How to Get a Six Pack Without Any Equipment

Many people find the chiseled look of six-pack abdominal muscles appealing, but not everyone can afford expensive exercise equipment or a gym membership. Luckily, there are a variety of equipment-free abdominal exercises that utilize your own body and gravity as resistance. Follow these steps to get the sculpted midsection you've always wanted, without breaking the bank.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Target your upper and lower abs and your obliques with core exercises at least 1-2 times per week, or as frequently as 5-6 times per week.
• Reduce belly fat with cardio and a low-calorie diet of lean protein, lots of fruits and veggies, and plenty of water.
• Track your progress with an exercise journal, before and after photos, and waist measurements to boost your morale.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Exercising the Abdominal Muscles

1. Target all three abdominal areas. To get a six-pack, you must exercise your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques (side abdominals). Aim to work your abs at least 1–2 times per week, but you can try including core exercises in your routine up to 5–6 times.^[1] While you cannot target each area exclusively, each abdominal exercise emphasizes a particular area. The following exercises will help get you started.
   
2. Exercise your lower abs. People often find this area hardest to get in shape, so it may require the most attention. Try these exercises to target these muscles.
   
   
   • Scissors: Lie on your back with your legs raised in the air at a 45 to 90 degree angle, depending on flexibility. Place your hands at your sides, and lower your right leg slowly until it is a few inches above the ground. Return to the original position, and then repeat the movement with your left leg. Continue alternating between legs. Try to do at least 10 reps without pausing.^[2]
   • Leg lifts: Lie on your back with your legs elevated a few inches off the ground. Keeping your knees straight, slowly raise your legs until they are perpendicular to the floor. Slowly return to the original position without letting your feet touch the ground. Repeat the exercise.
   • Torso twists: Sit cross-legged and stretch your arms out in front of you with the fingertips of each hand touching the other. Inhale. With your abdominal muscles tight, slowly rotate your upper body about 45 degrees to the right. Exhale. Return to the center and repeat on your left side. Repeat the exercise.^[3]
   • Note that when doing the leg lifts or scissors, your lower back should remain on the ground at all times.^[4] Otherwise, you may suffer a back injury.
3. Work your upper abs. The upper abdominal muscles are those right below your sternum. They also must be strengthened to achieve a solid six pack.^[5] Here are some exercises that target these muscles.
   
   
   • Crunches with feet on the floor: Lie on your back with your knees bent at a 45 degree angle and your feet flat on the floor. Cross your arms over your chest or place your hands behind your head without touching it. Inhale as you use your core muscles to lift your head and shoulders off the ground and toward your knees. Your lower back should remain flat on the ground. Then, exhale as you slowly lower yourself back to the ground.^[6]
   • Crunches with elevated legs: Get in the crunch position, but instead of placing your feet on the ground, raise your legs in the air, keeping your knees bent. Holding your legs still and keeping your lower back on the floor, raise your upper body toward your legs while exhaling. Then, inhale as you slowly lower back to the floor. Repeat.^[7]
   • Hip lifts: Lie on your back with your arms crossed over your chest. If you are a beginner, you can also place your hands by your side with the palms facing down. Then, raise your legs so that the soles of your feet face straight up. Lift your hips upward off the floor, lifting with your abs. Repeat.
4. Work your obliques. Last but not least, you'll need to strengthen your oblique muscles. Failure to do so will result in an imbalanced core and a six pack that looks strange or misshapen. Here are some exercises that will help strengthen your side abdominal muscles.
   
   
   • Side bends: Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on your waist, and then slowly bend sideways at your waist, moving your upper body to the right. Return to the original position, and then repeat the movement on the left side. For a more rigorous workout, do this with your hands at your sides and a heavy object such as a jug of water your hand as you bend.^[8]
   • Oblique crunches: Lie on your back with your legs elevated and your knees bent at a 45 degree angle and hip-width apart. You may find it easiest to rest them on a flat surface such as a bench. Then, place your hands behind your head, and use your core to lift your head and shoulders off the floor, touching your right elbow to your left knee. Return to the original position, and then repeat the movement so that your left elbow touches your right knee. Exhale as you rise up, and inhale as you return to the starting position.^[9]
   • Oblique twists (Russian twists): Lie down on the floor, bending your knees and placing your feet under a heavy object. Raise your upper body from the floor. Fully extend your arms, perpendicular to your torso, and twist your torso to one side while exhaling. Return to the starting position while inhaling. Repeat, twisting to the other side. For a more rigorous workout, do this while holding a heavy object such as a jug of water, a sack of flour, or a large dictionary.^[10]
5. Do planks. Plank exercises are important for any abdominal muscle workout because they work all the ab muscles together, plus many other muscle groups. To do this exercise, get in push-up position, using your elbows for support rather than your hands. Keep your body in a straight line, making sure that your hips do not sag. Contract and pull in all the muscles around your middle, and do not let your belly drop. Hold for as long as you can.
   
   
   
   • Keep your head relaxed and looking at the floor.^[11]
   • Start off holding this position for 10 seconds at a time, and work your way up to longer intervals.^[12]
   • To make sure that your body is straight, do this exercise in front of a mirror.

[Edit]Losing Belly Fat

1. Assess your belly fat. Excess fat has a tendency to accumulate around your belly. Since abdominal muscles lie underneath this belly fat, you will need to shed excess fat if you want your abdominal muscles to be visible.^[13] Thus, unless you are already very trim, chances are you'll need to burn some belly fat first.
   
2. Reduce your caloric intake.^[14] To reduce fat, you must burn more calories than you are taking in. There are a few simple ways to reduce calories:
   
   • Reduce your portion size, but don't skip meals. Not eating for long periods of time signals your body to store fat.
   • Stay away from high calorie, low-nutrition foods.
   • Specifically, cut out extra sugar. Excess sugar tends to be stored as fat in the midsection. Read food labels and beware of hidden sugars in bread, sauces, dressings, soda, and alcohol.^[15]
   • To curb your sweet tooth, opt for healthy choices like dark chocolate, honey, and fruit.^[16]
   • Keep track of your caloric intake by using an online calorie calculator, reading food labels, and/or keeping a food journal. Many apps exist for tablets and smartphones that can help you calculate the amount of calories you should be eating and keep track of how many you are eating.
3. Eat lean proteins. Protein is an essential nutrient for building muscle, because your muscles are primarily composed of protein.^[17]
   
   • The US government recommends that, depending on your body weight and activity level, about 1/4 of your food intake should be lean proteins.^[18]
   • Your body also burns more calories in digestion of proteins than carbohydrates.
   • Healthy options include chicken, fish, and turkey. Vegetarian options include tofu, tempeh, and seitan.
4. Eat fruits and vegetables. These foods fill you up quickly, and are rich in the vitamins and nutrients you need to maintain an active lifestyle.
   
   • The US government recommends making sure that at least half of your food intake should be fruits and vegetables.^[19] The remaining 1/4 of your intake (after protein, fruits, and vegetables) should be grains. Whole grains are best and should make up at least half your grain consumption.^[20]
   • Foods that are high in Vitamin C, such as oranges, kiwis, and kale help your body turn fat into fuel and balance stress-related cravings.^[21]
5. Drink plenty of water. Staying properly hydrated will improve your energy and mood levels, and will help keep you full between meals.
   
   • Medical studies have shown that drinking two cups of water before each meal leads people to eat less, and reduces consumption of sugary drinks.^[22]
   • Doctors recommend women should drink about 9 cups of water a day, and men about 13.^[23]
6. Do cardiovascular exercise.^[24] To burn lots of calories, you should do 30-60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (exercise that keeps your heart rate up) per day.^[25] Coupled with an improved diet, these exercises can help you shed pounds.
   
   
   
   • Choose an aerobic activity that you genuinely enjoy. If you enjoy your workout, you will be more likely to stick with it. There are many options for aerobic exercise that don't require a gym membership, such as walking, running, hiking, biking, dancing, and swimming.
   • If you don't have time to do a 30-minute workout, there are simple ways to make your daily routine more active. If you work a desk job, use your break time to take a brisk walk outside. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Do chores around the house or yard for 20-30 minutes, or walk to your destination instead of driving.

[Edit]Tracking Your Progress

1. Keep a food and exercise journal. For any exercise program, a journal is a good way to keep track of your goals and whether or not you are meeting them.^[26]
   
   • Keep careful notes of everything you eat and all the exercises you do each day.
   • An exercise journal can help you see which areas of your diet and exercise regimen need improvement.
2. Measure your waist circumference. Since muscle weighs more than fat, these measurements will be more important indicators of your progress than pounds on the scale.
   
   • Weekly measurements of your waist will keep you accountable and highlight the progress you've made.^[27]
   • For an accurate measurement using an ordinary measuring tape, measure just above your upper hip bone.^[28]
   • Don't measure over your clothes. Relax your muscles and don't suck in your gut.
3. Take before and after pictures. Since we look at ourselves in the mirror every day, it can be hard to notice our own overall progress without pictures.
   
   • Take a photo of yourself every two weeks and compare it to the previous photographs. The changes you see will help keep you motivated.^[29]

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• You need to do cardio to lose the layer of fat protecting your 6 (or 8) pack, so don't only focus on building your muscle but also on losing more fat.
• Mix up your workouts. This will keep your body guessing, and prevent you from getting bored and giving up.
• Cardiovascular exercises and proper meal quantities can help you get a six pack as well.
• If you are trying to lose a significant amount of belly fat, focus your efforts on diet and aerobic exercise first. Once you have lost the weight, begin doing abdominal exercises. This will help prevent the wasted effort of building abdominal muscles underneath a layer of fat.
• Your obliques are one of the fastest growing muscles and hardest to keep toned so do side planks to keep them toned as well.

[Edit]Warnings

• To avoid hurting your back, perform all abdominal exercises on a mat. If you do not own a fitness mat, use a blanket or two.
• Do not overexert yourself. The goal is to feel a burn in your muscles, not pain.
• When doing lower-abdominal exercises, make sure to keep your lower back on the ground to avoid back injury.
• Talk to your doctor before beginning a new diet and exercise regimen, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Build Lower Abs
• Get Six Pack Abs Fast
• Get Wider Shoulders
• Get Better Biceps
• Do Sit Ups

[Edit]References

• Videos provided by Brendan Meyers

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v161179_b01]. 31 October 2019.
2. ↑ http://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/workouts/lower-abdominal-exercises/move-4-scissors
3. ↑ http://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/workouts/lower-abdominal-exercises/move-6-torso-twist
4. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/lower-back-pain-10/slideshow-exercises
5. ↑ http://www.chunkfitness.com/exercises/ab-exercises/upper-ab-exercises
6. ↑ http://www.chunkfitness.com/exercises/ab-exercises/upper-ab-exercises/crunches-flat-surface
7. ↑ http://www.sixpackfactory.com/raised-leg-crunch/
8. ↑ http://www.popularfitness.com/exercise/obliques-abdominals.html
9. ↑ http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/oblique-crunches
10. ↑ http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/russian-twist
11. ↑ http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/abdominalcorestrength1/qt/plank.htm
12. ↑ http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/abdominalcorestrength1/qt/plank.htm
13. ↑ https://health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/best-ways-to-get-rid-of-belly-fat
14. ↑ [v161179_b01]. 31 October 2019.
15. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercohen/2012/03/27/6-ways-to-burn-your-belly-fat-fast/
16. ↑ http://greatist.com/health/healthier-dessert-recipes
17. ↑ http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/strength-training/four-reasons-you-should-be-using-protein-for-muscle-building.html#b
18. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/myplate-food-groups-and-portions
19. ↑ http://www.choosemyplate.gov/myplate/
20. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/myplate-food-groups-and-portions
21. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercohen/2012/03/27/6-ways-to-burn-your-belly-fat-fast/
22. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20100823/water-may-be-a-secret-weapon-in-weight-loss
23. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20100823/water-may-be-a-secret-weapon-in-weight-loss?page=2
24. ↑ [v161179_b01]. 31 October 2019.
25. ↑ http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-tips/8-cardio-tips-burn-fat
26. ↑ http://www.shapefit.com/exercise-journals.html
27. ↑ http://www.askmen.com/sports/bodybuilding/22b_fitness_tip.html
28. ↑ http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-measure-your-waist-circumference-and-waistt.html
29. ↑ http://www.sixpackfactory.com/8-motivation-tips-to-help-you-get-6-pack-abs-faster/

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How to Know if Your Friend Is Really a Friend

If you're unsure whether your friend is really a true friend or not, it generally means things have happened to cause you some doubt. The fact that you cannot be certain means that the friendship is under question and your gut feelings need to be addressed before you can continue to trust this friendship is worth the effort. So, is this friend true to you or not?

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Does Your Friend Want to Be With You?

1. Spend time with your friend. Spending time together is a normal and expected part of friendship.^[1] Begin here as it is the best clue as to whether or not your friend is willing to make an effort in the friendship. Here are things to consider about how your friend reacts to you wanting to spend time together:
   
   • If your friend makes the time, that's a good sign. Friends make time for each other and don't act squeamish or as if they'd rather be somewhere else. Sometimes your friend may be genuinely busy and that's fine, just as long as your friend makes time to be together, when it's appropriate, such as during breaks or lunch, perhaps on a weekend, during vacation time, etc.
   • If your friend doesn't want to make the time or comes up with a lot of excuses every time you try, then you have a warning sign that they are not keen to be around you much. If you have arranged going somewhere together and your friend keeps pulling out on such arrangements, that's a telling sign too. Realize that nobody is "always busy" -- that is just an excuse showing they don't wish to prioritize you.
   • If your friend ditches you almost all the time, and it doesn't seem like a joke, that means they aren't really a good friend.
2. See what happens if you try to hang around a friend who is giving you signals of not wanting to be near you. Tag along with them. This may seem hard but you can say, "Hey, how are things going today?" And walk with your friend. Notice their reaction and comfort levels. If they are your friend, they'll be thrilled to have you around. If they are not, your friend may grunt, fail to talk to you, shrug a lot and try to walk faster to get away from you.
   
3. Invite your friend to a party or special occasion at your place. Invite your friend over and see whether or not they accept the invitation. If your friend does come, are they being friendly with you or are they ignoring you and just stuffing down the cake and soda and grabbing the goodie bag while leaving early? Since you are the host or the main center of attention when it's at your place, a good friend should be spending time talking to you and being friendly. A bad friend will use the occasion to get what they want out of it, then hightail it out of there with nary a goodbye.
   

[Edit]How Supportive is Your Friend?

1. Remember that friendship is not about the people who are true to your face. It's about the people who are true behind your back. This section features some "tests" that you can make use of to observe and note how your friend behaves when you're not there to defend yourself. These tests are all optional, and you can try one, two or all of them, or just skip this section -- do whatever you feel most comfortable with. Ultimately, your feelings will matter most, so if needed, just jump to Part 3.
   
   • You should try to evaluate the relationship dynamic and make sure that there is balance in your friendship. It shouldn't be one sided, with you giving all of your time consistently and feeling like energy is being sucked up.^[2]
2. Observe how your friend is when they don't notice you're about. This provides you with the opportunity to find out what type of people your friend hangs out with or if they say anything bad about you or one of your closer friends. Be around where they hang out and just be quietly in the background, saying nothing and not drawing attention to yourself, keeping a nice distance away. Don't give away any clues you're watching them, and if they're not being such a great friend, they probably won't even notice you. They might say uncomplimentary things about you, or about someone else who is really close to you.
   
   • Listen for verbal clues, and watch for physical and emotional clues as well.
3. Consider how your friend handles your secrets. A good and trustworthy friend won't gossip about you and won't spread rumors or, even worse, lies. Does your friend keep all of your secrets? Do you ever hear of anything you only told this friend being spoken of by someone else you didn't tell?^[3]
   
   • Test your friend. Tell them a fake secret you have, and see if your friend makes rumors about the matter or not. Make sure that your fake secret is scandalous enough but does not involve anyone but you.
4. Set up the trolling test. This is entirely optional and if it feels icky, weird or undesirable, just skip it. If you think it might help and you have someone willing to help out, it can be one more thing to add to the mix for your decision-making. So, the test is: Have a classmate or coworker talk about you in an unflattering way to your friend, and have the classmate or coworker record or tell you whatever they said. If your classmate or coworker can't record the response, be the one to observe your friend while the unflattering scene unfolds. If your friend defends you, that's a great sign of loyalty but if they agree and start dissing you back, then you know this person isn't being a true friend.
   

[Edit]How Does Your Friend Treat You?

1. Be wary of a friend who forces you to do things their way or when they want. If they want you to fall in line regardless of how you feel or what you'd prefer to do, then it means they don't care about you, and only want you as a henchman/henchwoman. This is a case of being used, not liked, and it is a classic sign of a controlling personality. That kind of person is near impossible to be good friends with, because you never know when they like you for what you can do for them or like you for you.
   
2. Think about how you feel when you talk around this person. Can you be yourself or do you feel as if you have to "be a certain way" or be really careful about what you say? A true friend is someone you can be yourself around and who won't judge you for the funny quirks, the odd blurts and the weird ways you perceive the world. A true friend will accept you as the package you are and won't expect you to walk on eggshells or censor the way you talk. When you don't have to be careful about what you say, that's when you're around the right person.
   
   • A friend is someone who gives you the liberty to be yourself. Anything less is not true friendship.
3. Pull away from your friend temporarily. Does your friend wonder why you are doing this and ask after you? Or, does this friend seem relieved that you're not around? This can be an extremely telling factor when trying to determine how much this person cares about you, for only a person who hears your silence and sees your absence truly cares for you.
   
4. Consider what happens when you're in need. Real friends stay by your side through thick and thin. Hardship is actually a good barometer for the true friends in your life. You only lose the friends who were masquerading as friends when you experience hardships and difficulties. Those fair weather friends are not worth your time or effort, as they are the sort of people to flit from one relationship to another, always seeking what is in it for them. A true friend stays, supports and keeps loving you regardless of what happens. A good friend is someone willing to share in both your happiness and your sadness, to notice and to be there for both.^[4]
   
   • A good friendship is one in which each friend needs only what the person has to give of themselves, not their material wealth, their connections or their power. It's about the intangible of "I get you. And you get me."

[Edit]Reaching Your Decision

1. Weigh up what you have learned by assessing your friendship using the above suggestions. Does your friend seem true or false to you? Do you feel comfortable and happy around this person or do you feel awkward, controlled and/or unhappy around them? Does your friend inspire and motivate you or send shivers of angst and worry down your spine? Do you have evidence that this person supports you or badmouths you? Remind yourself that no friend is better than a bad friend, and that you will find a new friend if this one proves to be false. Also, sometimes your friendship circle as a whole may decrease in size but will increase in value, so let that be your guide.^[5]
   
   • When making your decision, keep in mind that the fact you have had to question this friend's loyalty is a red flag. Generally, the only people you owe loyalty to are those who don't cause you to question theirs.

[Edit]Tips

• If your friend finds out you've been plotting, they might accuse you of being untrustworthy and say that they "always liked you until now". If you don't trust them, then don't be friends with them.
• If you think your friend is lying, always get proof of what they said or did, so that you can confront them with the evidence.
• If you feel like your friend wasn't really there during your hard times, then chances are they aren't a true friend.^[6]
• A true friend is someone who appreciates you as a person even when you're not around, so if your friend is the type to talk behind your back or other people's backs, this person is probably not a true friend.

[Edit]Warnings

• If you ask other friends to talk to that friend, they might out you for snooping.
• Reading your friend's diary is risky. People work out who they are and what they think in a diary and often this changes from day to day, mood to mood, and isn't necessarily a true reflection of their general, overall feelings toward another person. It is complicated and really, it isn't a good thing for you to do or to decide a relationship's status on.

[Edit]References

• 13 Essential Traits of Good Friends

1. ↑ https://www.lifehack.org/406517/4-ways-to-spend-quality-time-with-your-friends
2. ↑ [v161848_b01]. 16 July 2021.
3. ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-5-qualities-of-real-friends_b_7310144
4. ↑ https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/11-differences-between-real-friends-and-fake-friends.html
5. ↑ https://www.powerofpositivity.com/11-ways-to-spot-an-authentic-friendship/
6. ↑ [v161848_b01]. 16 July 2021.

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How to Grow Freshwater Aquarium Plants

Freshwater aquarium plants are a beautiful addition to your home and provide several benefits for your fish. Living plants will remove nitrates from the water, improving the quality of the water and reducing algae growth. They also boost the oxygen levels in the tank and provide fish with fun places to hide.^[1] Growing freshwater plants in your aquarium is a fun and easy hobby that will delight both you and your fish.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Choosing the Right Plants

1. Select common, easy to grow freshwater plants. Freshwater plants have different lighting requirements and can sometimes be difficult to maintain. Luckily, there are some easy options for beginners that will create the look you want in your aquarium. Look for plants that are labeled as Echinoderms, Lilaeopsis, Anarchies, or Anubis.
   
   • Good options for tall plants include Amazon Sword and Java Fern. Amazon Sword grows quickly and easily, providing great cover for your wiring and filter system if it’s visible from behind your tank. Java Fern has long leaves and provides good protection for fish.
   • For medium-sized plants, great choices include Anubias Nana and Dwarf Sagittaria. Anubias Nana has curved stems with rounded leaves. Dwarf Sagittaria has long green leaves with curved blades and grows well around hard tank decorations like stone figurines.^[2]
2. Use mosses to decorate along the bottom and front of the tank. Easy to grow freshwater mosses include Java Moss, Willow Moss, and Water Wisteria. Moss is a low-growing plant, so you can put it in the front of your tank without obscuring other plants. It also helps keep your tank clean. Moss grows quickly, so you will see fast results with this plant.
   
   • Moss grows best with medium to bright light.^[3]
   • Mosses are often edible for fish.^[4] You will still need to feed your fish, however. Not all fish will eat the moss.
   • Another great option for the bottom and forefront of your tank is a plant called dwarf baby tears. This lush, leafy plant grows quickly like moss but it has a more shrub-like appearance. This plant grows best in bright light.^[5]
3. Purchase full grown plants if you want a finished look right away. Full grown plants are more expensive, but they are the easiest way to get the look you want immediately. Choose plants that have started to bud and have white roots.
   
   • Inspect the plants to make sure that they are free of snails, shrimp, and algae.^[6]
   • You can buy aquarium plants at a local pet shop or aquarium store. You can also find them online.
   • Research the seller before you make a purchase to ensure that they have a reputation for clean, healthy plants.
4. Grow your plants from cuttings if you want a less expensive option. While it will take longer for your final look to develop, cuttings are more economical. To grow them, you will need to acquire cuttings from an existing plant, which are sold through most aquarium stores and online. Locate the lowest stem node on your cutting, then remove the leaves below it. Plant the stem in the substrate so that it will take root.^[7]
   
   • You may also be able to acquire a cutting from someone you know who owns an aquarium.
5. Create visual interest by using various sized plants. Layering your plants will make your tank more attractive. Background plants should be larger, while medium-sized plants can be placed in the middle of the aquarium or along the sides. You can decorate the front of your aquarium with a carpeting plant, like moss or dwarf baby tears.^[8]
   
   • Plants range from small plants up to plants that fill the tank.
   • Add figurines, rocks, and driftwood for a more interesting look. They will also provide a great place to tie down plants that do not need to be buried.

[Edit]Setting Up Your Aquarium

1. Purchase and install lighting to support plant growth. Just like other plants, your aquarium plants will need light to stay alive. Light is needed for plants to undergo photosynthesis, which gives them their energy and nutrients.^[9] Check the light needs of your individual plants, as they can vary from plant to plant. Full-spectrum fluorescent and LED tank lights are both great options. Plants can also get some light from nearby windows.
   
   • Some plants require a lot of extra light, so do your research before you make a selection.^[10]
   • It's recommended that when you start out, stick to less than 2.5 fluorescent watts per gallon unless you put a carbon dioxide system in place.
2. Quarantine and treat new plants before adding them to your tank. New plants may already harbor pests like snails or shrimp that can threaten the health of your aquarium. Snails and shrimp can breed quickly and fill your tank unless you have fish that feed on them.^[11] Additionally, they can introduce bacteria or diseases to the water.^[12] A quarantine will allow you to spot pests before they get in your tank.^[13] You can also treat your plants with a bleach solution.
   
   • To treat with bleach, mix 1 part bleach into 19 parts water. Dip your plants for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on how sensitive your plants are. Thoroughly rinse the plants in fresh water before placing them in dechlorinated water.^[14]
   • To prevent snail infestations, dip your plants into saltwater after purchase. Mix of aquarium or kosher salt into of water. Dip the plants for 15-20 seconds, keeping the roots above water. Be sure to rinse them off with clean fresh water before placing them in the tank.^[15]
   • After a week of quarantine, place them in the aquarium.
3. Add a plant-friendly substrate to the tank and cover it with gravel. Your substrate is the material you use to cover the bottom of the tank. When you’re growing plants, you need a nutrient-rich substrate, which can initially be a bit more expensive. The substrates that are good for planting also tend to cloud the water when they’re disturbed, but you can stop this by applying a thin layer of gravel over it.
   
   • Seachem Flourite contains all of the necessary nutrients and comes in a variety of colors.
   • Clays and laterite are good options for nutrients and can be less expensive. However, they often take more time to settle in the tank.
   • Aqua Soil has good nutrients for plants but drops the pH of the water to 7. While this is optimal for plants, it can harm some fish. Check the pH requirements of your fish before choosing this substrate.
   • Gravel alone will not nourish your plants.^[16]
4. Anchor the plants that need to be on the substrate so they get nutrients. Some plants need to be rooted in the substrate in order to absorb needed nutrients. Place the roots of these plants just under the substrate, but don't bury them deep because this can cover the rhizome of the plant, which is a thick green part above the roots. Covering the rhizome can cause the entire plant to die.
   
   • Make sure that you do not anchor one plant on top of another.^[17]
5. Tie the remaining plants to rocks or wood so that they can root. Some plants, like moss, Java Fern, or Anubias Nana prefer to root into rock or wood. The plants will then take root on the rock or wood. Wrap fishing line gently around the plant, then loop the line around the rock or wood. Tie the fishing line in place, then add the rock and plant to your tank.
   
   • Driftwood and lava rock are great options for tying down plants.^[18]
6. Add your fish after allowing a week for your tank to stabilize. Wait a week after establishing your plant garden before adding the fish. If you already own fish, you can leave them in a temporary aquarium. Otherwise, it’s best to wait until your tank is ready before acquiring your fish.
   
   • Waste excreted by the fish will help feed your plants.^[19]
   • Resist the urge to add your fish early. Your tank needs to go through a process called “cycling,” where the water conditions stabilize and become safe for fish. Very few fish can survive before the water conditions have stabilized.^[20]

[Edit]Caring for Your Plants

1. Prune plants that outgrow the tank so that they won’t decompose. Most plants grow quickly, so pruning will be a necessity. If the plant outgrows the tank, the part of the plant outside the cage will die. Use sharp scissors to carefully cut away the excess plant.
   
   • As an alternative, you could choose slow-growing plants.^[21]
2. Clean your water weekly to maintain the health of your tank. Plants do not need water changes as frequently as fish do, but regular changes will keep your aquarium healthy. First, scrape any algae from the sides of your tank. Use a siphon to remove 10 to 15% of your water, paying special attention to the gravel and area around your aquarium fixtures. Replace the water you removed with fresh, dechlorinated water.^[22]
   
   • When using your siphon, don’t use it in the plant bed or you could accidentally kill your plants. Instead, keep it above the substrate.
   • Shrimp and catfish both feed on algae, so they could make a good addition to your tank, depending on the other fish you’ve chosen.^[23]
   • This is also called changing your water. Some people like to clean the entire tank every few months, but this can upset your tank’s ecosystem. It’s better to use filters and maintain a clean tank.
3. Add fertilizer to speed up the growth and keep plants healthy. Your freshwater aquarium does not need fertilizer, especially if you have fish, which help fertilize the plants with their waste. However, fertilizer can help your plants grow better and can be worth the extra effort. There are several ways to fertilize your aquarium plants:
   
   • You can add fluorite directly into the substrate, which provides iron and nutrients for the plants.
   • Root tabs are placed near the roots of the plants that need to be anchored beneath the substrate. They will continually fertilize your plants for 2 to 3 months.
   • If you prefer a liquid fertilizer, you can add it to your tank once or twice a week. Liquid fertilizer is great for plants that are not rooted in the substrate, such as those tied to rocks.^[24]
   • A CO2 pump provides the plants with more CO2, which they absorb and convert to oxygen. If you have a high-light tank, it’s good to include more CO2 because light speeds up photosynthesis, meaning that your plants will convert CO2 to oxygen more quickly.^[25]
   • Monitor the CO2 levels and pH of the aquarium to maintain a good aquatic environment. CO2 and pH levels are linked mathematically, but you don't have to be a math whiz to keep your plants and fish healthy. There are monitors that you can buy for a low cost that will test the water for you. Once you are able to monitor these levels, you can more easily regulate your aquarium to keep everything inside of it healthy!^[26]
4. Avoid letting plants that are not fully submerged dry out. If the plants dry out, they will die. To keep them healthy, store your plants in a bucket of fresh water. This is a great option if you are growing additional plants for your aquarium(s).^[27]
   
   • You can store the plants in the bucket indefinitely if they have clean water and proper lighting. Plants that must be rooted in the substrate will need to be anchored if they are stored long-term. When storing your plants, clean your water weekly.

[Edit]Tips

• Start small and add plants slowly.
• If you have an algae problem, you could add glass or ghost shrimp, which eat algae and can help prevent it from overwhelming the tank. These freshwater shrimp get along great with tetras and guppies.
• Choose plants that are compatible with your fish, as some fish will eat or destroy them.

[Edit]Warnings

• Do not dispose of aquarium plants in local waterways or down the toilet. Many of them are non-native and can interfere with native plants. Instead, dry out any excess plants and dispose of them in the trash.
• If you keep crayfish, be aware that they will uproot and eat water plants.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Aquarium
• Substrate fit for plants - silt, sand, clay
• Gravel (optional)
• Filtration system
• Freshwater plants
• Full-spectrum light source^[28]
• Freshwater fish
• Dechlorinated water
• Aquarium salt or kosher salt
• Fish net
• Algae scraper
• Siphon

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Grow Plants With Grow Lights
• Set Up a Freshwater Aquarium
• Set up a Marine Reef Aquarium
• Make Your Fish Tank Look Professionally Designed
• Create Aquariums So Lizards and Fish Can Coexist
• Do a Water Change in a Freshwater Aquarium

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM4z0HPqmL0&feature=youtu.be&t=10
2. ↑ http://www.theaquariumguide.com/articles/10-best-freshwater-aquarium-plants-for-beginners
3. ↑ http://www.theaquariumguide.com/articles/10-best-freshwater-aquarium-plants-for-beginners
4. ↑ https://be.chewy.com/plants-as-fish-food/
5. ↑ http://www.theaquariumguide.com/articles/10-best-freshwater-aquarium-plants-for-beginners
6. ↑ http://aquariuminfo.org/planting.html
7. ↑ http://aquaticplants.animal-world.com/PlantPropagation.htm
8. ↑ http://www.theaquariumguide.com/articles/10-best-freshwater-aquarium-plants-for-beginners
9. ↑ [v160978_b02]. 27 August 2019.
10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM4z0HPqmL0&feature=youtu.be&t=144
11. ↑ http://www.fishforums.net/threads/freshwater-snail-species-in-the-hobby.424364/
12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM4z0HPqmL0&feature=youtu.be&t=85
13. ↑ http://aquariuminfo.org/planting.html
14. ↑ http://www.thatpetplace.com/Dipping-Plants-to-Eliminate-Snails
15. ↑ http://www.thatpetplace.com/Dipping-Plants-to-Eliminate-Snails
16. ↑ http://aquariuminfo.org/substrate.html
17. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM4z0HPqmL0&feature=youtu.be&t=138
18. ↑ http://www.aquariadise.com/tying-aquatic-plants-wood-rock/
19. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM4z0HPqmL0&feature=youtu.be&t=159
20. ↑ http://www.theaquariumguide.com/articles/10-best-freshwater-aquarium-plants-for-beginners
21. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM4z0HPqmL0&feature=youtu.be&t=257
22. ↑ http://www.firsttankguide.net/waterchange.php
23. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM4z0HPqmL0&feature=youtu.be&t=199
24. ↑ https://pethelpful.com/fish-aquariums/Aquatic-Plants-for-Beginners
25. ↑ http://www.aquariumadvice.com/introduction-fertilizing-planted-tank/
26. ↑ [v160978_b02]. 27 August 2019.
27. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM4z0HPqmL0&feature=youtu.be&t=95
28. ↑ [v160978_b02]. 27 August 2019.

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How to Write a Light Novel

Light novels, a form of Asian young adult literature (ライトノベル raito noberu or ラノベ ranobe for short), are a great route to take for storytellers of the anime-loving community. Light novels are primarily Japanese, but are also published in Taiwan and China. They can span from the size of an average novella (20,000 words) to the average American novel (50,000). Many well-known anime such as the "Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" are based from popular "ranobe", and the industry is ever growing. So if you want to learn how to write one, you've come to the right place.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]What is a light novel?

1. A light novel is a short (around 300 pages) novel with manga-style images. ^[1] These short, 50,000-word stories were popularized in Japan and are typically written for young adults. Light novels are broken up by mange-style illustrations that add to the story.^[2]
   

[Edit]Understanding how light novels are written

1. Read a light novel. As with any creative endeavour, if you want to get started on writing a light novel, you should read and analyze one first.^[3]
   
   • Light novels have been released in the United States by Yen Press, Del Rey Manga and Tokyopop (the latter of the three has been defunct since 2006), so pick a light novel (or a series of them) and analyze the writing style.
2. Expect to encounter a lot of dialogue. Light novels rely heavily on dialogue, so look at quotes from the characters, and get a feel for the characters' speaking styles. However, keep in mind what kind of audience you want your book to appeal to.^[4]
   
   • If your audience is Western, don't spend your whole time writing just dialogue and no description. This will easily confuse your average American viewer (though this may be different for readers in other countries). Readers may lose track of who is speaking if there is no description present.
3. Try to cater to more than one demographic. For example, if you are just writing for avid anime fans, an average American reader (who may not even watch anime) probably won't understand the jokes you lace into the text unless they have prior knowledge of Japanese culture.^[5] This is a fatal flaw for many Original English Language "ranobe," as the majority of people will be confused by them, and they won't sell.
   

l

[Edit]Planning your light novel

1. Plan out your light novel. Of course, every great novel comes from an idea, and light novels are no exception.^[6] Try a question you want to write about, and one that you feel you can answer. To use "Haruhi Suzumiya" as an example, what if the world can be changed by one person and that person just doesn't know it? Make sure there is a point to your plot. And don't forget your characters. Every novel, light or not, has characters (each with their own point of view) as well as a setting, plot and theme.
   
2. Set a schedule. Give yourself time to write, but don't force yourself to write when you have no ideas; if you have writer's block, give yourself time to gather your thoughts. Write up a schedule of days when you have free time on your hands, and write your heart out onto the pages, as with any novel.
   

[Edit]Writing the light novel

1. Write your first draft. Sure, the first draft is full of mistakes and spelling / grammatical errors, but at least it exists, right? Besides, the first draft is just that — a draft.^[7] You can always edit it at your own pace, as much as you want. And after constant re-tooling, you have your first chapter. After that, do the same with the remaining chapters, until you think they're good enough to be read, if not published (yet). If you don't think your draft is something that you yourself would pick from a bookstore shelf, then it needs work.
   
2. Maintain continuity. Continuity is the consistency, as well as the flow, of the light novel when it comes to information, events, or just about anything in your light novel. Make sure you jot down major events in your story to keep for reference if you don't have the time to look back through your book every now and then.
   
3. Save your writing in a computer. If you write your "ranobe" on your computer using a word processor, then you just need to save the draft. For those writing "ye olde-fashioned way," copy your draft from the paper you used to write it on and save your light novel onto a computer (and proofread using the processor's spell-check).
   
4. Once the document is saved, add the images previously drawn by either yourself or a hired artist. These will be mostly without dialogue, as your "ranobe" will most likely relay what the characters have said. Add these images in the center of the action, in order to properly illustrate the scene. Save the file.
   

[Edit]Getting published

1. Send that work to a publisher. If you can, try to publish it yourself if you don't want to go through any sort of legal matters. Just find a self-publishing site such as Lulu, purchase your first copy, and then check for any mistakes. Once you are sure that this is the right layout for your light novel, advertise the book online, and consider finding a retailer to sell physical copies of the work. Retailers only market the light novel for you, so talk up your novel with friends or relatives.^[8][9]
   

[Edit]Tips

• TV Tropes Wiki is a good wiki for understanding all sorts of tropes (common occurrences in literature) and our sister wiki also provides details on how such tropes are integrated into various types of media (such as light novels, and anime and manga in general) and even reality (the "Real Life" sections at the bottom of some tropes). However, do not completely rely on TV Tropes Wiki, if you don't want your story to sound cliched.
• No light novel would be complete without illustrations, and manga-esque illustrations are a must. Since various light novels have been adapted into manga and anime, why not join in on the fun?
  • If you can't draw, collaborate with someone who can — see also, for example, Konno Oyuki (author) and Hibiki Reine (illustrator) of the Maria-sama ga Miteru series.
  • Unless of course you want something more realistic, that's a different story.
• Most light novels sacrifice good style for quicker narration, like they are actually scripts for anime instead of books. If you want to appeal western audience, however, you should try developing your own style.
• If you don't know japanese, chances are that you can't appeal to the japanese audience: most japanese don't know english and it's improbable you will be translated in their language. If you want to try anyway, try to collaborate with a low-key japanese artist that can be your translator too.

[Edit]Warnings

• Despite what was previously stated in this article, don't limit yourself to a strict word count each day, but do schedule a time for whenever you are free to write. Write whenever you can, and let your imagination soar.
• Don't obsess over a chapter. Remember that you can come back to it in the revision stage.
• Do not plagiarize. Said this, do not feel too constrained in trying something already present in other novels; just don't copy and paste content to save work.
• Keep in mind that if you want to write stories professionally you have to work a lot for documentation, character creation and keeping the plot fresh. Do not expect that half-minded attempts will gain recognition.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• A pen/pencil
• A notebook or two; try cases in which you can store materials
• A computer, preferably a laptop
• A light novel (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a great start)
• Documentation (every material you need to write a convincing plot)

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Write and Publish a Book
• Self Publish a Book
• Write a Novel
• Write a Novella
• Be a Good Writer

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2016-10-19/what-a-light-novel/.107843
2. ↑ https://comicbook.com/anime/news/whats-the-difference-between-manga-light-novels/#2
3. ↑ https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-novel/
4. ↑ https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/bbs/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2818928
5. ↑ https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/bbs/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2818928
6. ↑ https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-novel/
7. ↑ https://nybookeditors.com/2017/01/guide-writing-novel-one-year/
8. ↑ [v161146_b01]. 8 January 2019.
9. ↑ https://www.janefriedman.com/13-most-common-self-publishing-mistakes-to-avoid/

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