
THE FRESHWATER AQUARIUM AND ITS MAINTENANCE 

height than 22 inches is objectionable. For out-of-door tanks and cis- 
terns, any size and a variety of materials may be used; but when built of 
wood, they should be seasoned by a frequent change of water. Slate, soap- 
stone and cement basins are used, of which more will be stated hereafter. 
ARRANGING THE AQuARtuM. ‘The aquarium should be set on a stable 
support, a stand, table or shelf, preferably facing a northern or north- 
eastern exposure in the summer, while in the winter it should be placed 
to get the sunlight two or three hours daily, preferably the morning sun; 
as it is essential that the aquarium should get a good light or failure will 
be the inevitable result. If indoors it should be placed at a window or 
under a skylight admitting the daylight and sunlight but without too much 
exposure to the direct rays of the sun during the hot summer months. 
The best success will be had when the light is such as to stimulate the 
growth of the plants without producing material changes in the tempera- 
ture of the water. The position at a window also permits of the necessary 
ventilation and aeration; the slight draught, even when the window is 
closed, is a protection from excess of coal or illuminating gases and tobacco 
smoke; and in warm weather, it will moderate the temperature of the water 
if the direct rays of the sun are excluded. 
Covers For Aquaria. Expertsadvocate glass covers for the aquarium 
having sufficient plant life. The plants will grow more luxuriently, dust 
will be kept out, froth and bubbles will not form on the surface, and the 
evaporation will be less rapid. The cover need not fit tightly, but raised 
about 14 inch by rubber or cork discs on the upper frame of the aquarium 
or it may have the corners cut away. The cover will also prevent the 
single-tailed goldfishes, the ide, tench and other freshwater fishes, from 
leaping out of the aquarium, a habit which they have inherited from their 
wild congen¢trs whe do this at twilight, when the day enemies have retired 
and those of the night not yet appeared. The double-tailed goldfish can- 
not leap from the water. Wire gauze or cotton netting over the top of the 
aquarium will also serve to prevent the leaping out of the fishes. 
AQuaRIuM Eguipment. In the equipment and maintenance of an 
aquarium cleanliness 1s the all-abiding law. The interior should be cleaned 
with water, the glass rubbed with table salt, either on the finger tips or on 
a soft rag, and then carefully rinsed; no soap or alkaline substances are to 
be used nor any greasy or soiled vessel employed. When placed in posi- 
tion, the bottom shouid be covered with two inches of well washed sand, 
or grit/(small pebbles) and covered with small or larger pebbles; this depth 
being requisite for the proper rooting of the plants. 
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