218 



WOODEN TANK CONSTRUCTION 



pressure. After base is finished it is well to paraffine it as described 

 on page 215. All cement pouring should be done at one operation. 



CONSTRUCTION OF WOODEN TANKS 



Many fanciers are of the opinion that for the welfare of fishes 

 there is no receptacle equal to a well-seasoned wooden tank. For 

 breeding purposes they are especially valuable, but in no case should 

 tanks be used at once. Occasional changes of water for eight weeks 

 make a new wooden tank safe for fish. Matters may be hurried by 

 the lime-slaking method as described on page 223 for concrete pools, 

 rinsing thoroughly and using in a few days. 



Fig. 201. Wooden Tank 



The best wood for tanks is well-seasoned cypress, the natural 

 habitat of the tree being in wet places. Any size tank may be made, 

 but there are two sizes found quite con\'enient and which cut to good 

 advantage out of the lumber. The larger measures 16 inches high, 

 30 inches wide and 48 inches long. The smaller one measures 9 inches 

 high, 24 inches wide and 32 inches in length. For the larger size 

 1%-inch lumber is used, which is about I's inches when dressed. 

 Here a board 16 inches wide is used, avoiding seams in any of the 

 sides, and being but one in the bottom. The side and bottom boards 



