Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1875-04-28
system it has been done in twenty eight
hnura
Acaunrium and Flower Stand.

fine sand, on the top of which put an
equal quantity of fine gravel; over this
gravel sprinkle small ornamental stones.
shells, coral, ETC. Everything put into
the tank must be thoroughly washed.
Next put into position an ornamental
central piece of coral, stone, or any
thing out of which you can construct an
arch through which the fish can readily
swim. Now fill the tank one-third full
with pure cold water from the lake.
river or we'll.
The best aquatic plant for mrating
the water in the aquarium is Anacharis
Cansdensis, found growing under water
on the bottom of nearly all sluggish
streams and ponds. The Valisneria
Spiralis (ell- grass is the next best,
after which comes the Myriapbyllum
Verticellatum. There is species of
Conferva found in rapid streams, at
tached to stones, that is an excellent
@rator, valuable especially during the
winter when other plants do not flour
ish. If you get the Anarchis, remove
all decayed stems and leaves, wash
clean, and arrange in packets of ten to
fifteen. Make hole in the sand. in
sert the butt end of the plants, and Sc
cure in this position by pressing small
stones about them. Insert in this way
about six to eight lunches, and be care
full to make them secure at the bottom.
Roots are not necessary, AS the cuttings
will soon send out fine, white rootlets.
Now you are ready to fill UP the tank
with water to within one and a half
inches of the top. Wait two or three
days before introducing the fish, that
the plants may have time to commence
growing.
Almost any small species of fish
thrive in the aquarium, but we think
the best for the purpose are the red
bellied minnows and sticklebacks, all
found in small streams. Select small
fish; from four to eight for tank hold
ing from eight to twelve gallons. Such
a tank will support four smal ones bet
ter than one larger. Introdue also ten
or twelve water snails. The Lynan1
are the best; yet the Planor6iS and the
Physa are interesting. Better, how
ever, get few of every kind you can
find IN the ponds and stagnaat pools in
your vicinity. They feed on the softest
parts of Aquatic plants, and do not ex-
haust the oxygen mixed with the water,
for they are ar-breathing, and have to
come to the surface to take in supply
of air to be used while they go about
cleansing the plants and glass of the
tank with their curiously constructed
jaws.
The best food for the fish is angle
worms and flies in summer, and fine bits
of fresh raw meat in winter. Never give
the fish more than they can eat at any
one time, for whatever is left will injure
the water.
The best place for the aquarium is
where it will be exposed to the sun at
least one hour each day, in order that
the plants may exhale oxygen, which
can only take place under the stimulus
of light. Too much light, however, is
to be avoided, as the fish do not thrive
when exposed to the sun, and the glass
will be soiled by conferv;e, a green
vegetable matter. In summer an out
door position is best, if there be suffi-
cient shade. It is well to cover the
aquarium, both for the shade and to
keep the fish from leaping out of the
tank.
If we'll balanced with plants, fish, and
shells, the water will remain sweet for
an indefinite time. We have an aqua
rum that has been in service for the
last twelve years, and which does not
require change of water oftener than
once Or twice year, and then only to
renew the sand, which becomes tiled
with excrementitious matter.
A well-ragu]ated aquarium is beau
tiful ornament for the home, and one
which is perpetual source OF amuse-
ment and instruction. It has the pecu-
liar advantage of making us acquainted
with forms and habits of animated
existence which are commonly hid from
our inspection. Thus, its influence upon
the family circle is wholesome and ele-
waiting. tending constantly to awaken in
all the members, both young and old,
an increased love for the contemplation
Of the wondrous skill and wisdom of the
Great Creator.
If lizards, frogs or other amphibious
animals are introduced, they should be
provided with some surface above the
water to climb upon. The rocks may
be built above the water, or piece of
fiat cork may be allowed to float upon
it, where the animal will climb and
produce no small amount of amusement
and instruction.
Gold fish may be kept ten Or twelve
years (the average period Of their exis-
tence), by using the following precau-
tons:
l. Allow not more than one fish to
two quarts Of water.
2. Use the same kind of water,
whether well or river; change it every
other day in summer and twice each
week In winter.
B. Keep clean sand and pebbles at
the bottom, washing it occasionally or
replacing with fresh supply.
4. Use a small net rather than the
hand while changing the water.
5. Feed with cracker, yolk of egg,
lettuce or flies, one each week, except
IN cold weather. Feed but little at
time. Remove any crumbs that may
remain on the surface after FEEDING.