82 



aquatic JLitt 



world rests is the luxuriant growth of 

 plants. Therefore, when considering a 

 location for the aquarium, and by loca- 

 tion is meant its permanent position with 

 relation to the light, the demands of the 

 plants must decide the question. Intense 

 light will promote a strong growth of 

 alga?, which will form upon the plants 



A Practical Small Aquarium 

 Photo by Wm. Mack 



and retard their growth with a resultant 

 decrease in the supply of oxygen. If the 

 tank contains algse-loving exotic fishes, 

 they may keep the plants fairly clean, 

 but the goldfish will not touch it. Aquar- 

 ists usually show a preference for a north 

 window, with an eastern exposure as the 

 next best ; south and west are least desir- 

 able. If, however, the sunny windows 

 are shaded by trees, and much of the 

 direct rays cut off, or at least just allowed, 

 to filter through the leaves, then the south 

 and west may become suitable. To re- 

 capitulate, place the aquarium where it 

 will have good light, but not intense light, 

 and little, if any, direct sunlight. 



The most satisfactory tank is one hav- 

 ing a metal frame, glass sides and a bot- 

 tom of slate ; the thickness of the glass 

 and slate being in proportion to the size. 

 If one intends to have but a single aqua- 

 rium, a size holding fifteen to twenty gal- 

 lons should be selected. Little need be 

 said about the proportions, as the metal- 

 frame tanks now made by the aquarists' 

 supply houses are nearly all satisfactory 

 in this respect. 



When the tank has been placed in posi- 

 tion, a few inches of water should be 

 poured into it. Then a paste made of 

 equal parts of whiting and table salt, 

 slightly moistened with water, should be 

 rubbed over the glass with the fingers ; 

 this polishes and cleans the glass. All 

 traces should be removed by repeated 

 rinsing. 



Make certain that the table or stand 

 selected for the aquarium is very strong 

 — not shaky. The weight of even a small 

 tank is considerable as a gallon of water 

 weighs eight and one-third pounds. 



A difference of opinion exists as to 

 whether sand, grit or pebbles, or a mix- 

 ture of all, is preferable for the bottom. 

 The writer prefers coarse, white sand. 

 This as purchased is rather dirty, and 

 often will contain traces of mud and 

 other soluble matter deposited in the 

 bank from which it was dug. Careful 



The Common Goldfish 



washing in repeated changes of water is 

 necessary if the water in the aquarium 

 is to be crystal-clear. If the dry sand is 

 sifted through a common wire tea 

 strainer much undesirable matter will be 

 removed ; pebbles if wanted can be re- 

 placed. Now put the sand, a quart at 

 a time, in a skillet or pan, place under a 

 faucet and stir until the water runs off 

 perfectly clear. During this cleaning 

 process it will be well to scald the sand 

 as an extra precaution. Spread the clean 

 sand in the aquarium, arranging it an 

 inch deep at the room-side, and two to 

 three inches deep at the ends and win- 



