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The community behind
the world's best planted tanks

AquaCalc gives you the numbers. UKAPS gives you the knowledge, inspiration and community to put them to use. Together, they cover everything a planted tank keeper needs.

Visit UKAPS Forum →

About UKAPS

The UK Aquatic Plant Society

UKAPS — the UK Aquatic Plant Society — is widely regarded as one of the world's top online resources for planted aquarium and aquascaping enthusiasts. Founded by a small group of passionate hobbyists including George Farmer and Graeme Edwards, it has grown into a thriving international community that welcomes everyone from absolute beginners to award-winning aquascapers.

The community's mission is simple: to promote all aspects of the planted aquarium hobby and the art of aquascaping — sharing knowledge freely, celebrating beautiful tanks and helping every member succeed with their aquatic garden.

Membership is completely free. You can browse as a guest, but registering opens up the full forum, lets you post your own journal, ask questions and connect with thousands of fellow enthusiasts.

Global community

Members from across the UK and worldwide

Free

Always free to join

No subscription, no paywalls

15+

Years of expertise

One of the longest-running planted communities

What you'll find on UKAPS

Everything the planted tank forum should be

Expert advice, freely shared

Whether you're struggling with algae, can't get your CO₂ dialled in, or have no idea why your plants are yellowing, someone on UKAPS has been there. The community prides itself on leaving no question unanswered — and there are no silly questions here.

Tank journals & aquascapes

Browse hundreds of member tank journals documenting builds from first fill to fully planted. See how others have solved the same challenges you're facing, and follow their progress month by month. Then start your own and share your journey with a genuinely engaged audience.

Aquascaping inspiration

From nature aquarium and Iwagumi to Dutch style and biotopes, UKAPS showcases some of the finest aquascapes in the world. The community has produced multiple IAPLC-ranked scapers and is a constant source of inspiration for anyone looking to push their creativity.

Science-backed discussion

UKAPS has always welcomed serious, evidence-based discussion of plant nutrition, CO₂ science, water chemistry and filtration. It's where the planted aquarium hobby meets real science — and where you'll find threads that go far deeper than any beginner guide.

Friendly & welcoming

Newcomers are genuinely welcomed. The community culture is warm, patient and encouraging — the kind of place where you can introduce yourself with a 60L beginner setup and receive the same quality of help as someone running a 600L high-tech display. Everyone starts somewhere.

Events & meet-ups

UKAPS organises scape meets and community events where members bring their own hardscape, build tanks and get live feedback. It's a rare opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts in person, trade plants and learn from watching experienced aquascapers work.

How they work together

AquaCalc + UKAPS — calculation meets community

They solve different problems, and that's exactly why they work so well alongside each other.

AquaCalc The calculator

✓Know your exact CO₂ ppm from pH readings
✓Calculate precise fertiliser doses
✓Plan water changes to the litre
✓Mix RO water to the right chemistry
✓Track your CO₂ session over time

UKAPS The community

✓Understand why the numbers matter
✓Get advice when something looks wrong
✓Find inspiration for your next scape
✓Learn from experienced planted tank keepers
✓Connect with others who share your passion

Practical example: AquaCalc tells you your CO₂ is reading 18 ppm when your target is 30 ppm. You head to UKAPS and ask why — members help you realise your diffuser is clogged, your bubble rate is too low, or your surface agitation is too high. You fix the issue, come back to AquaCalc and watch the numbers finally climb where they should be.

Who UKAPS is for

Whatever your experience level

Complete beginners

Never kept plants before? UKAPS is full of friendly, patient members who love helping newcomers get started. No question is too basic.

Intermediate keepers

Got the basics down but struggling to take things further? Find in-depth threads on CO₂ optimisation, fertiliser regimes and plant selection to level up your tank.

Advanced aquascapers

Looking for high-level discussion on aquascaping techniques, competition prep or cutting-edge science? UKAPS has threads that go as deep as you want to go.

Fish-first hobbyists

Want to add plants to an existing fish tank? UKAPS members can help you choose the right plants for your livestock, lighting and water conditions.

Topics you'll find on the forum

A forum section for everything

CO₂ injection Fertilisation & dosing Aquascaping Plant ID & care Algae diagnosis Water chemistry Lighting Filtration & flow Substrate & soil Shrimp keeping Fish selection Equipment reviews Tank journals Aquasoil & buffering Dutch style Nature Aquarium Biotope scapes Iwagumi Low-tech & Walstad Plant trading Competition scaping Photography tips Beginner help DIY builds

Ready to join the conversation?

UKAPS is free to join and one of the friendliest communities in the hobby. Introduce yourself, share your tank and ask your questions — you'll be made very welcome.

Visit UKAPS Forum → More resources →

The community behindthe world's best planted tanks