I had wanted an aquarium for years, but always thought it was too difficult. A few years back, I really needed to get my own hobby, so I took the plunge. I started by reading about half a dozen books. Though most of them didn't get too deeply into it, every single one seemed to imply that a planted tank was a much healthier environment for the fish. Always having a thing for plants anyway, I figured it made a lot of sense to me, so I started researching planted tank options.
Now, I love the look of the planted tank, and though I don't completey ignore my live stock, the plants do get much closer and more frequent inspection
! The constant changing of the foliage is so rewarding, IMO.