Links

These are the links that have been most helpful to me. I have no affiliation with any of these people or vendors, so my recommendation should be one you can trust.

Books

Books that I have found useful or inspiring. These links are just a place where you can find a particular book. If you can find a better source for a particular book, please do.

Ecology of the Planted Aquarium
A must have book for the planted tank enthusiast with a bio-chem background

The Inspired Aquarium
An inspirational must have, w/ comparisons of various types of tank

Equipment

Some pieces of equipment are worth pointing out, hopefully saving you from wasting money and time on less desirable alternatives.

Antivibration mounts
If you need it to quiet equipment in your stand, this site can help

Dosing pumps
I’d never waste my time with any other dosing pump. Get this one

Liquid Tight Fittings
If you are looking for ‘em - these are the ones you are looking for

Water Pressure Sensors
If you are crazy enough use a water pressure switch, use these!

Forums

Aquatic plant forums and organizations. Includes both forums and organizations dedicated to growing aquatic plants in aquaria for the pursuit of aesthetic goals, i.e. - no hydroponic or scientific sites.

Aquatic Gardeners Association
Good organization. Worth supporting because they support us

Aquatic Plant Central
Aan excellent plant forum

Plant Geek
Another good forum. Worth a long visit.

Planted Tank
My favorite aquatic plants forum, where I have spent most of my time

Reef Central
Not a plant site. But a great place for hard core plumbing questions

Simply Discus
This site will help worlds with keeping discus in a planted tank. Great site!

The Barr Report
By one of the most influential voices in the hobby today. Do visit.

The Krib
Inactive for years, but site still has lots of good reference material

Newbie links

New to planted tanks? You need to visit links in this catagory before you make ANY plans.

DIY CO2
Best DIY CO2 plans I’ve ever seen. I built one, and it worked great.

Rex’s Planted Tank Guide
Rex is a true curmudgeon. But he’s never wrong, gives great advice.

Reference links

Topical information sources worth a visit.

Algae Identification
Good article at a plant forum, written by a planted tank luminary.

Aquarium Photography
Good reference for photographing your tank.

Construction Advice
This bulkhead construction was a major inspiration for me…

Fish Meds
Pretty comprehensive list of fish meds.

Nutrient Deficiencies
Another good page by Chuck - diagnosing nutrient shortages.

Nutrient Deficiencies/Toxicities
The best page I’ve found on this topic.

RO/DI Explanation
Best RO/DI assembly info I’ve seen.

Tropica
The best on-line plant reference - bar none.

Utilities

I’ve got a terrible memory, and these links are indispensable for me. I can never remember how many liters in a gallon, or how many grams of K2SO4 will raise the potassium in my tank by 1 PPM. These are the kind of links that will put that information at your fingertips.

Chuck’s Planted Aquaria Pages
Chuck’s great tool for calculating how to create stock fert solutions.

Fertilator
This is THE tool for understanding fert dosing concentrations.

On-line Conversion
I never can remember how many liters in a gallon…

Plumbing calculator
Calculates headloss, but quite useful for designing complex plumbing.

Vendors

Vendors that I recommend. The only vendors listed are those that I have personally had significant positive experiences with. Not being on this list does not necessarily reflect poorly on a vendor. I may not have used them. Or… maybe I have, and not saying anything is better than being sued.

“A word to the wise should be sufficient.”

Aquacave
Reasonable prices. Great customer service. You can trust these guys.

Aquarium Design Group (ADG)
ADA products, inspirational galleries, run by two industry giants!

Aquarium Plants
I buy ALL my plants from this company’s American operation.

AquaticEcoSystems
Amazing, HUGE set of products! A must see site for equipment.

Big Al’s
Aquarium product discounter.

Drs Foster and Smith
These guys stand behind their products. Really.

Dry Ferts and CO2 Equipment
Rex’s stuff is the best. Great place to buy dry ferts.

JEHMCO
Great prices and some hard to find stuff.

Jonah’s Aquarium
If you want native American fish for your tank, this is the first place to go.

Kritter Products - Acrylic Tanks
This is where I got my tank. Nice work by a great vendor.

Live Aquaria from Drs Foster and Smith
You can buy livestock cheaper, but you can’t buy HEALTHIER livestock.