18 AQUARIUM MANAGEMENT 



rected in a few days b}^ filling with very muddy water, stirring it 

 occasionally. 



Fish Globes. Ignorance is responsible for most barbarity, and 

 one of the commonest forms of both is the keeping of fishes in globes. 

 The globe is in every way opposed to the correct principles of aquar- 

 ium-keeping. When it is filled, the air surface of the water is 

 extremely small in proportion to the bulk. A really proper plant 

 growth in a small globe is almost impossible. The evils are multiplied 

 by the apparently universal overcrowding in these little prisons, and 

 by the frequent pollutions of the water by overfeeding. As these 

 globes are the cheapest form of aquarium, it seems as though they are 

 destined to remain with us, but the public could be educated in the 

 rudiments of handling them — not to overcrowd nor overfeed, nor fill 

 over two-thirds, nor stand in summer sun : and to establish growing 

 plants. If this point can Ije reached it is a step towards the abandon- 

 ment of the "globe" for a real aquarium, where the chances of success 

 are so much greater. If a globe must must be used, select one of the 

 larger sizes. 



Removing Dust and Scum. When the aquarium has no cover 

 glass or when there is a consideraljle decomposition of old plants there 

 is sometimes a scum formed on top of the water. To remove this, 

 tear a piece of newspaper to the width of the aquarium. Float the 

 paper at one end of tank, lifting by one edge, and draw quickly over 

 the length of the water. Repeat once or twice with fresh paper. 



Foul Sand. Sometimes sand or pebbles will turn black and 

 become quite ill-smelling. The cause for this is not always easy to 

 determine. It is more apt to occur where the light is feeble and the 

 plant growth poor, also where sand is too deep. If taken out and 

 dried in a thin layer it will clear up. If the conditions seem right and 

 there are sufficient plants, do not l)e hasty about taking out dark sand. 

 The condition often corrects itself if given a chance, and besides, it 

 may be just a little natural dirt which does no harm. 



Algas and Confervae. Should the plants become completely cov- 

 ered with algse or "moss," try introducing a considerable number of 

 small snails. The large Japanese variety is not always suitable for 

 this, as it is unable to crawl on the smaller leaves. If this fails, remove 

 and destroy the plants, thoroughl}'- disinfect the aquarium in every 

 particular and replant. Do not allow quite so much light in the future. 



There is a very long, hard conferva about the thickness of horse- 

 hair which grows into matted masses. This is quite a pest when once 

 established, as it soon fills tlie aquarium and enmeshes young fish, 



