A Balanced Aquarium is Well Planted 
A "balanced aquarium” is one in which the air surface of 
the water supplemented by the oxygen given off from the 
plants, provides sufficient oxygen in the water to support the 
life of the fish in the aquarium. The plants in giving off this 
life giving and water purifying oxygen, absorb harmful gases 
and carbon dioxide from the fish. It is the plants that keep the 
water fresh and clear, eliminating the necessity of changing 
the water in the aquarium. 
Aquatic plants are the most important of the aquarium equip- 
ment and more than half the beauty. The natural beauty of 
aquatic plants serves as a pleasing background to enhance the 
exotic color of your fish. 
Aquatic Plants need to be planted in ‘well-washed” aquar- 
ium gravel only; no soil is necessary. Gravel should be placed 
in the aquarium 24% to 3 inches deep in the back, sloped to 
2 inches deep in the front. Planting is done with the aquarium 
at least two thirds full of water. The roots of the plant should 
be gently pushed into the gravel and covered up to the crown, 
leaving the crown exposed. The arrangement of the plants in 
the aquarium is a matter of taste. Generally the taller plants are 
placed in the back with the smaller and more showy specimens 
towards the front. Plants require 8 to 10 hours of good light 
each day; they will grow equally well in sunlight or artificial 
light provided by an aquarium reflector. 
CRYPTOCORYNE—The plants in this group are particuarly 
well suited to aquariums that receive subdued light. In our 
opinion they are to be considered with the most beautiful of 
the aquatic plants. All are strong rooted and hardy, distinctive- 
ly different in color and shape. 
101 CRYPTOCORYNE CORDATA—Broad heavy leaves, dark 
olive green, red underneath. 35c each; Large 75c¢ 
102 CRYPTOCORYNE BECKETTI—Dwarf variety—bright green 
leaves, long roots, an ideal plant for small aquariums. 
25c each; Large 50c 
103 CRYPTOCORYNE GRIFFITHI—The most beautiful of the 
Cryptocorynes—Broad dark silken green leaves, red under- 
neath. Long stemmed and rooted—very hardy. 
Med. 75c¢ each; Large $1.50 
104 CRYPTOCORYNE WILLISI—A decorative plant which is 
out of the ordinary. Thin, ripple edged green leaves. Propo- 
gates from short runners. 35c¢ each; Large 50c 
105 BROAD LEAF WATER SPRITE—Broad fern like fronds that 
spread fan-like under water. New plants reproduced from the 
leaves. Light green in color Small plant 25¢e; Large 50c 
106 NARROW LEAF WATER SPRITE—Same as broad leaf 
sprite—only finer leaves, more delicate in texture, does not 
grow as large. Small 25c; Large 50c 
107 PIGMY CHAIN SWORD PLANT—Echinodorus Species. A 
dwarf replica of the Amazon Sword Plant. Grows to height of 
4 to 5 inches. 25c¢ each 
108 AMAZON SWORD PLANT—A truly gorgeous aquatic 
plant! Large bright green leaves, varying in shade, depending 
on the amount of light received. Excellent as a center plant, 
grows large, longlived and hardy. 
Small 75¢e; Med. $1.50; Large $2.50 
109 JUNIOR AMAZON SWORD PLANT—Another smaller grow- 
ing center plant for smail aquariums. Narrow bright green 
leaves, grows to 8 inches. New plants reproduced by runners. 
20c each 
110 ROUND LEAF SPATTERDOCK—Delicate light green 
rounded leaves, low growing, requires good light. 25¢ each 
111 SOUTHERN SPATTERDOCK (Cape Fear Spatterdock)—-Long 
leaves, crinkled translucent green. An excellent center plant. 
25c each 
112 APONOGETON UNDULATUM (A. Crispus)—A magnificent 
aquarium plant! Leaves are somewhat translucent, resembling 
rippled green swords. Grows large, requires good light. 
Med. 75c; Large $1.50 
113 APONOGETON ULVACEUS—The most magnificent of all 
center plants. Semi-translucent latticed leaves of beautiful 
green. Comes from Madagascar, has wonderful growing quali- 
ties. Reproduced from seed or root separation. 
Med. $2.50 each; Large $3.50 each 
114 APONOGETON DYSTACH GRANDIFLORA—A very close 
resemblance to Ulvaceus—except that taller plants produce 
flat leaves that float on the surface of the water. 
Medium 50c; Large $1.00 
