32 



Aquatic iLiti 



Exact workmanship is an important 

 factor in the appearance of all aquaria. 

 The painting- of the frame should be 

 neatly executed; the glass free from 

 smears. A subdued shade of green is the 

 most desirable color. It harmonizes with 

 the plants and brings the bottom into 

 good relief. Avoid "loud" and striking 

 colors, as these detract from the contents 

 of the aquarium. 



For the practical fish breeder, the dis- 

 position of stones and plants in his tanks 

 most primarily conform to the require- 

 ments of the species to be bred, to facili- 

 tate the observation of spawn and fry, 

 and when necessary, their removal to 

 other vessels. However, in all exhibition 

 and room aquaria of principally orna- 

 mental character, an artistic arrangement, 

 "Composition," is essential. 



In creating these we should as near as 

 possible imitate nature in her various 

 moods. They can in a general way be 

 classified as sand, gravel, stone and 

 swamp or mud bottom effects. The latter 

 is not practicable for room aquaria, un- 

 less for a display of plants alone, with a 

 possible association of snails and insects. 

 Fishes keep a bottom of this nature con- 

 tinually stirred up. 



While some aquarians prefer to use 

 white sand, favoring contrasty effects, the 

 majority use the common river variety. 

 Many fishes become pale in color when 

 placed in a tank with a white sand bot- 

 tom, furthermore strong light on it causes 

 a reflection which is an irritant to some 

 and a tendency to shyness develops. 



Avoid regularity in arranging an aqua- 

 rium ; also indifferent scattering of stones 

 and plants. The first will result in a 

 mechanical effect, while the latter will be 

 void of interest. I have found it most 

 satisfactory to have a single effect in an 

 aquarium — sand in one, a stone in an- 

 other, etc. In this way one creates an 



added interest in the various aquaria in- 

 dependent of their respective inmates. 

 Of course, a certain amount of sand may 

 be used in all tanks to give the bottoms 

 some slant. By this, all excrement will 

 accumulate at one place, facilitating its 

 removal. 



A very simple and effective composi- 

 tion can be evolved by placing a large 

 mass of stones and plants near one end, 

 with a considerably smaller group near 

 the opposite end, just large enough to 

 give balance to the first. This arrange- 

 ment assures plenty of space for active 

 fishes. 



If but one aquarium is to be set up, 

 various plants can be used to a good 

 effect. With a large number of aquaria 

 I prefer to use only one or two species 

 of plants in each, making it possible with 

 the variety of plants available to create 

 different plant effects in quite a number 

 of tanks. These in association with varied 

 bottom arrangements will give each aqua- 

 rium a distinct character and interest 

 which will be further amplified by the 

 introduction of different fishes. 



Fascinating interiors may be construct- 

 ed with tuffstone. However, its numer- 

 ous cracks and openings make inaccessi- 

 ble pockets for the accumulation of Tilth, 

 and the aquarium soon becomes unsani- 

 tary ; hence it had better be avoided for 

 permanent display- This also applies to 

 the use of sea shells. 



The plants should be placed either 

 direct in the sand bottom or in irregular 

 shaped vessels made of Portland cement 

 If these are not available, small pots of 

 symmetrical design may be used, but 

 should be completely concealed among 

 the stones. It is a mistake to try to em- 

 bellish an aquarium by introducing arti- 

 ficial objects such as stone statues, float- 

 ing swans, etc. These only depreciate 

 (Concluded on page 34.) 



