DON'TS FOR BEGINNERS 



Don't overfeed ; very many of the ills of aquarium fishes are due to this 



mistaken kindness. 

 Don't leave uneaten food or offal in the aquarium. Use the dipping tube. 

 Don't feed worms without first cleaning them ; they are carriers of both 



parasites and fungus diseases. Scalding them is a good method. 

 Don't overstock the aquarium at any time; until it is fully established 



the one safe rule is not more than one fish for every two or three gal- 

 lons of water; even fewer large fishes. 

 Don't fail to get a large aquarium as soon as you become expert; the larger 



the tank, the surer the results. 

 Don't, as a novice, keep other fishes with the goldfish ; they may not be 



altogether harmless. 

 Don't keep water bugs and beetles in the aquarium with fishes ; they are 



all harmful and predatory. 

 Don't introduce plant-eating snails as scavengers. The Planorbes and 



Vivipara are the best common snails. 

 Don't feel discouraged by occasional reverses ; they happen to every one, 



even to the most experienced aquariists. 

 Don't fail to remember that success with the aquarium depends upon the 



following prime conditions; inattention to any of these, or mistakes 



or neglect, will certainly lead to failure : — 



1. CleanHness of the vessel and all appliances. 



2. A good and strong light. 



3. A vigorous growth of plants. 



4. Careful feeding of the proper food. 

 The immediate removal of sick or doubtful fishes. 

 Ample scavengers. 

 Avoidance of overstocking. 

 Persistence, determination to succeed, and a considerable good 



. fortune. 

 Don't fail to join an Aquarium Society; if none exists, organize one. 

 Don't disregard any of the precepts of this volume; they are based on 



tried experience. 

 Don't fail to frequently review these Don'ts, and confer with authorities if 



in serious difficulties ; the Aquarium Society of Philadelphia will be 



pleased to answer all inquiries. 



These Don'ts apply more particularly to the Freshwater aquarium, 

 but it may be beneficial to keep most of them in mind for the Marine 

 aquarium, Terrarium and Aqua-terrarium as well. 



353 



