THE FRESHWATER AQUARIUM AND ITS MAINTENANCE 



It is a grave mistake to immediately introduce recently acquired fishes into 

 an established aquarium. They should be kept for some time under 

 observation and only introduced when full assurance has been reached that 

 they are free of contamination. Aquatic plants should also be placed in 

 water containing a tablespoonful of Phenol Sodique to the quart of water 

 several hours before being placed into an aquarium; then rinsed in clean 

 water, carefully examined, all decayed parts removed and the leaves cleared 

 of dirt, algae and confervae, as serious ailments to the fishes are often pro- 

 duced by inattention to these particulars. 



Restlessness. When the supply of oxygen is insufficient, the fishes 

 come to the surface gasping for air. Relief may be given them by dipping 

 and pouring back some of the water and by increasing the number of 

 plants, selecting the best oxygenators; but If these measures do not improve 

 their comfort some of the water should be siphoned from the bottom, 

 refilling with fresh aerated water, poured a number of times from one 

 vessel to another, or introduced into the aquarium in a fine spray. While 

 the aquarium should be cleaned when the fishes persist in coming to the 

 surface, this should not always be taken as an indication of unsanitary con- 

 ditions, as they have the habit of doing this at daybreak and in the evening. 

 The gasping of the fishes on the surface Is to take in air with the water, 

 to cause Its partial absorption in the mouth before passing the water into 

 the gills. 



Excessive restlessness may also be due to a variety of causes; in- 

 sufficient oxygen, the accumulation of objectionable gases in the water, im- 

 purity of the water Itself, and the presence of parasites and fungi, too small 

 to be seen. These will be treated of under ailments and remedies. 



Changes from colder to warmer weather also unfavorably affect the 

 fishes as a portion of the suspended air is thereby expelled from the water; 

 and cloudy weather has some effect, as the plants will not liberate as much 

 oxygen when they lack the stimulus of strong sunlight. 



It is not advisable to put Ice Into the aquarium to furnish oxygen or 

 to cool the water; fishes are just as liable to pneumonia as other animals; 

 this being the ailment that kills many of them when transferred from 

 aquaria to tanks in the open air too early in the Spring. 



Effect of Gases, Fumes and Odors. Authorities on the sub- 

 ject of goldfish culture disagree as to the Injurious effects of Illuminating, 

 and coal gases, tobacco smoke, and the dust borne by the wind or raised 

 by sweeping. Water readily absorbs fumes and odors, and if these are 

 excessive, they cannot be otherwise than injurious, though with care and 

 forethought no further precautions need be taken. The hands should not 



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