Using this Penn - Plax airline tubing is a piece of cake. First, figure out which length you need, either 8 feet or 25 feet. Then, connect one end of the tubing to your air pump. Next, attach the other end to whatever you're using in the aquarium, like an air stone or an under - gravel filter. When handling the tubing, be gentle but firm so it doesn't get damaged. Keep it away from sharp objects to avoid cracking. For maintenance, you don't have to do much. Every few months, just check it for any signs of wear or blockages. If it gets dirty, you can rinse it with clean water. That's all there is to it, and you'll have a smoothly running aquarium setup.