The short answer
It depends on the type. A low-tech planted tank is easy — hardy plants under a normal light with a little fertiliser almost look after themselves, and they even make the water more stable. A high-tech tank with pressurised CO2 and demanding plants is much more work. Planted tanks span that whole range, so difficulty is your choice.
Easy, low-tech planted tanks
The simplest planted tanks use undemanding species that thrive without CO2:
- Java fern and Anubias — slow, tough plants you tie to wood or rock.
- Java moss — forgiving and great for cover.
- Hornwort and other fast stems — soak up nutrients and starve algae.
Give them a decent light and modest fertiliser and the main task is occasional trimming. See the easiest aquarium plants for beginners.
When it gets demanding
High-tech aquascaping — carpets, red stem plants and dense growth — needs pressurised CO2, strong lighting and regular dosing, plus frequent trimming and careful balance to avoid algae. It’s rewarding but genuinely more involved, and best approached once you’re comfortable with the basics. See do I need CO2 for a low-tech tank.
The easy path
Start low-tech: hardy plants, a good light, a stable filtered tank and light fertiliser. Add root tabs or liquid ferts as plants demand, and keep up water changes. For plant-friendly stocking, see best fish for a planted tank, and browse aquariums to plan the setup.