Low Tech Vs High Tech Aquarium – All you Need to Know

Did you know that there are two categories for planted tanks high-tech and low-tech? Now, you might be wondering, are these truly distinct? No, high-tech and low-tech tanks generally need the same kind of nutrients. How much of each type of nutrient is required, and at what concentration is where they diverge?

Therefore, we will give you a list of all the differences between the tanks in this post. Why does it matter, etc.? So keep reading if you’re interested in learning more about them!

Planted Tanks: High-Tech Vs Low-Tech

The distinction between “high-tech” and “low-tech” refers to the volume of light and nutrients added to your aquarium. Sufficient lighting and a carbon dioxide injection system make a difference in most cases.

It’s crucial to understand the difference between an “aquarium with plants in it” and an “aquarium with plants” A thickly planted aquarium includes a substrate designed for plant development. It is primarily focused on the growth of aquatic plants. When properly maintained, planted aquariums in either form can be gratifying. It takes more commitment to maintain a high-tech planted aquarium. Therefore it is not for everyone. A low-tech planted aquarium, however, is quite simple to maintain.

Low-Tech Planted Tanks

The phrase “low-tech” refers to planted aquariums that operate without injected carbon dioxide and have nothing to do with aquarium technology. This tradition dates back to when carbon dioxide injection systems were regarded as high-tech. When you decide to construct a low-tech planted tank, you frequently forsake some measures that improve quality of life to save money. There is nothing wrong with that. However, it probably means your lighting setup isn’t the best, and you’re not using pressured carbon dioxide injectors.

The best option for a newbie is a low-tech planted aquarium. Since slower plant development is anticipated, these planted aquariums will be simpler to manage. As a result, fewer water changes, plant trimming, and nutrients needed for growth will all be reduced. Additionally, it implies that you should select plants for tanks suitable for the low-tech habitat you are constructing. In a low-tech aquarium, some plants will develop very slowly, while others won’t reach their full potential. Some plants won’t create the same hues compared to a high-tech planted tank.

To be clear, choosing a low-tech setup does not preclude having a carbon dioxide injection system; it only means that most people don’t. Some aquarists decide against using a pressurized carbon dioxide system in favor of a sugar and yeast replacement system.

Without adding carbon dioxide, several types of aquatic plants can thrive. Very little technical expertise or equipment is needed to make this technique work. In the end, the plants will filter the water and create an aquatic environment that feels natural, which will be fantastic for fish.

High Tech Aquariums

What about technological aquariums, then? All types of plants, including the low-tech ones discussed previously, are allowed in these aquariums. The distinction is that, in this instance, you can also employ the more demanding plants, which require a high degree of illumination, CO2, and fertilizers.

A substrate rich in nutrients is needed to ensure that the plant roots in high-tech tanks receive the nutrients they require. In addition, CO2 must be injected to aid in the photosynthesis of plants. Even though the aquarium fish already produce a little CO2, the most demanding plants simply cannot use it.

A high-tech aquarium’s lighting is one of its key components, just as crucial as CO2 and nutrient-rich substrates are. Failure is inevitable in these kinds of tanks with insufficient lighting. One of the essential elements for cultivating and maintaining aquatic plants is having a reliable light source.

High-tech aquariums are substantially more expensive to put up and maintain due to all of these requirements. They also require the aquarist to devote more time and attention to them. Another crucial feature is that the plants grow considerably more quickly due to the nutrients and high availability of CO2. Thus necessitating more trimming to maintain the tank’s aesthetics and the plants’ desired development.

All of this effort is well worth it because these aquariums frequently take first place in international competitions and are among the most stunning aquariums you will ever see.

Liquid Fertilizers

Currently, liquid fertilizers are arguably the most widely used fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers are carefully measured and mixed, ready to work as soon as you pour them in, and slightly more expensive than dry fertilizers. A liquid fertilizer offers virtually no margin for error.

For many kinds of plants, aquarists prefer liquid fertilizers. These fertilizers give plants all the nutrients they require. They are perfect for routine dosing schedules because they frequently contain both macro and micronutrients.

Dry Fertilizers

Liquid fertilizers and dry fertilizers both function equally well. The benefit is that they are typically less expensive than their liquid counterparts. Still, it requires more effort on the user’s side to calculate how much of each dry fertilizer should be added to the tank.

Substrate Fertilizers

Root tabs or pills are another way to supplement the nutrients in your planted tank. They are inserted into the substrate, where they release gradually over time. While it is not necessary to add nutrients to the water column and substrate (as you would with liquid or dry fertilizer). Doing so can help guarantee that your plants can access nutrients when and where they are needed.

The Bottom Line on Low Tech Vs High Tech Aquariums

At this point, it should be abundantly evident that when we refer to “tech,” we don’t necessarily mean actual technology. But instead, the number of nutrients and light introduced to your tank. And the primary distinction between the two tanks significantly impacts the level of maintenance for both tanks. Therefore, the ability to care for a tank depends on the level of knowledge and skill.