20 



THE AQUARIUM, JANUARY, 1893. 



towards the East, the best distance in 

 such a case is about twelve inches from 

 the window; next best is a window fac- 

 ing South or West, here set the aqua- 

 rium about eighteen inches towards the 

 room, and when the windows are high 

 even more space may be left between. 



When an aquarium is to be located 

 between two windows, it should be far 

 enough in the room to receive the light 

 from both, and in a corner room with 

 windows at both angles, the aquarium 

 should be set diagonally so that the 

 light from each window will enter the 

 aquarium from each end. 



But, although we want plenty of 

 light for the plants, we should avoid as 

 much as possible the sun. In winter 

 allow all the sunshine you can get, but 

 towards the spring, from February on, 

 shelter the tank from its direct rays. 

 The most favorable temperature for the 

 welfare of the collection ranges between 

 60° and 90° F. 



When we have chosen a place for the 

 aquarium the next step is to secure a 

 tank. The best tank is the rectangu- 

 lar one, metal frame with glass sides 

 .and ends and glass or slate lined bot- 

 tom. This tank is placed on a stand 

 table or bracket of proportionate height 

 to secure proper light for the plants 

 and to allow an easy inspection of the 

 contents. 



When the tank is secured it is prop- 

 erly cleansed with clean water and a 

 sponge, but without the aid of soap, 

 and filled up to the top with water to 

 test the resistance of the glass and to 

 detect any leaks. In making this test 

 the tank should be in a perfect level 

 position, and of course not in a car- 

 jDeted parlor. 



Having stood the test it is now 

 placed in its position, care being taken 

 that it sets perfectly level. Now get 



the washed rocks or tuff-stone intended 

 for the rockery ready, put a sufficient 

 quantity of well washed sharp sand on 

 the bottom of the tank to cover it to 

 the height of about one inch. 



This done, seat yourself in a chair 

 some distance away from the aquarium, 

 look at it, and study the best effect re- 

 garding the arranging of the rocks. 

 Don't be in too great a hurry ; remem- 

 ber that this arrangement is to be for at 

 least one season, and don't forget that 

 you must make allowances for the 

 plants, making as little shade for them 

 in placing the rocks as possible. The 

 arrangement of the rocks being com- 

 pleted, the next move is the planting 

 of the jDlants. Since we know that 

 these are the prime factors for the main- 

 tenance of the aquarium, this should 

 be done with great care. 



The plants may be well rooted speci- 

 mens or mere cuttings, in either case 

 handle them gently, do not bruise or 

 break them. Plant them in the sand 

 with the same care as you would a ten- 

 der seedling-plant in your garden, ar- 

 ranging the different groups according 

 to the picture you had made in your 

 mind when you sat in the chair think- 

 ing about the rockery. An aquatic 

 garden can be made a charming little 

 sub-marine landscape, prettier than any 

 picture. Be not ' close ' when you 

 make your selection of plants for the 

 aquarium, it would be ' penny wisdom,' 

 as the success of everything depends on 

 them. They need not necessarily be 

 expensive plants, some of the com- 

 moner species being excellent oxy- 

 genators, but since plants, outside of 

 their purifying faculties, add greatly to 

 the attractions of an aquarium, liber- 

 ality in this direction is well placed. 



Whilst you are planting, sprinkle the 

 plants every few minutes, so they may 



