Article: Algae thrive when water contains high levels of phosphate and nitrate. Though municipal tap water is safe for consumption and generally low in phosphates and nitrates, there is always a chance that your water source is adding these algae-friendly nutrients to the tank every time you change the water. The best way to ensure that you're adding quality water to your tank is to test your tap water with a home testing kit.  Tap water should ideally be at 0 parts per million (ppm) when you test for nitrates and phosphates. If your tap water tests higher than 0 ppm, you'll need to filter your water before adding it to the tank. You can purchase a water quality testing kit and a water filter at many pet stores or through an online retailer. Protein skimmers will help remove organic material like waste and excess nutrients from the water in your tank. That way, if you accidentally overfeed your fish or if fish waste accumulates in the tank, you'll still be able to keep the water relatively clean.  A proper protein skimmer should run continuously 24 hours a day. You can discontinue or decrease use of the protein skimmer once your aquarium is free of algae. The filter on your home aquarium can easily build up organic wastes and nutrients. Even though the filter removes these elements from the water, a dirty filter will eventually start to leak those algae-friendly additives back into the tank. To combat this, the filter media should be changed every month. You should also rinse off the filter media every time you perform a partial water change to ensure that the nutrients and detritus do not build up inside the filter.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Test your tap water. Install a protein skimmer in your tank. Change your filter media on a monthly basis.
Article: Mix 3 parts sand with 1 part portland cement. Add all the ingredients to a wheelbarrow or concrete mixer, depending on the size of rock you are creating and amount of mortar you are mixing.  You can reduce the sand, and add 1 part peat moss to create a more porous artificial rock.  If you want to use the fake rocks in an area exposed to water, use a hydraulic cement mix instead. The exact amount of water depends on humidity and temperature conditions, so you may need to adjust with more or less dry mixture. Slowly add the dry mixture to the water while mixing until both form into a thick paste.  Stir the mortar mix into the water as you add it. Watch closely as you add mortar so your mixture does not get too thick. For small amounts, turn the mixture over in the wheelbarrow repeatedly, or stir with a paddle attached to an electric drill. For larger amounts, use a concrete mixer. You will need to mix the mortar to the consistency of cookie dough.  Ensure the mixture is fully mixed and uniformly wet. Add more water if necessary to get the consistency of a thick paste. You do not want the mixture to be runny. Unmixed blobs of sand will cause weak spots in the finished rock; be sure to mix everything completely. Keep track of what you added and adjust until you reach the desired consistency. Write down the formula you find that works best. Follow this formula and use the same measuring device for the water each time to keep a consistent mix from batch to batch.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Combine dry ingredients for mortar mix. Mix the dry mortar and sand mixture into 1 part of cold water. Stir the mortar mix for several minutes.
Article: Stack your plates and put them in the microwave. Keep your microwave on its regular setting and heat them for 30 seconds per plate. Once they are finished, use an oven mitt to remove the plates since they will get hot. Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, usually around 150 to 200 °F (66 to 93 °C). Once the oven is hot, place your stacked plated inside and leave them there for a couple minutes. Use an oven mitt to take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Use a toaster oven that's large enough to fit your plates if you want to preserve energy. Plate warmers look like a large foldable heating pad that you can stack plates on. Plug the plate warmer in and turn it on. Wrap the entire plate in the warmer and then place another plate on top. Continue stacking the rest of your plates to heat them thoroughly for 5 minutes before you serve your food.  Plate warmers can be purchased online or in kitchen specialty stores. In a pinch, you can use a large heating pad meant for backs. These can be purchased at your local pharmacy.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Microwave the plates to heat them quickly. Put the plates in the oven at its lowest setting if they are oven-safe. Purchase an electric plate warmer so you can still use your appliances.