
DON’TS FOR BEGINNERS 

Don’t overfeed; very many of the ills of aquarium fishes are due to this 
mistaken kindness. 
Don’t leave uneaten food or offal in the aquarium. Use the dipping tube. 
Don’t feed worms without first cleaning them; they are carriers of both 
parasites and fungus diseases. Scalding them is a good method. 
Don’t overstock the aquarium at any time; until it is fully established 
the one safe rule is not more than one fish for every two or three gal- 
lons of water; even fewer large fishes. 
Don’t fail to get a large aquarium as soon as you become expert; the larger 
the tank, the surer the results. 
Don’t, as a novice, keep other fishes with the goldfish ; they may not be 
altogether harmless. 
Don’t keep water bugs and beetles in the aquarium with fishes; they are 
all harmful and predatory. 
Don’t introduce plant-eating snails as scavengers. [he Planorbes and 
Vivipara are the best common snails. 
Don’t feel discouraged by occasional reverses ; they happen to every one, 
even to the most experienced aquariists. 
Don’t fail to remember that success with the aquarium depends upon the 
following prime conditions; inattention to any of these, or mistakes 
or neglect, will certainly lead to failure :— 
1. Cleanliness of the vessel and all appliances. 
A good and strong light. 
A vigorous growth of plants. 
Careful feeding of the proper food. 
The immediate removal of sick or doubtful fishes. 
Ample scavengers. 
Avoidance of overstocking. 
GOST ONC Se S5- 9 
Persistence, determination to succeed, and a considerable good 
fortune. 
Don’t fail to join an Aquarium Society; 1f none exists, organize one. 
Don’t disregard any of the precepts of this volume; they are based on 
tried experience. 
Don’t fail to frequently review these Don’ts, and confer with authorities if 
in serious difficulties; the Aquarium Society of Philadelphia will be 
pleased to answer all inquiries. 
These Don’ts apply more particularly to the Freshwater aquarium, 
but it may be beneficial to keep most of them in mind for the Marine 
aquarium, Terrarium and Aqua-terrarium as well. 
353 
