228 



GOLDFISH VARIETIES AND 



AQUARIUM APPLIANCES 



Nets. The most important device in aquarium work is a net with 

 which to catch the fish, yet in most instances it is of faulty construction. 

 The scales of a fish are easily knocked oflf by the hard knots in the coarse 



Figs. 170 and 171. I'koper Nets ior GoLurisHES .\nu Yuunm; Tropicals 



threads composing nets usually sold. This is very bad for the fish. A 

 far better material is Brussels nettin^^ of a mesh such as is used on 

 window curtains — not too fine. 



When fish have to be caught from a globe, a round net is con- 

 venient, but for a straight-side aquarium, a square or oblong net is very 

 much better. Usually these cannot be purchased, but to make one is a 

 simple matter and well repays for the eft"ort. Perhaps the easiest way 

 is to purchase a round net, remove netting, bend wires to an oblong form 

 and re-cover with Brussels netting. 



Glass Cleaners. The best device for cleaning the inside glass of 

 straight aquaria is a safety razor blade secured in a stick and riveted 

 through. First rivet or wrap end of stick with fine copper wire to prevent 



Fig. 172. Safety Razor Blade Aquarium Glass Cleaner 



splitting, place razor blade firmly in iron vise and drive down stick to 

 proper point. A blade may be used directly in the hand, but in this case 

 it is better to dull one edge first in order to avoid cutting the fingers. 



A dime rubbed flat against the glass will clean it. For cleaning 

 globes a piece of thick felt is very good, although any piece of clean 

 fabric will do. 



Dip Tube. Sometimes particles of food remain too long after feed- 

 ing. Also dirt collects in spots. Such places can easily be cleaned by 

 use of a dip tube. Any tube of from one-quarter to three-eighths inch 



