A thorough understanding of the physical characteristics of water and of how water quality affects aquatic life is essential if one is to be a successful aquarist. This is a little difficult for beginners to accept, excited as they often are about the prospect of keeping an array of interesting creatures in their aquariums. It is a common, and almost always fatal, mistake to spend time learning about the habits and dietary needs of aquatic creatures while ignoring the less glamorous aspects of the hobby.