THE FRESHWATER AQUARIUM AND ITS MAINTENANCE 



Sea shells, corals and other marine objects should not be put into the 

 freshwater aquarium, though experts favor the introduction of a small quan- 

 tity of lime in some slowly soluble form as necessary to the existence of 

 the fish and molluscs. This will be treated of hereafter. 



Advice TO Beginners. The novice would do well to first obtain a few 

 of the inexpensive common goldfishes, which are hardy and easily domes- 

 ticated, and study their habits and requirements, before procuring the finely 

 bred Japanese and Chinese varieties. Among the common American and 

 European goldfishes there are many of beautiful forms and markings, rang-' 

 ing over almost the entire gamut of colors; from pure irridescent pearly 

 white, lustrous silvery and golden hues, to all the shades and combinations 

 of yellow, red, blue, brown and black. The prevailing colors of all the 

 breeds of the goldfish are bright or dull white and yellowish tints on the 

 abdomen, which change to a lustrous metallic yellow on the sides, and then 

 almost impreceptibly shade into golden yellow, red, vermillion, carmine 

 or the deepest and richest oxblood red. 



When he has familiarized himself with their care, the novice could 

 select for a five-gallon aquarium, say one Japanese Fringetail, a Fantail, a 

 Comet and a Nymph, none over three inches; but these should not be at 

 once put into a newly established aquarium, and only after he is assured 

 that it will support that number in comfort. These are more easily kept 

 than the more delicate fishes of Chinese and Corean origin. 



Cleaning the Aquarium. When and how often it is advisable to 

 clean the aquarium is a matter of individual judgment. Green water, even to 

 the extent of obscuring the contents, is not injurious; the fishes thrive 

 better in it than in limpid water; nor is the residuum on the pebbles harm- 

 ful, if objectionable substances are removed either with the dip — or lifting 

 tube or the lower depths of water siphoned with a small rubber hose, which 

 may be guided to all parts of the tank, removing the heavy vitiated water 

 and most of the sediment. If the fishes continue excessively restless, 

 persist in coming to the surface for air, and still avoid the bottom of the 

 tank, possibly due to overfeeding, the introduction of more tadpoles and 

 snails may be required, but should these measures not affect a remedy, 

 thorough siphoning or cleaning is necessary and must be done at once. 



Diseased Fishes. When a fish becomes diseased, it should be 

 immediately removed and isolated, and, dependent on the nature of the 

 ailment; either the others quarantined, or the tank and contents cleaned 

 and the healthy fishes returned; the latter course especially if the disease 

 can be traced to unsanitary conditions. A clean surface on the pebbles 

 adds to the beauty of the aquarium and also indicates healthful conditions. 



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