Live plants are one of the best things you can add to a freshwater aquarium. They help clean the water, reduce stress in fish, give fry and shrimp a place to hide, and make your tank look incredible. The good news? You don't need fancy equipment or a green thumb to get started.

a 25 to 30 percent water change once per week is a solid starting point. It keeps nitrates in check without causing the kind of sudden parameter swings that stress fish out.

Once the tank is cycled, the real work of seasoning begins.