One Fish Tank
MODULAR PLANTED FLOOR™ - Starter Planting Module (Imagitarium 5.5 gal)
MODULAR PLANTED FLOOR™ - Starter Planting Module (Imagitarium 5.5 gal)
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Modular Planted Floor™ — by One Fish Tank™
A modular alternative to loose gravel for the Imagitarium 5.5-gallon tank. This planting module holds nutrient substrate inside the container, and the sponge “planting lid” gently grips plant stems so roots can grow down into the soil while keeping fines more contained. The goal: easier planting, easier re-scaping, and less mess at the bottom of the tank.
Important compatibility note
This module is designed only for the Imagitarium 5.5-gallon framed glass tank
(approx. 16.18″ × 8.42″ × 10.47″).
👉 Imagitarium 5.5-gal tank at Petco (SKU 3966927)
What it is
A ready-to-plant module that replaces loose gravel at the bottom of your tank. The container holds nutrient substrate; the sponge lid has small slits that hold stems in place so roots can establish cleanly.
Why it’s different
- Contained substrate — helps reduce “soil clouds” and keeps planting tidier
- Beginner-friendly planting — thread stems through the sponge and you’re done
- Easier re-scapes — slide or lift the module instead of digging through loose substrate
- Simple upkeep — wipe glass and vacuum around the module during water changes
Note: Plant growth and results vary based on lighting, fertilization, and water parameters.
Filtration-ready ports (add-on in development — NOT included)
You may notice small port holes/openings on the module. Those are built into the design for a future filtration/flow add-on we’re developing specifically for this tank footprint.
✅ What you’re buying today: a standalone planting module that replaces loose gravel and works great as the planted “floor” of your tank.
❌ What’s NOT included (yet): the filtration/flow kit (pump, tubing, fittings, connectors, or installation parts/instructions). That system is still in development.
Can I still use it without the filtration add-on?
Yes. The module is designed to be used as-is at the bottom of the aquarium with your existing filtration (HOB filter, sponge filter, etc.). The port openings are simply there to make it upgrade-ready for a future release.
For advanced hobbyists (optional)
If you’re experienced, you can DIY a pump/tubing setup using your own parts — but DIY setups are not supported or included with this purchase.
Want updates when the add-on is available? Follow One Fish Tank / join our updates list for release announcements.
What’s included
- 1× Modular Planted Floor™ Starter Planting Module (Imagitarium 5.5-gal footprint)
- Pre-loaded substrate (Fluval Stratum portion)
- Pre-cut sponge planting lid with planting slits
- Quick-start guide
What’s not included
- Live plants
- Livestock (fish/shrimp/snails)
- Heater
- Filter/pump (including any filtration add-on components)
- Décor (rocks/wood)
- Fertilizer/root tabs
- Any DIY pump/tubing parts (if you choose to experiment)
Specs & compatibility
- Length: 15.63 in (≈ 397.0 mm)
- Width: 7.87 in (≈ 199.9 mm)
- Body height: 1.04 in (≈ 26.4 mm)
- Fits: Imagitarium 5.5-gal (16.18″ × 8.42″ × 10.47″)
Recommended easy plants (NO CO₂ required)
These are low-tech friendly plants that can grow without injected CO₂ (with reasonable light and basic care).
(Some will grow greener/slower in low light, and color improves with stronger light—still no CO₂ needed.)
Easy carpet / foreground (no CO₂)
- Sagittaria (Dwarf Sag) — hardy and spreads by runners (great beginner foreground)
Easy midground / background (no CO₂)
- Vallisneria nana — easy, grassy background, spreads over time
- Ludwigia (ex: Ludwigia repens) — easy stem plant; can show color with better light
- Rotala (ex: Rotala rotundifolia) — easy stem plant; grows without CO₂, color improves with stronger light
Optional bonus low-tech helpers (also no CO₂):
- Cryptocoryne wendtii (hardy filler)
- Water Sprite (fast growth, helps with water quality)
Pro tip: plant outside the tank (easier + cleaner)
You can plant this module outside the aquarium first, then place it into the tank when you’re done. It’s easier to work on, and you don’t have to reach into the aquarium to plant.
Before planting: pre-soak the sponge/module (removes bubbles)
Before you plant anything, fully saturate the sponge and module so there’s no trapped air (this helps prevent floating and makes planting easier).
- Fill a bowl/bucket with clean, dechlorinated water (no soap).
- Place the module in the water and let it soak for a minute.
- Gently press/squeeze the sponge lid under water a few times until you stop seeing bubbles.
- Now plant your stems into the sponge slits (tips should touch the soil), then place the finished module into the aquarium.
What to expect (first week)
Because this module uses nutrient soil (Fluval Stratum portion), you may see a little cloudiness if you fill too fast. Fill slowly, and the tank usually clears up quickly. Stratum can also shift pH depending on your tap water, so test your water if you keep sensitive livestock.
What you need (quick checklist)
- Dechlorinator
- An aquarium light (timer recommended)
- Optional: planting tweezers
- Your normal filter (HOB/sponge/etc.) — the filtration add-on is not included
FAQ
What are the holes/ports for?
They’re future-ready ports for a filtration/flow add-on we’re developing. The add-on is not included. The module works perfectly as a planted floor without it.
Do I need the add-on to use this?
No. Use it like a normal planted bottom with your existing filter.
Will plants actually grow in this?
Yes—roots grow through the sponge into the nutrient substrate. Growth depends on light and care.
How do I clean around it?
During water changes, vacuum/wipe around the module. The goal is less mess than loose gravel.
Watch it in action
See this module in a real 5.5-gal tank (including the upside-down demo) and how to plant through the sponge lid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf6Bp25J0YY
Made by me (small-batch, not mass-produced)
Every order is printed, assembled, and packed by me at One Fish Tank. This is a hands-on, small-batch product — not factory made.
Shipping
Ships dry (no water or live plants). Shipping is calculated at checkout and paid by the buyer. Modules are packed securely to minimize movement in transit.
