MANAGEMENT OF AQUARIUMS 241 



sand breeds disease. When the sand is finally 

 ready, and the aquarium drained, put in the 

 sand and cover it with an inch of well-washed 

 gravel and small pebbles. After the sand and 

 gravel have been placed, water-plants may be 

 introduced. Do not plant many since they 

 grow with such rapidity that the aquarium will 

 be overstocked soon, and some of them will have 

 to be removed. 



Stocking an Aquarium. The best water for 

 an aquarium is from a river, stream or pond. 

 Rain-water which has been exposed for some 

 time to the air is also excellent, but the ex- 

 posure must be of some length to render it 

 safe. If water is taken from a hydrant, it 

 should first flow with full force into a bucket, 

 so that it may be thoroughly aerated. Under 

 no circumstances ought pump-water to be used, 

 as it is what is commonly called "dead," that 

 is without aeration. There is a prejudice in 

 some quarters against hard or limestone water, 

 but if taken from a spring or stream I feel 

 that there is little or no danger in using it. 



If the aquarium is to contain goldfish, or 

 other species that will live in still water, it is 



