GENERAL CARE 321 



dew. Dust is entirely excluded and many delicate aquatic 

 plants will be found to thrive much better. It also prevents 

 the possibility of loss of leaping fishes, a habit to which 

 most species are subject. For the sake of benefiting the 

 atmosphere of the room, however, it is often desirable to 

 have the glass cover short enough to leave a narrow space at 

 the ends, or to have it slightly raised all around. In this 

 case it will be necessary to add fresh water at intervals, as 

 evaporation takes place. 



If a green growth of algae gathers on the sides of the 

 aquarium, it may be removed from the side facing the room 

 by rubbing with a piece of cheesecloth, or other coarse 

 material, attached to the end of a stick or long pair of 

 forceps. The only objection to the presence of the algse 

 is that they obscure the vision. In fact, they are decidedly 

 beneficial, acting as aerators, and also furnishing food for 

 the fishes. 



All dead portions of plants should be removed, and sedi- 

 ment at the bottom should be taken out by suction with 

 a glass tube, obtainable in drug or aquarium supply stores. 

 If these matters are carefully looked after, and there is a 

 proper balance between plant and animal life, it will not 

 be necessary to dismantle and thoroughly clean the aquarium 

 except at very long intervals. 



Stocking the Aquarium 



In stocking the aquarium, the first consideration is a cov- 

 ering for the bottom. For this purpose a mixture of sand 

 and fine gravel is generally the best. It should be washed 

 and rewashed with great care, until all soluble and float- 

 ing matter has been eliminated, and the water remains per- 

 fectly clear. It should then be placed in the tank to a 

 depth of one or two inches, according to size. It is best to 



