
THE FRESHWATER AQUARIUM AND ITS MAINTENANCE 

Sea shells, corals and other marine objects should not be put into the 
freshwater aquarium, though experts favor the introduction of a small quan- 
tity of lime in some slowly soluble form as necessary to the existence of 
the fish and molluscs. This will be treated of hereafter. 
ApbviceE TO BEGINNERS. The novice would do well to first obtain a few 
of the inexpensive common goldfishes, which are hardy and easily domes- 
ticated, and study their habits and requirements, before procuring the finely 
bred Japanese and Chinese varieties. Among the common American and 
European goldfishes there are many of beautiful forms and markings, rang- 
ing over almost the entire gamut of colors; from pure irridescent pearly 
white, lustrous silvery and golden hues, to all the shades and combinations 
of yellow, red, blue, brown and black. The prevailing colors of all the 
breeds of the goldfish are bright or dull white and yellowish tints on the 
abdomen, which change to a lustrous metallic yellow on the sides, and then 
almost impreceptibly shade into golden yellow, red, vermillion, carmine 
or the deepest and richest oxblood red. . 
When he has familiarized himself with their care, the novice could 
select for a five-gallon aquarium, say one Japanese Fringetail, a Fantail, a 
Comet and a Nymph, none over three inches; but these should not be at 
once put into a newly established aquarium, and only after he is assured 
that it will support that number in comfort. These are more easily kept 
than the more delicate fishes of Chinese and Corean origin. 
CLEANING THE AQuarium. When and how often it 1s advisable to 
clean the aquarium is a matter of individual judgment. Green water, even to 
the extent of obscuring the contents, is not injurious; the fishes thrive 
better in it than in limpid water; nor is the residuum on the pebbles harm- 
ful; af objectionable substances are removed either with the dip—or lifting 
tube or the lower depths of water siphoned with a small rubber hose, which 
may be guided to all parts of the tank, removing the heavy vitiated water 
and most of the sediment. If the fishes continue excessively restless, 
persist in coming to the surface for air, and still avoid the bottom of the 
tank, possibly due to overfeeding, the introduction of more tadpoles and 
snails may be required, but should these measures not affect a remedy, 
thorough siphoning or cleaning is necessary and must be done at once. 
DiseaseD FisHes. When a fish becomes diseased, it should be 
immediately removed and isolated, and, dependent on the nature of the 
ailmenty either the others quarantined, or the tank and contents cleaned 
and the healthy fishes returned; the latter course especially if the disease 
can be traced to unsanitary conditions. A clean surface on the pebbles 
adds to the beauty of the aquarium and also indicates healthful conditions. 
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