How Much Does Aquatic Plant Growing Cost? Monthly Running Costs Explained

Planted aquariums are stunning in their beauty, but they require ongoing costs for lighting, CO2, and fertilizers. Here is a cost comparison ranging from low-light beginner layouts to high-light setups requiring CO2 injection.

Initial Setup Cost Estimates

• Aquarium (60cm standard): 3,000-8,000 yen
• Lighting (LED): 5,000-30,000 yen (high-output plant-specific types are expensive)
• Filter: 3,000-15,000 yen
• CO2 injection system (regulator + cylinder): 10,000-30,000 yen
• Substrate soil (for 60cm tank): 1,500-3,000 yen
• Layout materials (driftwood, rocks): 2,000-10,000 yen

A low-light, CO2-free setup starts at 10,000-30,000 yen. A full CO2-injected setup can reach 40,000-100,000 yen or more.

Monthly Running Costs

• Electricity (lighting, filter, CO2 equipment): 1,000-3,000 yen (depends on lighting wattage)
• CO2 cylinder (small): 500-1,500 yen (costs can be dramatically reduced with a bulk CO2 cylinder)
• Liquid fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, trace elements): 300-800 yen
• Water change dechlorinator: 100-300 yen

Monthly totals are 2,000-4,000 yen for low-light tanks and 5,000-10,000 yen for high-light CO2-injected tanks.

Tips for Saving Money

Switching to a bulk CO2 cylinder costs less than one-tenth of small disposable cartridges. Concentrated liquid fertilizers last longer when diluted. Managing lighting with a timer for 8-10 hours controls algae growth and reduces fertilizer waste. Starting with low-light tolerant species like Anubias and Java moss can significantly reduce initial investment.

Benefits of Buying on Buri-Choku

On Buri-Choku, you can purchase aquatic plants directly from growers and cultivators.

• Low pesticide risk: Direct purchase from domestic growers reduces the risk of pesticide contamination for shrimp tanks
• Easier access to rare species: Hard-to-find aquatic plants are available directly from specialists
• Growing condition information available: Confirm water quality and light requirements with growers before purchasing