How to setup a budget planted aquarium cheap

Setting up a dirt-planted freshwater aquarium involves a bit more effort than a traditional aquarium, but it can result in a beautiful and thriving aquatic ecosystem. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

                 Gather Equipment:

• Aquarium tank (10 gallon minimum for betta)
• Cheapest substrate for planted aquarium (Indoor potting soil, organic without added fertilizers or chemicals)
•  Cheapest sand planted aquarium (for capping the soil) Use a silica-based pool sand you can get this at any pool supply or big chain hardware supply. 50lb bag in USA should cost you about 25$
• Heater if required for fish you are keeping
• Filter in this case a sponge air filter again very cheap 
• air pump for sponge filter
• Lighting (led light suitable for plant growth) the picture you see is a low light 10gallon aquarium using a cheap 10w grow light purchased online
• Plants use simple easy plants the one pictured covering the ground is star grass and not pictured water sprite seem to do very well in low light dirt plant tank. Of course, there are other low light plants please do research or ask your local fish store for easy low light plant types. Or use google to find easy low light aquatic plants. 

1. Add Substrate:
   
   • You can Rinse the potting soil to remove excess dirt and debris if you like but not required and it is messy. It is recommended to have damp soil but not soaking wet.
   • Spread a layer of soil evenly across the bottom of the tank, aiming for a depth of about 1in. You do not want to thick of a layer this will cause problems
   • Carefully add a layer of sand on top of the soil to prevent it from clouding the water. The cap layer should be around 1 inch or thicker but do not go overboard. This will hold the organic indoor potting soil down and prevent it from mixing into the water. 
   • When doing your routine water changes later on do not gravel vacuum the organic potting soil. You can gravel vacuum the sand on top just fine.

         2. Install Equipment:

• Install the heater and filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Place any decorations (rocks, driftwood, etc.) in the tank.

         3. Fill with Water:

• Fill the tank with dechlorinated water. Use a plate or bowl to diffuse the water's impact and prevent disturbing the substrate.

         4. Cycle the Tank:

• Let the tank run for several days to allow the soil to settle and any initial cloudiness to clear.
• Start the nitrogen cycle by adding a source of ammonia (fish food, pure ammonia, or a starter culture). If you already have a sponge filter from a cycled tank do not clean it. Squeeze the old dirty filter in the new tank to add all the beneficial bacteria and microbial life that was in the sponge to the new tank. 
• Monitor water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) using test kits. The nitrogen cycle typically takes 2-6 weeks to complete.

           Dirt planted aquariums are easy and cheap to setup especially for a betta fish. Now a few things you should know that most websites do not tell you. First the soil is full of organic material that is decomposing underwater. This is great for your Aquatic plants but in the early stages it can and will release bubbles that float to the top and into the surrounding air. This gas does not smell good. Not to worry it should not be excessive and especially if you have a lid it will not stink up your house. But you may smell this gas more during a water change. After a year maybe two you will also have to replenish the nutrients in the soil. The easiest way to accomplish this is to use aquarium fertilizer root tabs and shove these in soil around the plants. Also, it can take 6 months or longer for the soil and tank to mature and settle. In the first few months you may have algae out breaks due to immature soil releasing to many nutrients. Or other problems like to much bright light from a window. This is an entire other subject but if you stick with it eventually the tank will mature and be very little maintenance and your fish will be very happy.