Keeping your tank running is the real challenge of many owners. They have it up, but oh dear, there are issues arising that they just didn't expect! Tired of dirty water? So is your fish. Try a power filter, which literally makes the tank almost completely self cleaning. It filters using chemicals that get rid of dirt, odor, discoloration and even general impurities.

The modern form of aquariums developed in the 1850's, but modern things have a way of echoing historical pieces. Even the Sumerians had a way of keeping their fish - they had ponds to keep wild fish in until they were made into dinner. Goldfish and Koi fish were being bred as far back as 2,000 years ago in China, and during the Song dynasty goldfish were kept in ceramic bowls. The history this is detailed, and long!

You may also want to use a classification of live plants called Rhizomes. This plant has a thick, horizontal stem with leaves sprouting on the top. The roots to this plnat are located on the bottom. The rhizome is used as a "runner" over the surface of the substrate. As it spreads, it grows new sections of leaf and root.

If you don't have an algae eater, then you're going to have to remove it yourself, by hand. There are numerous tools you can use, and they vary by cost. Remember that algae thrives in the sun! If you have a tank that's in sunlight for an hour or two a day, it's going to cause a lot more algae then if it were shaded the entire time.

A stem is the plant you find in aquariums with leaves growing from the nodes of a single stem (get where the name comes from now?). The end of the plant is firmly rooted in the substrate. The leaves come in several varieties, including single, paired or even multiple.

Another plant that's perfect for your first aquarium is the water wisteria. Like the Java Fern, this plant grows quickly. It'll also help to keep the algae content in the tank low. But be careful. It has the ability to use many of the same nutrients from the water. You'll want to check out another hearty plant, the anubias nana. This remarkable plant has the uncanny ability to thrive in just about any condition you place it in. It's a very pretty plant, too. It flowers underwater. And any of your fish that are herbivore won't eat it. For the anubia nana to truly do well, though, you'll want to attach this plant to a tree root or a stone.

Dental patients who watched fish in the office need less pain medication then patients who just sat in a waiting room, and it's shown that fish in a tank, verses a nicely decorated tank, make a bigger difference.

Then there's the Amazon sword - technical name is the echinodorus bleheri, if you're interested. This is, without a doubt, the most popular of all aquarium plants of all time. It's an easy plant to care for, even if you're only beginning your journey in aquarium keeping. It grows fast. And it's great because it helps to control the algae content of your tank as well.

Many people use a gravel vacuum to clean the dirt and old food that's been left down there. There are various sizes for various tanks, and you should always follow the instructions that came with the gravel vacuum to use it properly. When refilling your tank with water, remember to keep the temperature the same as the water your fish needs. Using a kitchen sink and a garden hose attachment, you can get the water right and go from tank to tank (If you have more then one) and make sure that everyone is happy.But remember that tap water wasn't made for fish keeping. Heating a 5-10 gallon bucket of distilled water is often a better option then using tap water!