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• How to Decorate Mason Jars for Christmas Gifts
• How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar
• How to Set Up a Plant‐Only Aquarium

How to Decorate Mason Jars for Christmas Gifts Posted: 08 Dec 2018 12:00 AM PST Sometimes, the best gifts are the simplest gifts. Mason jars make great gift containers, because the recipient can continue to use them afterwards. Once you've decorated your mason jar, you can then fill it with all sorts of festive goodies. Alternatively, you can turn the jar into the gift itself, such as a snow globe or a candle. EditSteps EditUsing Mason Jars as Gift Containers Create a custom label and wrap it around a jar for a quick project. Cut a tall strip out of paper that's long enough to wrap around your jar with overlap. Write a Christmas greeting on it, then decorate it with Christmas-themed washi tape and stickers. Wrap it around your jar, then overlap the ends in the back and glue them in place. Add a strip of double-sided tape to the back of the label first so that it doesn't slide off the jar. You can also design the label on the computer, or print a template off of the internet instead.[1] "Merry Christmas" is a popular greeting, but you can also use "Happy Holidays" and "Season's Greetings" instead. Fill the jar with anything, from spa kits to pet supplies to food. Paint the lid a festive color and/or decorate it with ribbon. Remove the lid from a mason jar, spray paint it a festive color, then let the paint dry. Choose a festive ribbon the same width as the jar lid, then hot glue it around the lid, overlapping the ends by . Red, green, or white are classic colors, but you can use others too. Blue is perfect for a Winter Wonderland theme, while silver or gold will look more elegant. If you can't find ribbon, use washi tape instead! It comes in all sorts of colors and patterns, and you can find it in the scrapbooking section of a craft store. You can do one or the other, or even both! Leaving the lid unpainted will give you a rustic touch. The ribbon needs to cover the sides on the jar lid. If it's too wide, it will stick out over the top edge of the jar, but it it's too narrow, you'll see the sides of the lid. Wrap twine around a jar lid, then add a jingle bell and holly leaves. Cut 1 to 2 holly leaves out of green felt or paper, punch a hole near the stem, then thread them onto a piece of twine. Add a red jingle bell to the twine, then wrap it around the lid of a mason jar. Tie the twine into a bow, then slide the jingle bell and leaves towards the bow.[2] If you're using paper, crease the leaves in half lengthwise for a more realistic touch. Holly leaves look like pointed ovals or almonds with scalloped edges. Make a waterless snow globe, then tuck a gift card into it. Hot glue a bottlebrush Christmas tree to the inside of a mason jar lid. Complete the scene with a mini Christmas figurine and some polyester stuffing for snow. Tuck a gift card into the scene, then screw the jar on.[3] Paint the jar lid a festive color, such as red, green, or white. Don't add glitter to the jar. You don't be able to fill it with water, so the glitter won't be visible. If you can't get stuffing, pull apart a cotton ball, and use that instead. Decorate the center of the jar to look like a reindeer. Cut a wide strip of brown paper. Wrap and glue it around the middle of the jar, then glue 2 large googly eyes in the center. Add a red or black pompom for the nose. Finally, wrap brown pipe cleaners around the top of the jar, then bend them into antler shapes.[4] If you don't have brown paper, paint the strip instead using brown acrylic paint. The length of the strip will depend on the size of the jar. Make it long enough so that you can overlap the ends by . Fill the jar with any assortment of small gifts, such as candy, cat toys, spa items, etc. Make a snowman by painting a jar white, then adding 3 black buttons. Paint the outside of the jar with white spray paint. Let it dry, then glue 3 black buttons down the middle like coal on a snowman. Wrap and tie a piece if Christmas ribbon around the neck of the jar like a scarf.[5] Hot glue will work the best because it dries fast. Industrial-strength glue is another option if you don't mind the couple-hour-long wait. Use burlap ribbon for a rustic touch, or satin ribbon for a fancier look. Choose colors like red, white, or green. Fill the jar with Christmas chocolates, candy cane, or other gifts, such as cat toys, dog treats, or spa items. Paint a jar with red and white stripes for a festive look. Paint the entire jar with 2 to 4 layers of white acrylic paint, allowing each layer to dry. Wrap painter's tape around the jar to create stripes. Apply 2 to 4 layers of red paint, letting each layer dry as well. Let the paint dry completely, then remove the tape. Fill the jar with candy, and/or turn it into a soap dispenser.[6] Wrap a festive, red-and-white or burlap ribbon around the neck of the jar for a festive touch. How long the paint takes to dry depends on the brand, so check the instructions on the back of the paint bottle. Expect to wait around 20 minutes, however. Lightly sand the raised designs of the jar for a rustic look. Use a foam brush or a wide, synthetic brush to apply the paint. Clean the brush between each paint color that you use. EditFilling Mason Jars with Gifts Fill a jar with a powdered milk bath, bath salts, or a sugar scrub. Find a milk bath, bath salt, or sugar recipe online that you like. Prepare a batch using Christmas colors and fragrances, then scoop it into a small mason jar. Decorate the jar further by tying a matching ribbon around the neck.[7] Examples of Christmas fragrances include gingerbread, vanilla, and peppermint. Use essential oils or soap making oils; don't use candle making oils. Match the color to the fragrance. For example, brown works well for gingerbread, while red or white works for peppermint. Make 2 small batches of a sugar scrub. Color 1 batch red and leave the other batch white. Put them into the jar in layers, like a candy cane.[8] Turn a large mason jar into a spa, manicure, or pedicure kit. Pick a color scheme first, such as white, silver, and blue. Next, find nail polish, a travel-sized bottle of lotion, and a manicure kit in those colors, and stuff them into a jar. Give the jar a final touch by tying a matching ribbon around it.[9] Beauty supply stores carry mini lotions, hand sanitizers, and manicure kits in all sorts of colors and fragrances. Choose Christmas-related fragrances if possible, such as peppermint, gingerbread, or sugar plum. The stocking stuffer section in your local beauty supply store should carry them. Other great items to add include: mini bath bombs, mini bottles of bath salts, toe separators for pedicures, and so forth. If you're adding nail polish, add other items into the jar to cushion it, or wrap it in colored tissue paper to keep it from breaking. Fill a jar with the dry base of a hot chocolate or brownie recipe. Find a hot chocolate or brownie recipe that you like, then mix together the dry ingredients. Pour them into the jar, then close the lid. Print the recipe in cardstock, then tie it to the jar with ribbon.[10] For a nicer presentation, layer the ingredients. For example: sugar, cocoa, and toppings. Decorate the recipe card with Christmas stickers too! If you're using a brownie mix, consider add red-and-green M&Ms or crushed peppermint for a festive touch.[11] Use a jar that's big enough to hold all the dry ingredients with no more than of extra space at top. Place a cup cake or hot fudge into a jar if you'll be gifting it right away. Set a Christmas-themed cupcake into a mason jar lid, then screw the jar on so that it's upside down. Alternatively, stand a jar right-side-up and fill it with your favorite hot fudge recipe. Just be sure to tie a spoon to it with ribbon.[12] The hot fudge may last longer, but the cup cake needs to be given within 1 day. Don't just use any cupcake. Choose a cupcake that's decorated with a Christmas theme, such as a sugar Christmas tree, or red-and-green sprinkles. For an extra-festive touch, choose peppermint fudge! Make the gift pet-friendly by filling it with dog treats. You could use store-bought treats, or find a recipe online to make homemade ones. You could also fill the jar with wild bird seed or fill it with cat toys! Give the jar a final touch by painting the lid red or green, then tying a burlap ribbon around it.[13] EditTurning Jars into Decorative Gifts Turn a jar into a snow globe by gluing a figure to the inside of the lid. Take the lid off of a 16-ounce (475-mL) mason jar. Hot glue a Christmas-related figurine to the inside of the lid, then fill the jar with water. Add some white, silver, or iridescent glitter, then put the lid back on. Turn the jar upside down to complete the snow globe.[14] Chunky, flakey glitter works the best for this because it will look like snow! Make sure that the figurines that you use are water-resistant. The ones used for mini Christmas villages work great. Paint the lid red, green, or white for the ultimate touch! Fill a jar with wax and a wick to make a candle. Hot glue a tabbed wick to the bottom of a small mason jar, then melt some candle wax. Add a Christmas-y fragrance to the wax, like peppermint, then pour it into the jar. Let the wax set, then trim the wick to .[15] Tie a red-and-white ribbon around the middle of the jar for a nicer touch. You can use other fragrances too, such as gingerbread. An online store that sells candle making supplies should have lots of options. Make a luminary with Epsom salt. Paint small, wide-mouthed mason jar with white school glue, then roll it around in Epsom salt. Let the glue dry, then stick a candle into it. Here are some other ways that you can upgrade your luminary:[16] Mix white, iridescent glitter into the Epsom salt for a magical touch. Paint the jar with 1 coat of red, white, or green paint first, let it dry, then add the glue and Epsom salt. Cut a Christmas-y shape (e.g. star) out of contact paper, then stick it to the jar first. Add the glue and salt, let it dry, then remove the shape. Turn an 8-ounce (240-mL) mason jar into an air freshener. Mix 1 teaspoon (2.8 g) of polymer absorbent crystals with of hot water. Let it cool down, then stir in 20 drops of essential oil. Cut a circle out of tulle, place it over the mouth of the jar, then screw the lid on.[17] Use a 2-part mason jar lid. This way, the recipient can remove the inner lid and leave the ring on. The ring will hold the tulle in place. Rosemary and spearmint make a perfect wintery combination, but you can try others too.[18] You can use all 1 fragrance or combine 2 fragrances. For example, you could do 10 drops of cinnamon and 10 drops of orange. Make the circle about twice the circumference of the jar's mouth. This will create a nice ruffle when you put it on and close the lid. EditTips Red and green are classic Christmas colors, but you don't have to use them. For example, blue and white are perfect for a Winter Wonderland theme. You can use these ideas for other occasions too, such as Halloween, Valentine's Day, or birthday. Choosing the right colors and fragrances is key to making a Christmas-themed mason jar. EditThings You'll Need EditUsing Mason Jars as Gift Containers Mason jar Acrylic paint or spray paint Ribbon or twine Hot glue Craft supplies (buttons, pompoms, pipe cleaners, etc.). EditFilling Mason Jars with Gifts Mason jar Bath salts or scrubs Hot cocoa mix or brownie mix Gift cards Dog treats, cat toys, or bird seed EditTurning Jars into Decorative Gifts Mason jar Acrylic paint Glitter Glue Candle making supplies EditSources and Citations Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar Posted: 07 Dec 2018 04:00 PM PST Apple cider vinegar is an all-natural product that has nearly countless uses, whether you're drinking it for health benefits or using it to clean your house. If you're using a lot of raw apple cider vinegar, buying it can quickly become very expensive. By knowing the right ratios and how long you need to let your vinegar ferment, you can save money by turning apples into vinegar with ease. EditIngredients Apples Water Sugar or honey EditSteps EditMaking a Cider Base Choose quality apples. Even though they're left to ferment for a long time, the apples you choose can significantly shape the flavor of your finished vinegar. Choose the best quality apples available to you in order to get the best apple cider vinegar at the end.[1] For a more complex and deep vinegar at the end, try using a combination of different apples. Use two sweet apples, such as Golden Delicious or Gala, with one sharp tasting apple, such as McIntosh or Liberty, for a slightly sharper vinegar at the end.[2] Instead of using whole apples, save scraps from apples used in other dishes to make your apple cider vinegar. One whole apple is roughly equivalent to the scraps of two apples. Keep the peel, core and other scraps in your freezer until you're ready to use them to make vinegar.[3] Wash your apples in cold water. It's always a good idea to wash your fruit and vegetables before eating them, and the same is true when cooking or fermenting them. Give your apples a thorough rinse and scrub with cold water to clean away anything you don't want in your vinegar.[4] You can use any number of apples you want to make apple cider vinegar. The more you use, the more vinegar you'll get! If you're just starting out making your own apple cider vinegar, try using 3 apples for your first batch. This will give you a good amount of vinegar but won't put too much at risk if something goes wrong.[5] If you're using apple scraps, make sure to wash the whole apples before separating the scraps from the rest of the apples. Cut the apples into small cubes. The more surface area of the apple you expose, the more quickly the vinegar will ferment. Use a clean knife to cut your apples into cubes, keeping the peel and the core in as well.[6] If you're using scraps from other apples, there's no need to cut them up further. Transfer the apples to a glass jar. As the apples will be fermenting for up to 3 months, keep them in a sterilized, wide mouth, glass jar. The apples shouldn't fill the jar more than ¾ of the way, so a quart jar or something bigger should work perfectly.[7] Never use stainless steel to ferment your vinegar. As the apples ferment, the acidity of the vinegar can damage the steel, or impart a metallic taste into your vinegar that might change its flavor..[8] Cover the apples with water. Make sure the apples are completely covered with water, as any exposed apple will begin to rot rather than ferment into vinegar. For the best results, use filtered or mineral water that will be free from any impurities that could ruin your vinegar.[9] For a quart jar with three apples, you'll need around of water. Use more or less as is needed. It's always better to add too much water than not enough. If you add too much, your apple cider vinegar might be a little weaker or take longer to ferment. If you don't add enough water, some apple will be exposed and might begin to rot and ruin your vinegar entirely. Add 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of raw sugar for each apple. Stir the mixture thoroughly to make sure everything combines fully. The sugar will ferment and turn into alcohol, making the apple cider that will eventually become apple cider vinegar. Raw sugar works best for this, but you can use honey or any other sugar if you'd prefer.[10] Cover the jar with a cheesecloth. As the apples ferment into cider and eventually vinegar, the mixture will still need to be able to breathe. Use a piece of cheesecloth held in place around the mouth of the jar with a rubber band. This will keep everything out of the jar, but still let the gases release during the fermentation process.[11] EditFermenting Your Vinegar Keep the jar in a warm, dark place. Find somewhere that you can leave the vinegar to ferment for a long time, where it won't be disturbed unintentionally. Keep it at the bottom or on top of your pantry, in a corner of your kitchen, or anywhere else where it won't be exposed to direct sunlight. Each home will have a different, perfect place.[12] The jar should be kept at room temperature as it ferments, which is around .[13] Stir the mixture once or twice a day. Stirring the mixture will help the fermentation process, as well as shifting apples around in the jar. Give the cider a stir with a wooden a spoon once or twice a day for the first week or two. Don't worry too much if you miss a day, as long as you keep moving the mixture around regularly.[14] If you notice the apples are rising out of the water, use a fermentation stone or something else to weigh them down slightly and make sure they're submerged.[15] Wait for the apples to sink to the bottom of the jar. As you check on the apples every day or so, keep an eye out for bubbles indicating the fermentation process. After a week or two, the apples will fully sink to the bottom of the jar. This indicates that the apples have fermented and are no longer needed to make the vinegar. If you notice any scum forming on top of the jar, skim it off and discard it.[16] Strain the apples from the cider and pour the cider back into the jar. Use a plastic sieve or another cheesecloth to strain the apples out of the cider. As with every other step, avoid using metal as this can ruin the fermentation process. Pour the cider back into the jar, cover with a cheesecloth secured with a rubber band, and put it back in the same warm, dark place.[17] Once you have strained the apples out of the cider, you should discard them. They are not suitable to eat once they've been fermented. Leave the cider to ferment for 3 to 6 weeks, stirring every few days. This is where the apple cider will begin to turn into apple cider vinegar. Stir the jar every 3 to 4 days, just to move the vinegar around a little as it ferments.[18] Over this time, the sweet cider scent should start developing a slightly more tangy aroma. This is a sign that the fermentation is working, and the cider is becoming vinegar.[19] The longer you give the vinegar to ferment, the stronger the taste and tang will be. After around 3 weeks of fermentation, start tasting the vinegar every few days until you reach the taste and acidity you want.[20] The length of the fermentation process will vary based on the climate you live in. During summer, the cider will take less time to ferment. In winter, it will likely take even longer.[21] Transfer the fermented vinegar to a lidded glass jar and store. Use a clean, sterilized glass jar with a tight lid in order to halt the fermentation process and keep the vinegar fresh. Store the vinegar in your refrigerator and it should never go bad.[22] Keeping the vinegar in the fridge should stop the fermentation process, but if left long enough it may continue. If the vinegar gets too strong, add a little bit of water to dilute it back down to the acidity you want.[23] While you can safely store the apple cider vinegar at room temperature, it will continue to ferment if you do so. If a gelatinous blob forms on the surface of your vinegar, this is cause for celebration rather than worry. This is known as the vinegar "mother" and can be used to jumpstart future batches of apple cider vinegar. Add the mother at the same time as the apples to speed up the fermentation process. EditWarnings Don't use homemade vinegar for pickling, as this requires an acetic acid level of 5%. It's difficult to know the exact acetic acid level of homemade vinegar, so it's best to use store-bought vinegar to be safe.[24] If you notice and green, grey, black, or brownish scum or mold forming on top of your cider vinegar as it ferments, you should dispose of it and start again. It might be a sign of dangerous bacteria that could make you ill.[25] EditThings You'll Need Apples Knife Cutting board Glass jar Water Sugar Cheesecloth Rubber band Wooden or plastic spoon Lidded glass jars for storage EditRelated wikiHows Make Tarragon Vinegar Make Blackcurrant Vinegar Make Nasturtium Flower Vinegar Make Horseradish Vinegar EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Set Up a Plant‐Only Aquarium Posted: 07 Dec 2018 08:00 AM PST When thinking of "aquariums" full of freshwater, it's hard to not think of little fish swimming around. There are tanks, however, made just for freshwater plantings! Maintenance is easy, but don't skimp. While it may not seem as fun at first, it is an exciting hobby to get into. Aquascaping (arranging aquatic plants) is a true art form and there are contests for who can create the best underwater scene! This is a unique way to keep plants, arguably the best way, so read on to find out how. EditSteps EditSetting Up Tank Necessities Purchase and set up all necessary equipment. Just because you don't have any fish doesn't mean you can skimp on the basics, including: A simple filter of your choosing (hang-on back filters are the easiest to find and are suitable for most tanks), A tank light for growing plants, secured properly for safety. Different plants need different light levels, so do research and plan your tank accordingly. An air pump (with airstones and airline tubing). It does not need to be strong, but needs to disturb the water and add oxygen to prevent stagnant water buildup. If your tank's water temperature reaches cool extremes, it's best to invest in a heater as well. Sunlight is not a suitable replacement for tank lights! It can heat up the tank; it's unregulated, and accelerates algae growth, so keep your tank away from it. Add gravel, sand, or other plant-friendly substrates and decorations as needed. Wash such material with normal tap water, thoroughly. You can skip decorations, but substrate is vital in planted tanks. Keep in mind that certain plants do better with certain substrates. Add conditioned water. Use a proper water conditioner to prepare; don't just aerate the water. You might also add aquarium salt (1 tbsp per 5 US gallons) [1] to ward off unsightly parasites, but aquatic plants usually don't have many parasitic animals plaguing them. But if you add invertebrates, then do add sea salt for them. Don't, as yet, add the plant fertilizer (substrate or water soluble). Cycle your tank. You must not skip this even if you only want plants. Plants die over time, and a proper bacterial filtration system will make sure ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates don't skyrocket. While some (not a lot!) of nitrates are vital to the plants' growth -- ammonia and nitrites are toxic to them. Plants handle the chemicals better than fish do, but it's better to err on the caution side. EditDealing With The Plants Research your desired plants' requirements. Of course, buy freshwater plants. As mentioned before, light requirements are a big factor. If your light is not strong enough (or too strong), then revise your plans. Think about nutritional requirements and how each plant grows. Larger plants shade over others if not arranged properly, blocking out light. All of the plants need to coexist peacefully. Buy from reputable sites. A snail-free promise should be searched for, as snails can reproduce quickly to decimate your tank. Research carefully. Some "aquatic" plants actually should not be fully submerged. It's great to use these, but don't put them fully in the water. They will rot. Many plants are fine with gravel, but some do poorly in sand. Keep this in mind. Plan the plants' positions aesthetically. This is the artsy part of aquascaping. Tall, bushy plants should be near the back to provide a background. Shorter, weedier plants can be in the middle. Smaller, stunningly beautiful plants can be in the front as a centerpiece. Put the airstone in between plants to hide it, if you want. Try to use your imagination to build underwater scenes that have a natural feel to them. If you included natural wood décor, there are "mosses" or other plants that flourish on floating wood. Add them to the wood! A good example would be an underwater "meadow". Hairgrass, wood, and rocks are used to create the illusion of a scene usually seen on ground. Add nutritional supplements if needed. There are different forms of nutrients, from pellets to solutions. Add the right amount according to your tank and follow instructions to the T. Since there are no fish (even if you will add invertebrates), there will be minimal waste for the plants to utilize. This is key to a healthy tank. Follow suppliers' instructions. Don't just put in whatever seems reasonable. Too much can burn the roots and plants or mess up water chemistry. Add the plants. Rinse off debris with normal tap water and snip off any yellow or dead parts. Hopefully, you've devised a plan on how to arrange them by size and kinds, so work logically. Some plants have a rhizome similar to roots -- but some of those should not be buried, so be careful to read each of their requirements. Plants that grow on wood can be tucked into crevices or held in place gently by a temporary, weak rubber band. Rooted plants should have their roots tucked completely into the substrate. Floating plants can be anchored to aquarium weights or rocks, or left to freely wander. EditPerforming Maintenance Check and modify the water every two weeks or so. Even if less waste is being produced than in a fish tank, the nitrates will eventually build up. Depending on whether you put special invertebrates in (see "Adding Invertebrates") depending on your tank size, and your number of plants, this frequency will change. This is a general rule. Replace 25% of the water, correctly treated and with aquarium/sea salt for health of freshwater fish if you want. Once in a while, use your gravel or substrate vacuum to clean the substrate surface of rotting organic matter. Top off your tank as needed. If you use salt as an electrolyte or supplement for aquatic health, do not add salt to the water when you are only topping it off! When water evaporates from your tank, the salt does not evaporate with it. Adding more salt can make the tank too salty. As always, condition the water. Add fertilizers if needed. Some substrate fertilizers last for a very long time and do not need to be bothered for months. Some liquid varieties require weekly additions, so make sure you keep up on that. A carbon dioxide supplement (recalling that plants make and give off oxygen but need carbon dioxide given off by fish and other animals) can be useful as well, added weekly, and does not harm any animal or plant if used with the correct proportions. Scrubbing off algae may need to be done once in a while to keep up the appearance. Algae is not harmful unless it starts to block out light and suck up too many nutrients. A soft-padded brush (available at pet stores) easily gets the job done. Algae on plants is usually fine. If it bothers you, lightly rub it off with your fingers. Avoid too much algae by keeping the tank away from sun, not using too-strong lights, and not overdoing fertilizer/supplements. EditAdding Invertebrates (Optional) Like with getting any new pet, research on what is acceptable for your current tank. These should be added to an established planted tank. Common invertebrates such as mystery snails and shrimp actually function as tank "cleaners", eating waste, dead matter. Many species are peaceful, but some can be incredibly aggressive. Some prefer open space, while others prefer hiding spaces. Be mindful. Most pet store variety invertebrates only eat dead matter, but some do eat live plants. Furnishing their needs and protecting your aquatic plants can include putting in bits of plant material. Pick healthy specimens. Bright colors (if applicable), active movements, and an intact body indicate good health. Ask the pet supplier about the conditioning of their invertebrates tanks to get a sense of how they are handled by them. If you see a tank with dead or diseased organisms (even fish), it may be best to pass on the invertebrates in there. Don't be afraid to request particular sizes and kinds of specimens! This is common and acceptable. Avoid buying baby invertebrates for an unestablished tank. They generally do not do well in a newly prepared tank. Add them in slowly and acclimate them. You should not add more than a few of any animal in at one time, to let the tank get used to it. Adding them in means that you should put them in a bucket of your tank water and gently scoop them out of the bag of store water. Dumping the bag's contents into your tank can stress them and introduce questionable pet-store water into your water. The best method to acclimate them is to simply float the animals' bag in the tank water for at least 30 minutes. Feed them properly. Giving them debris from cleaning a fish tank does not provide enough food for invertebrates. Giving them a balanced diet of bits of vegetables, pellets, or frozen foods ensures healthiness. You want to make your invertebrates part of the whole underwater scene, not just a side attraction. Feed them well and they will grow beautifully! Inadequate feeding of vegetable food will push normal scavengers into eating your plants at times, so protect your plants by feeding adequately. Remove food after a few hours/within the day if not eaten, to prevent mold/algae. Enjoy the sight of your creatures among your nice plants! Shrimp can enhance visual appeal of the tank, while tidying it. This type of tank can sustain/clean itself nicely, with animals and plants working together. Still, take care of your tank! EditTips Rectangular tanks are the easiest type to work with. If your changing water is too warm/cold, let it sit for a few hours at room temperature to stabilize/reach the ambient temp. If you are sure your tank is cycling well and it has been in use for at least a year, you can get away with less frequent water modifications/changes. Instead of dumping the changing water into the tank, slowly pour it in. This will reduce disturbing the substrate and plants. EditWarnings Never do a full water change unless your tank presents a real reason. Changing your whole filter cartridge and media (where most of the nitrifying bacteria reside) should not be done. You can take out the media (usually charcoal substance inside the cartridge) and transfer it into another cartridge if needed. Never wash a filter cartridge with bacteria from a cycle in tap water. This will kill the bacteria. Don't uproot your plants for a cleaning; it's not necessary and can be harmful to the plant's growth. Avoid stirring up the substrate a lot if you use pellet fertilizer. Invertebrates can't completely fill in for you, you will need to perform actual cleaning duties! EditThings You'll Need Gravel siphon or turkey baster Bucket Scrubbing pad or tool Water conditioner Aquarium salt (optional) Aquatic plant fertilizers and/or supplements Freshwater aquatic plants Substrate Fish tank Tank light Filter Heater (optional) Air pump, tubing, and stone EditRelated wikiHows Grow Freshwater Aquarium Plants Plant an Aquarium Set up an Aquarium With Live Plants Set up a Planted Goldfish Aquarium EditSources and Citations Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

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