Many people, of course, do not just keep fish in their aquarium; rather, they also (or only) keep plants. Not only do plants contribute to the aesthetic quality of your aquarium, but they also help the fish. Plants oxygenate the aquarium, improve water chemistry, and provide shelter for the fish.
Before you insert plants into your aquarium, remove any dying roots, as well as the bottom leaves. In addition, some plants have specific planting requirements (e.g. they need to be attached to rocks), so follow the planting instructions carefully.
After you have planted the plants, keep an eye on them to make sure they are in good condition. Even though plants feed themselves through photosynthesis, you can assist that process by adding chemicals such as magnesium, sulfur, and potassium. You can also provide fertilizer by inserting carbon dioxide tablets into your aquarium.
In addition to traditional plants, you may have other non-fish items in your aquarium, such as gravel, coral, or live rock. Each of these items require special care, such as gravel cleaner, so ask for cleaning instructions when you purchase these products for your aquarium.