228 GOLDFISH VARIETIES AND 
AQUARIUM APPLIANCES 
Nets. The most important device in aquarium work is a net with 
which to catch the fish, yet in most instances it is of faulty construction. 
The scales of a fish are easily knocked off by the hard knots in the coarse 
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Fics. 170 anp 171. Proper Nets ror GOLDFISHES AND YOUNG TROPICALS 
threads composing nets usually sold. This is very bad for the fish. A 
far better material is Brussels netting of a mesh such as is used on 
window curtains—not too fine. 
When fish have to be caught from a globe, a round net is con- 
venient, but for a straight-side aquarium, a square or oblong net is very 
much better. Usually these cannot be purchased, but to make one is a 
simple matter and well repays for the effort. Perhaps the easiest way 
is to purchase a round net, remove netting, bend wires to an oblong form 
and re-cover with Brussels netting. 
Glass Cleaners. The best device for cleaning the inside glass of 
straight aquaria is a safety razor blade secured in a stick and riveted 
through. First rivet or wrap end of stick with fine copper wire to prevent 
Fic. 172. Sarety Razor BLape AQuARIUM GLASS CLEANER 
splitting, place razor blade firmly in iron vise and drive down stick to 
proper point. A blade may be used directly in the hand, but in this case 
it is better to dull one edge first in order to avoid cutting the fingers. 
A dime rubbed flat against the glass will clean it. For cleaning 
globes a piece of thick felt is very good, although any piece of clean 
fabric will do. 
Dip Tube. Sometimes particles of food remain too long after feed- 
ing. Also dirt collects in spots. Such places can easily be cleaned by 
use of a dip tube. Any tube of from one-quarter to three-eighths inch 
