AQUARIUM CONSTRUCTION, TOOLS AND APPLIANCES 



square aquarium may be adapted, but at a window with front light, the 

 proportion should approximate a double cube, the length twice the breadth; 

 but in either form the depth of the water should not be over 20 inches. 



Aquarium Bases. A variety of materials may be utilized in the 

 construction of a base or bottom for an aquarium. Heavy white pine, 

 cross-battened on the under side and covered with zinc or glass; a plate 

 of thick glass inclosed in a strong wooden or other frame, or slabs of 

 marble or slate are all practicable; but wood will prove unsatisfactory for 

 aquaria exposed to the weather. Slate is the best material and may be 

 had of dealers in the desired sizes and thicknesses, with the edges either 

 polished or marbleized. Slate bases one inch thick weigh 14 pounds per 

 square foot. The required thicknesses are: 



For aquaria to 15 gallons, not less than ^ inch thick. 

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Aquaria with cast iron bases and frames may be obtained but should 

 be thoroughly protected from rust on the surfaces in contact with the 

 water by asphaltum varnish or other protecting covering. 



Aquarium Frames. Wooden frames may serve for small aquaria, 

 but are not satisfactory. Contact with the water will cause warping and leaks. 

 Zinc frames are too weak for aquaria of larger size. Angle brass frames 

 are largely used and make handsome aquaria, either polished and lacquered 

 or nickel-plated. For very large aquaria the angles, as rolled, are weak 

 and should be reinforced by soft-soldering two together, as otherwise the 

 resistance to the water pressure will depend too much on the strength of 

 the glass plates. Angle iron is the most satisfactory for all sizes and may 

 be obtained in different widths and thicknesses. The proper sizes and 

 weights are: 

 For aquaria to 15 gallons, ^ to ^ inch, weighing .56 pounds per foot. 



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Aquarium Glass. Double-thick window glass may be used for 

 aquaria under 20 gallons, or for the narrower sides of those under 30 

 gallons capacity; but its composition is such that its power of expansion 

 and contraction is slight and it is liable to fracture from slight strains. 

 Double-thick Crown or German-flint glass is preferable, and better resists 

 pressure and danger from accidents. Plate glass is best for all aquaria, 

 and may be had in two or more thicknesses, y^ inch for aquaria under 60 



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