Live aquarium plants provide functionality as well as beauty. Nitrate removal, oxygenation, shelter and breeding sites are just some of the wonderful benefits of keeping live aquarium plants. Live plants kept properly can help create some truly breathtaking, realistic looking aquarium scenes. There are many live aquarium plants available each having differing lighting and supplement requirements. Research any live plants that you're interested in beforehand is the key.

The nice thing about fake plants is the ease of cleaning them. The bad thing about fake plants is that, well, they sometimes look really fake - especially when the base of the artificial plant pokes out of the substrate.

Just like driftwood, rocks can make nice additions to freshwater tanks. You sometimes see larger flat shaped rocks that can form ledges that provide hiding places for your fish. A lot of African cichlid lovers really like Texas Holey rock because it contains limestone that slowly dissolves in the tank water increasing the buffering capacity. Just like the driftwood, you will want to thoroughly clean any rock and quarantine it for several weeks/months before putting it into a display tank.

Finally, you must be careful when it comes to feeding your fish. Try to let the supply of feed reach bare minimum before you replenish it. It will only lead to wastage if the fish feed in continuously overstocked.

You should allow any bacteria to grow in the fist tanks, in particular along the sides of the filter, sponges and the sides of the fish tank. The bacteria will keep the water pure and healthy. Dont make the mistake of washing filters under running tap water. You will only be making the mistake of throwing away useful bacteria. Instead, make sure that you wash the filters within the fish tank itself.

Typically you will need one gallon of water to keep 1 inch of fish. Make sure that your keep this ratio in mind before deciding to add more fish to your aquarium.

Having a large tank also has other benefits too. The most noticeable is that it allows for a more uniform temperature gradient. This not only leads to better water chemistry, but also encourages growth of beneficial bacteria and algae.

It is extremely advisable that you do not go for a very small aquarium. It is always recommended to have a large fish tank, which can hold a minimum of at least 20-25 gallons of water. This ensures enough breathing space for the fish.

Make sure you have enough filtration to physically filter the water. Just make sure it's enough to keep the water aerated, clear and generally free of sediment. An additional powerhead is recommended for most tanks for optimal water circulation. Activated carbon or a synthetic adsorbent to polish the water is optional. You can also use phosphate remover if phosphates are high. Also, for those occasional water changes and top offs use a good water conditioner or clean water purified with a Reverse Osmosis water filter.

If you are setting up a new tank then start off with a few cheap, hardy fish like damsels or tetras before you get the good fish. Try to be patient and wait a couple of months to be sure your tank is completely cycled.