AQUARIUM MANAGEMENT 



Temperature Changes. If for any reason it becomes necessary to 

 change the water, there is one very important thing to keep in mind — 

 do not subject the fishes to any sudden change of temperature, either 

 higher or lower. This is one of the "most frequent causes of sickness 

 and eventual death. 



Changing the Water. With the correct conditions carefully 

 observed and carried out there should be no need to change water 

 except at rare intervals. Experienced aquarists completely replant 

 and change water about once a year, otherwise only adding water to 

 make up for evaporation. 



The fish are stimulated and probably benefited by changing a 

 small part of the water every few days. From one-fifth to one-tenth 

 of the total volume should be sufficient. If the aquarium is in proper 

 condition and not overcrowded, even this slight changing of water is 

 not necessary. 



In cases of overcrowding, a partial change of water should be 

 made daily, the amount de|)eiiding on the degree of over-population. 

 It is better to reduce the overcrowding than to try to find a way of 

 overcoming its evil results. A case where "an ounce of prevention" 

 is very much the better. 



Occasions do arise when the water must be completely changed. 

 At these times there are two points of importance to observe ; first, 

 have the temperature of new and old waters nearly the same ; second, 

 ripen the new supply by letting it stand at least an hour or two before 

 using. A full day is better. Don't use galvanized iron nor new wood 

 receptacles for this purpose. If necessary to use raw water from the 

 spigot, it can be improved by the addition of a small amount of salt — 

 say a teaspoonful to the gallon. Raw water in summer and early 

 autumn is not so injurious. 



A sprinkling pot is excellent for adding new or freshening old 

 water in the aquarium. The small streams oxygenate well and do 

 not disturb the contents of the aquarium. 



If running water is used, a very tiny stream will be sufficient. 

 Fish used to this condition when placed in still water should first be 

 given ample room. 



Running water is not generally to be recommended except in 

 overcrowding. In these cases a mere drip will usually do. 



Water. We sometimes hear that certain water is too pure for 

 fishes to live in. This is "pure" nonsense. Extremely small, newly- 

 hatched fishes eat some of the microscopic life commonly in water, 

 but as they grow larger they are unable to strain out such fine matter. 



