Taking the plunge: just the essentials -- The practice of aquarium keeping -- Finding a good location -- The tank and stand -- Aquascaping your aquarium: what to add and not add in your tank -- Selecting the equipment and other stuff your aquarium needs -- Fish anatomy 101 -- Figuring out what kind of fish to buy -- Working with a fish dealer to purchase your fish -- Feeding your wet pets--diet and nutrition -- Recognizing diseases and treatments -- All water isn't created equal -- Considering those crazy chemicals -- The nitrogen cycle and water testing -- Putting it all together -- What you need to know: live plants for aquariums -- Choosing plant species for your fish -- Being prepared when trouble strikes -- Setting up the breeding tank -- Ready, set, spawn -- Recording data and photographing fish -- Expanding your hobby in fun ways -- Advancing your hobby: other types of aquarium systems -- Ten cool aquarium gadgets -- Ten ways to kill your fish without even trying -- Ten scientific fish laws -- Ten aquatic New Year's resolutions.