66 Aquatic Lite 
tank is the ideal place. An eastern ex- 
posure is nearly as good, while the south 
and west are least desirable unless the 
direct sunlight can be subdued in some 
manner. A tree with heavy foliage will 
accomplish this during the spring and 
summer months, but at other times 
means must be taken to cut down the 
Celestial Telescope Goldfish 
An unusual example. Normal individuals lack a dorsal fin 
light. A frame of light wood, covered 
with green cloth or crepe paper, will 
help if set in the lower sash of the win- 
dow or hung on the side of the tank 
nearest the window, the back glass of the 
aquarium may be painted with white 
lead mixed with turpentine, or the glass 
of the window may be replaced with 
ground or frosted panes, or painted with 
the lead and turpentine mixture. Ex- 
cept in very large tanks, direct sunlight 
not only stimulates algae, but overheats 
the water, causing a rise during the day 
and a corresponding drop during the en- 
suing night, which in itself is detri- 
mental. 
The best bottom is one composed of 
pebbles and gravel, with plenty of sand 
to fill the spaces between. Sand alone 
packs hard and does not give the roots 
of the plants a fair chance to spread. If 
pebbles and gravel are used without the 
sand, trouble may come, for particles of 
food, humus and excreta sift down 
among them and decay. A mixture of the 
three is ideal. 
Arrange the bottom so that a gentle 
slope is formed from the back and sides 
to the middle-front. ‘The sediment and 
unconsumed food will collect at the low- 
est point and can easily be removed with 
a dip-tube or syphoned out with a rub- 
ber hose. Do. this frequently—don’t 
wait until it works its way into the sand 
to decay and pollute the water. 
Cleanliness is the prime consideration. 
Don’t depend upon snails, tadpoles or 
other so-called scavengers. Their work 
has been greatly over-rated. Snails are 
interesting creatures, and should be in 
the tank in abundance, for they do help, 
but don’t depend upon them to do your 
work. Tadpoles are a first-class nuisance 
and merely serve to keep the bottom in 
agitation. 
Algae may be removed from the glass 
in a number of ways. ‘There are several 
styles of scrapers on the market for this 
purpose. One can easily be made by 
fastening a safety razor blade to a handle 
of wood or wire. Considering the small 
cost, and the long life of the article, it 
will be economy to buy one! A clean 
bristle hand brush that has not been 
used with soap or grease, such as may 
be purchased for a dime, will readily re- 
move the growth. Some aquarists con- 
sider all bristle brushes taboo, having 
found that in some the bristles in the 
process of manufacture have been treat- 
ed with certain chemicals, which when 
introduced in the aquarium have caused 
deaths among the fishes. In the absence 
of all other means a clean piece of mus- 
lin or linen, such as an old handkerchief, 
rolled in a ball and held in the hand will 
take off all but the hardest growth. 
Mention may be made of several 
