216 AQUARIUM CONSTRUCTION 



After making one of these aquaria the knack becomes very easy. 

 A row of them of uniform size presents a neat appearance and can be 

 used in a small space, since there is no projecting base. This style 

 of construction is suitable for aquaria with bases up to 11 by 18 inches. 



If the frames are to be nickeled, this should be done before pour- 

 ing the cement base. 



Glass for Aquaria. Although double-thick window glass may be 

 used for aquaria up to the 25-galIon size, plate-glass is so much hand- 

 somer and costs so little more it seems like a wise investment. If 

 window glass is used, the imported kinds will be found best. Plate- 

 glass is now made in 3/16 inch thickness. This is suitable for 

 aquaria under 50 gallons. For those for 50 to 75 gallons, the best 

 thickness is ^4 inch, and for the still larger sizes up to 120 gallons, 

 is j4 inch, and for the still larger sizes up to 120 gallons, ^i inch. 



Cutting the Glass. A firm, flat surface, a good straight-edge, a 

 sharp wheel cutter and a steady hand are the essential needs in this 

 work. Bear on firml}^ but not heavil)'. If the wheel does not make a 

 continuous scratch, go over the missed portion, but do not again pass 

 zuheel over fanner scratch, as this ruins the wheel. If glass does not 

 divide easily, tap the under side of scratch with solid part of cutter 

 until small splits occur along the line. It will then be safe to break. 

 Large plate glass is best broken by placing the scratch line over the 

 straight edge of a table and bearing down on glass. 



Setting the Glass. The edges of the glass should be carefully 

 cleaned with whiting, ammonia or alcohol to remove any grease. It 

 is well to first coat the edges which are to come into contact with the 

 cement with gold size, allowing this to set for a day or two. This is 

 more particularly needed with large plate-glass aquaria. Apply a lib- 

 eral coating of aquarium cement to the inside of frame, and a thin 

 but well-covered coat to the contact edges of the glass. Press into 

 place slowly but firmly, cleaning away at once all surplus cement. 

 Light sticks cut of a length to brace across inside of aquarium should 

 be used to maintain an outward pressure on the glass for several days 

 until it is fairly set. After the glass is well set, it is advisable, espe- 

 cially with the larger sizes, to run a line of aquarium cement up the 

 inside corners and along the bottom edges, covering with a narrow 

 strip of glass, or, better, embedding a glass rod of from %- to ^-inch 

 diameter in it, pressing in as far as possible and wiping away the sur- 

 plus cement. 



Fill slowly in about a week and change water several times in two 

 weeks before putting in fishes. 



