GOLDFISH. 



aquarium in about the same way it enters a stream, from the surface 

 of the water. Too much light will overstimulate the growth of algae, 

 causing the water to turn green. 



WATER. 



The best water supply for an aquarium is nearly always from a 

 river, pond, or cistern, as water from such a source conforms more 

 nearly to natural conditions. Well 

 water usually contains lime or salts, 

 especially lime, making the water 

 hard and entirely unsuited to the -^-a ^^y. 



purpose. ^'^^ ■• ^ 



TEMPERATURE. 



The temperature of the water in 

 an indoor aquarium will range from 

 50 to 80° F. in winter and from 65 

 to 80° F. in summer. A tempera- 

 ture somewhat in excess of 85° 

 should not prove harmful if the 

 water is well aerated, but if the fish 

 show signs of distress their condition 

 may be improved by reducing the 

 number in the aquarium. In all 

 cases avoid sudden changes in water 

 temperature. 



REPLACEMENT OF MINERALS. 



Provision should be made to re- 

 place minerals that are constantly 

 absorbed from the water by plants 

 and fishes. This can be done by 

 occasionally adding salts, a mixture 

 of three parts of evaporated sea salt 

 and one part of Epsom salts. A level 

 teaspoonful 'to 20 gallons of water 

 about once in two or three weeks is 



considered beneficial. The fishes will ^V^ 4 -Floatmg arrowhead (Sagittaria na- 

 n ,, ., ■,. 1-1 tans). One-half natural size. A very 

 usually swallow these salts, which desirable plant for the aquarium. Flow- 

 apt nc n milrl r»nfViortin ers above water surface, but fruit ripens 

 act ab a iiiiiu catuaiuc. on or below the surface of the water. 



PREVENTION OF ACID CONDITION. 



For the prevention of an acid condition in the aquarium, which 

 is usually brought about by the decomposition of plants, a small 

 piece of plaster of Paris in the aquarium is recommended. The plas- 

 ter of Paris neutralizes the acid, and as it dissolves only under acid 

 conditions there is no danger of getting the water too alkaline. 

 When the plaster of Paris dissolves quickly it is a sure sign of acid 

 condition. 



FOOD. 



Most aquai-ium fishes desire a variety of foods, and the aquarist 

 should endeavor to imitate nature. Whatever foods are used it 

 should always be borne in mind that a balance of vegetable, animal. 



