THE CARE OF HOME AQUARIA 



19 



PORTABLE METAL FRAME AQUARIUM. 



A useful tank in all sizes and tlie only kind that is satisfactory for 

 larger sizes above eight or ten gallons. 



and the larger ones are more expensive. For aquaria holding 

 ten gallons and upward, the only type that can be used to advan- 

 tage is that with metal frame. 



When well set up such a tank will last for years without 

 leaking, and is easily reset, or can often be readily mended by 

 running a little asphaltum, red lead or an aquarium cement in 

 the joints. 



The rectangular, straight-sided, all-glass jars, holding up to 

 eight or ten gallons, are excellent ; better in some respects than 

 those with metal frames, for they are not hkely to spring a leak. 

 The glass jars, however, are more likely to crack and so prove an 

 extra expense, but in the hands of the experienced aquarist they 

 are perhaps the most satisfactory kind for sizes under five gal- 

 lons. Care should be taken to see that such jars rest firmly and 

 evenly upon their bases, and that they are not subject to sudden 

 changes of temperature. It is well to place an asbestos mat, or a 

 pad composed of a few layers of blotting paper, under the jar to 

 act as a shock absorber and to distribute the weight more evenly. 



The cylindrical jar with straight vertical sides is satisfac- 

 tory to maintain, but the inmates appear somewhat distorted 



