104 



GOLDFISH VAEIETIES AJ^D 



AQUARIUM PLANTS 



Whether aquaria are kept for scientific study or for the enjoyment 

 of the beautiful, aquatic plants will always be found a useful — if not in- 

 dispensable — adjunct. The fact that plants give ofif oxygen under the 

 influence of light has been mentioned at several other places in this 

 volume, but the principle is so important that it would be difficult to over- 

 emphasize it. Aquaria containing good plant growth may be tightly 

 covered and if placed in a good light they will support a fair number of 

 fishes, the life-giving oxygen being supplied exclusively by the plants. 



That the roots of healthy aquatic plants absorb the products of 

 decomposition in the bottom of the aquarium is an established fact. When 

 an aquarium has been established for some time, the sand has become a 

 little dirty and the plants have spread so that the roots of some are 

 against the glass, a close observation will show a condition similar to that 

 pictured in figure 114. The sand near the roots is distinctly whiter than 

 that beyond their reach. 



No arguments need be put forward 

 to establish the esthetic value of plant life 

 in the household aquarium or the pool in 

 summer. Without them no one could 

 attempt to reproduce the effects of 

 Nature. So well understood is the value 

 of aquatic plants that aquarists are con- 

 stantly on the lookout for anything new 

 which might enhance the beautiful results 

 already achieved. Occasionally something 

 of real merit is found. We are pleased 

 to be able to list several of these newer 

 species here, together with all the better- 

 known favorites. Only those plants 

 having been proven satisfactory are de- 

 scribed, but naturally in such a large range it will be found that the same 

 conditions are not suited to all. 



It is a good general rule to select young plants. They transplant 

 better and sooner adapt themselves to new conditions. If old plants are 

 used the dying leaves should be removed. 



Much discussion has been brought out as to the best methods of 

 planting, principally as to whether to use soil, sand or pebbles, or whether, 

 in some cases, planting is necessary at all. Success has been attained in 



Fig. 114. 



Absorption by Plant 

 Roots 



