up rocks in |
| the inhabitant or its food source, the crickets or | | | | one part to create a natural looking variation in the |
| other insects. Also, waste from your pet goes into | | | | topography to give your tank some intrigue. |
| the soil and is processed by bacteria into fertilizers | | | | Finally put your soil in the tank on top of the rocks |
| that the plants use from the soil. This can make your | | | | and gravel. Choose a soil that does not have large |
| job easier because you do not have to clean up the | | | | white parts, called pearlite, as your animal may ingest |
| tank as often. | | | | them and they can become impacted causing harm |
| The first step in setting up a planted tank is | | | | or death. The soil should cover up to the crown of |
| adequate drainage. The first thing to do is put gravel | | | | the plant meaning the soil covers the roots |
| or stones in the bottom of the tank so the excess | | | | completely but is not up above the stem. Water |
| water can collect there. Choose plants that have | | | | them in so all of the soil is moist, but taking care not |
| similar needs as your animal in terms of temperature | | | | to water log the tank. Remember that because the |
| and humidity. Don't choose a desert or low water | | | | tank is enclosed it will most likely take longer before |
| plant for a high humidity tropical animal. Make sure not | | | | you need to water again because there is not as |
| to place the plants too close to heating or light | | | | much evaporation as a normal potted plant. |