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 worst thing about a power filter is that you have to change the filter itself every 3-4 weeks - if you can handle this, then you're in for a treat. The filters are usually disposable, so there's no hassle and no leaning over a sink for hours hoping that it gets clean.

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.

As fish keeping began to take even more root in modern culture, companies rushed to come up with unique and interesting things to put into tanks, as well as searching for more efficient ways to keep fish healthy, and their water clean. This is the main reason that we have so many options for us when it comes to aquariums. You can choose from thousands of different things to really make your set up unique, interesting, and yes, even fun.

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.

If not every week, only about 20% of the water has to be removed, and most people use a siphon. Basically, you put one end of a hose in the tank, put the other to your lips, and suck.Once water starts flowing, put it in a bucket and let some of it drain out. Then, simply replace the water. Once a month, you're going to want to clean your aquarium tank - part of the experience many people hate.

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!