46 



PEBSH-WATEE AQUAEIA. 



1. Pour it very slowly and carefully, by means of a slender- 

 spouted can, against the sides of the tank. 



2. Place a jug in the centre of the aquarium, taking care 

 that it does not stand on any plant, and pour the water 

 gently into it until the tank is fuU; then remove the pitcher 

 without emptying it. 



3. Put the aquarium, if not too large, tmder a "supply'' 

 tap, and regulate the latter so that it allows the water to drip 

 slowly upon a sponge placed on the gravel of the former. 

 The sponge, while being taken out, should not be squeezed. 



4. Fill the tank by the help of a watering-can which has a 

 very fine rose. 



Fig. 37. Correct Method of Filling an Aquarium. 



But however carefully the water is introduced into the 

 aquarium in any one of the above four ways, it will be found 

 not to be perfectly clear. A small siphon only will attain 

 that much-desired end. If one siphon does not work quickly 

 enough, two or three may be used at the same time. A slender 

 india-rubber tube of the necessary length, not thicker than 

 the stem of an ordinary clay pipe, will make the siphon. The 

 smaller the tubing in its diameter, the more satisfactorily wilj 

 it do its work (Pig. 37). The lower end of the siphon should 

 rest on the gravel of the aquarium or upon the rockwork. 



