I032 



BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



as dip nets and even shovels, for cleaning. 



This apparatus has proved most successful and obviates the necessity of 

 putting the hands in cold water to do the work of picking the eggs. 



A CLEANING DEVICE FOR PONDS OR AQUARIA. 



The imperfect construction of some ponds, not permitting them to be 

 entirely emptied, necessitates the use of various means and implements, such 



With even the greatest care it is 

 difficult to maintain the clean- 

 liness necessary to avoid mor- 

 tality among the fish. 



The present device enables 

 the fish culturist to prevent dis- 

 ease by more thorough cleaning, 

 and also by avoiding the bruises 

 inflicted upon the fish in the 

 course of the ordinary cleaning 

 process if the water is muddy. 

 It also prevents the disagreeable 

 taste of fish reared in muddy and 

 ill-cleaned ponds. 



The apparatus is constructed 

 upon the principle of the fore- 

 going rubber siphon and glass 

 tube. Being for larger work, 

 however, it is made of brass pipe 

 with rubber or canvas connec- 

 tions. It consists of a main arm 

 terminating in an elbow joint 

 which is expanded into a flat tri- 

 angular cavity with an entrance 

 valve. This valve, opening up- 

 ward, is controlled by a lever at- 

 tached by a cord to a trigger on 

 the handle of the apparatus. The handle, which is of wood and inserted in 

 the upper end of the main tube, may be of any desired length. Branching off 

 the main tube a short distance below the handle is an arm for connection with 

 the discharge pipe. 



In operation the discharge arm may be attached to rubber or canvas hose, 

 with outlet below the level in the pond or tank, and the apparatus guided about 

 over the bottom by means of the handle, the suction being regulated by the 

 cord attached to the valve. In cases where the pond may not be emptied, 



l^s/ve 



Fig. 4- — Cleaning device for ponds and aquaria. 



