The Balanced Aquarium and the Snailery 



fail, a swab of flannel, wrapped close on a small block, curved to 

 fit the sides of the jar, and affixed to a handle of convenient 

 length, is the best cleaning tool. Wash the dirt out of the flannel 

 after drawing it once up the glass side. 



A half-inch glass tube is used to take up bits of food from 

 the bottom of the tank. With the thumb over one end, place the 

 other close to the refuse. Lift the thumb slightly, and the object 

 will rise in the tube. Close the top again with the thumb while 

 taking the tube out of the water. Never leave bits of food on 

 the bottom of the tank. If you prefer, put a hungry crayfish 

 or crab in to clear up the garbage. But don't forget to take him 

 out when his scavenger work is done. He is a dangerous visitor 

 to leave there long. 



Plants must be removed when they show symptoms of old 

 age. Animals, too, must be watched, and removed when they 

 are unhealthy. Sick animals often hide under the rocks to die. 

 Hunt them out before they foul the water. 



Sometimes turbid water may be cleared by dipper aeration. 

 Dipping the water, and pouring it slowly back, with the dipper 

 held six or eight inches above the surface, mixes fresh air with 

 the water, and thus "makes it alive." This should be done 

 carefully so as not to dislodge the plants, nor otherwise disturb 

 the arrangements. Do not empty the tank until all expedients 

 have failed. 



Use a siphon to draw off the water, if it has become stagnant. 

 Carefully wash the jar, the gravel, and other contents that are 

 to be replaced. Install plants and animals in clean fresh water. 

 Try to avoid the necessity of another such housecleaning. 



Tools Needed for the Aquarium. — Handling fish and other 

 creatures is often the cause of their death. Moreover, it is not 

 pleasant to roll up a sleeve and dive to the elbow into an aquarium. 

 The tools needed are few and simple. Supply these, and so avoid 

 damage and discomfort. 



1. A small dip net on a long handle, useful for the transfer 

 of any animal from one tank to another. 



2. A pair of wooden forceps longenough to reach objects on the 

 bottom of the jar, useful in rearranging rocks, anchoring plants, etc. 



3. A glass tube for taking up refuse. 



4. A long, pointed stick for feeding corals, etc. 



5. A long-handled swab for cleaning the inside of the jar. 



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