
AQUARIUM CONSTRUCTION, TOOLS AND APPLIANCES 

and a larger absorption by the water. A generally used device is the rub- 
ber florist’s aspirator. 
Constant Lever SipHon. Aquaria having a constant water supply 
or tanks in the open air sometimes require means of keeping the water at 
a fixed level. For this purpose the constant level siphon is best adapted, 
which consists of a metal or glass tube bent into the form of an irregular S 
with the inlet leg the longer; then bent at right angle and downward to 
carry it over the side, and the upper part bent upwards so that the outlet 
is at the desired water level. Once filled with water it will be in constant 
operation by capillary attraction. A funnel and tube may be arranged 
to carry off the overflow water, when necessary. 
Tue Srratner. The ordinary household strainer will be found 
convenient to gather floating particles from the surface of the water. A 
tea sieve is of convenient size for the aquarium. 
Tue PottsHer. The best form of polisher to remove alge from 
the glass sides of aquaria may be made of a felt jeweler’s buff attached to 
a rod, the centre holding pin sunk into the felt to prevent scratching the 
glass. Brushes, wood blocks covered with several thicknesses of canton 
flannel or other materials have been tried but are not as good. Polishers 
are not intended for use when the alge are thick, as then only the hand, 
a piece of soft cloth and a little table salt will properly clean the glass. 
THE Scoop or Drepce. A metal scoop on a rod is handy in many 
ways. With it the pebbles may be moved and shifted or put into the 
aquarium at the exactly desired locality. Any form having a straight front 
edge will serve this purpose. 
Tue Macniryinc Grass. A good reading glass is a useful adjunct, 
as by its use objects in the aquarium will be enlarged-and a clear observa- 
tion of the contents obtained. 
Aquarium Stanps. Stands may be constructed of a variety of 
materials. Tables of wood with shelves for smaller aquaria and brackets 
for flowering plants are quite general,and may be inexpensively constructed, 
An iron stand of 34 inch gas pipe with iron fittings, either painted the 
color of the aquarium frame or with any desired color of bronze powder, 
makes a clean, neat and inexpensive support. Window brackets, secured 
at different heights to the trim of the window, have been shown in illus- 
trations and are intended for one-piece glass or other small aquaria, If 
taste is displayed in their arrangement and of the contained plants, a very 
pretty effect may be produced. Shelving across the upper sash for placing 
a row of battery-jar aquaria would also be a pleasing arrangement. 
A picturesque aquarium stand for the porch or garden may be made 
of a portion of the gnarled trunk of a tree, the main stem furnished with 
285 
