ZOOl.OCKAI. SOCIKTY lUI.I.l. I'lN 



THH (AKK OF (iOLDFlSHES.* 



Ujl ('. M. ToWXSF.XD. 



THE general jirinciples of aquarium raan- 

 agenient. so tar as they relate to the form 

 of the aciuarium. its plant life, water sup- 

 ply, temperature. |)osition with reference to 

 light, and the feeding of its inhabitants. a])ply 

 not only to goldfishes, hut to most other species 

 ordinarily kept in small aquaria. 



An aquarium holding eight or ten gallons of 

 water will he easier to maintain in good condi- 

 tion than one of small size, and will contain a 

 larger nuniher of fishes with a greater degree 

 of safety. An aquarium of rectangular shape 

 is by far the best for jiermanent use. It should 

 be of strong, clear glass — preferably plate glass 

 — set in a metal framework, and with a slate 

 bottom. Its corners, however, accumulate dirt 

 which is not easily removed. 



Aquaria of rectangular form, made wholly of 

 glass, can be purchased and are cheaper, but 

 the glass is never quite clear, and they crack 

 more readily from clianges in temperature. 

 Cylindrical, glass aquaria are still cheaper, but 

 they distort the forms of the objects they con- 

 tain to some extent, and are also liable to crack 

 from water pressure. However, aquaria made 

 wholly of glass have the advantage of being 

 absolutely water-tight, while they remain in 

 sound condition, whereas the joints of metal- 

 framed aquaria often leak. 



Globes are worthless. Good results cannot 

 be expected with them. The restricted surface 

 of a globe at the top lessens the amount of 

 water surface exjiosed to the air. The more 

 surface exposed for the absorption of air, the 

 better. 



The aquarium should be ]ilaeed where the 

 amount of light re.uhing it can be well con- 

 trolled. A north window is best, an east win- 

 dow will do. but exposure in other directions 

 will make its care more difficult. If large, the 

 aquarium should be jiermanently located before 

 it is filled with water. 



.Sunlight should not often he allowed to fall 

 directly on it. as it stimulates the growth of 

 algae, and is liable to overheat the water, the 

 temperature of which should be ke))t steady, 

 not rising above 70 degrees or falling below 10 

 degrees. A temperature of ^O degrees to 00 

 degrees is best, and it should not be allowed to 

 vary. Warm ualer holds less air tli;\n cold 



*Tlie care of t;c)lilfishes bcin;; a subject of constant 

 in(|niry, fliis iirlicU' \y,\\ been re))rinte(l from the Bii,- 

 M rix fur April, 1!)07, which has been exhausted. 



water, so th.at a high tem]>erature is more to be 

 guarded against than a low one. 



Water plants are necessary in the .uiu.irium 

 for the aeration of the water, since under prop- 

 er conditions of light .and temperature they give 

 off oxygen which animals require, while the Lat- 

 ter cxh.ile carbonic g.is. .\ balance between the 

 animal and ))lant life of the aquarium is essen- 

 tial for success. Too much (ilant growth e.m 

 be checked by reducing the amount of light. 

 which may be shut off by the use of .i screen 

 or shade. A greenish film of .algjp or confcrv* 

 will at times develo]i rajiidly on the glass and 

 obscure the contents of the aquarium. It will 

 have to be rubbed off occasionally, but it is just 

 as well to let it grow on the side next the win- 

 dow, where it will serve to restrict the light and 

 also aerate the water. The growth of alga> is 

 lessene 1 by ]ilacing the aquarium in a more 

 shaded jiosition. Snails eat algae rapidly .and 

 should be introduced for that purpose, and also 

 because their eggs serve as food for small 

 fishes. 



Allow the a(|uariinn to absoi-b air frcmi its 

 l^lant life and from the surface of the water 

 for a day or two before putting in the fishes. 

 The latter should be few in number at first. 

 Snails may be .added later. Dealers in aqua- 

 rium supplies usu.illy keep plants, snails, tad- 

 poles, newts .and other small creatures as well 

 as fishes. 



With running water, plant life can be dis- 

 |)enscd with. A collection of large goldfishes 

 in the New York Aquarium has been kept in 

 good condition for many years in flowing Croton 

 water, enduring its low temperature in winter 

 very well. The fish are, however, much more 

 active in summer and feed more freely. 



The following named water plants are those 

 most frequently used by aquariists: milfoil 

 (Mi/riophi/lliim) . hornwort ( Certitophi/lliim). 

 fanwort ((\ihonilut) . water-weed {.hiacharis) . 

 tape-grass (J'nUi.tiicriti) . arrow-head (Sac/if tai- 

 i(i) ,ind iiondweed { l^ofiimof/efoii) . Many other 

 species will serve the purjiose. Plants may be 

 anchored by pressing them down into the sand 

 or gravel. Thin strips of lead wound loosely 

 •about their roots will hold them securely. 



In .1 well-balaiu-ed aquarium the water should 

 not be changed .at .all. It is in fact better with- 

 out any additions, other than required to re- 

 jilace what is lost by evaporation. Water should 

 never be added until it has been kept in the 

 same room with the aquarium long enough to 

 acquire the same temperature. 



In si|)honing out water from the bottom of 

 the aquarium to clear off sediment or refuse, 



