AQUARIUM CONSTRUCTION, TOOLS AND APPLIANCES 



and a larger absorption by the water. A generally used device is the rub- 

 ber florist's aspirator. 



Constant Level Siphon. Aquaria having a constant water supply 

 or tanks in the open air sometimes require means of keeping the water at 

 a fixed level. For this purpose the constant level siphon is best adapted, 

 which consists of a metal or glass tube bent into the form of an irregular S 

 with the inlet leg the longer; then bent at right angle and downward to 

 carry it over the side, and the upper part bent upwards so that the outlet 

 is at the desired water level. Once filled with water it will be in constant 

 operation by capillary attraction. A funnel and tube may be arranged 

 to carry oflfthe overflow water, when necessary. 



The Strainer. The ordinary household strainer will be found 

 convenient to gather floating particles from the surface of the water. A 

 tea sieve is of convenient size for the aquarium. 



The Polisher. The best form of polisher to remove algag , from 

 the glass sides of aquaria may be made of a felt jeweler's buff^ attached to 

 a rod, the centre holding pin sunk into the felt to prevent scratching the 

 glass. Brushes, wood blocks covered with several thicknesses of canton 

 flannel or other materials have been tried but are not as good. Polishers 

 are not intended for use when the algae are thick, as then only the hand, 

 a piece of soft cloth and a little table salt will properly clean the glass. 



The Scoop or Dredge. A metal scoop on a rod is handy in many 

 ways. With it the pebbles may be moved and shifted or put into the 

 aquarium at the exactly desired locality. Any form having a straight front 

 edge will serve this purpose. 



The Magnifying Glass. A good reading glass is a useful adjunct, 

 as by its use objects in the aquarium will be enlarged and a clear observa- 

 tion of the contents obtained. 



Aquarium Stands. Stands may be constructed of a variety of 

 materials. Tables of wood with shelves for smaller aquaria and brackets 

 for flowering plants are quite general, and may be inexpensively constructed. 

 An iron stand of ^ inch gas pipe with iron fittings, either painted the 

 color of the aquarium frame or with any desired color of bronze powder, 

 makes a clean, neat and inexpensive support. Window brackets, secured 

 at different heights to the trim of the window, have been shown in illus- 

 trations and are intended for one-piece glass or other small aquaria. If 

 taste is displayed in their arrangement and of the contained plants, a very 

 pretty effect may be. produced. Shelving across the upper sash for placing 

 a row of battery-jar aquaria would also be a pleasing arrangement. 



A picturesque aquarium stand for the porch or garden may be made 

 of a portion of the gnarled trunk of a tree, the main stem furnished with 



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