A planted tank that cost almost nothing: where the money actually has to go

Set one up for a fraction of what the hobby usually costs and it has run well. The saving is not in buying worse versions of everything, it is in knowing which two things matter.

Spend here

• Light. The one component where cheap genuinely fails. It does not need to be expensive, it needs the right spectrum and enough of it, on a timer. Everything else in a planted tank is downstream of light.
• A timer. A few coins and it prevents most algae, because inconsistent light is what algae wants.

Save here

• Substrate. Plain inert gravel or sand with root tabs where the rooted plants go, instead of an expensive aquasoil. Slower to establish, same destination.
• Plants. Get them from other people. Aquarium clubs, local groups and anyone tearing down a tank will hand over trimmings free. Fast-growing stems multiply and become your next scape.
• Filtration. A sponge filter and an air pump. Cheap, silent, gentle, and better for shrimp and fry than anything with an impeller.
• Hardscape. Collected wood and stone, cleaned and soaked. Boil or bake anything found, and test stone with vinegar if it fizzes, because that will move your water chemistry.
• Fertiliser. A single all-in-one liquid, dosed sparingly.

The free input that replaces money: time. A cheap tank with patient stocking and a slow start ends up in the same place as an expensive one. Rushing is what makes people buy their way out of problems.