Evening star., 1934-02-26
THIS AND THAT
BY CHARLES E. TRACEWELL.

out that experts" have said that
these fishes "standardize" themselves
at nine per gallon and half of water,
we reply that such a statement is, in
popular lingo, all wet.
We know where there are two four
gallon tanks, each containing more
than hundred guppies. One holds,
in addition. three small catfish, three
Priscilla riddlei, four Medaka
The second tank, in addition to its
hundred or more guppieS, holds five
mosquito fish and about 40 snails.
Each tank is in perfect condition,
else this population could not possibly
maintain itself. The water is clear
and odorless, the plans are luxuriant,
the fishes well and happy.
All OF these guppies sprang from
six, which were brought home in No.
vember, 1882, in tiny glass bowl.
| In addition, about one hundred
have been given away to friends.
| OF all these guppies, only two have
died, both males, seemingly in their
prime, and bearing no signs what
ever OF illness. IT is probable that
both died from injuries sustained in
fighting. Although they are more
Don Juans than warriors, they do
occasionally indulge in fnnicuds
| y X y y
The facts above are instanced 10
give an idea of what may be done
| with guppies under good conditions.
but possible to any one who will take
the trouble 10 study these little crea.
lures. and at the same time not lean
too heavily on authority. Authority
| is all right, in its way, but often 1t
takes too much for granted Especially
In hobbies must the lobbyist beware
OF accepting "facts" from big names ~
They mean well, but they are at sea
sometimes, the same as the rest of
us; the trouble with an authority is
that he will never admit he is wrong,
A happy guppy community, suci:
as described above, is about the pref
tiest picture in aquarium fishdom.
There are brighter spectacles, perhaps
one which will make your eyes pop
out, by reason of the very novelty of
them, If you have not seen them be-
fore, but for sheer downright pleasure
there Is no aquarium which can touch
the all-guppy tank
There are three secrets to this sort
OF happy community-four, indeed-as
follows:
l. Healthy fish to begin with.
2. Location.
8. Proper feeding and planting.
4. Temperature.
In making the following remarks
we know we'll that guppies can be
kept under the most adverse and di-
verse conditions, and that many have
had fine tanks without following our
rules. Nevertheless, we feel that the
last three above (the first may be &C
ceptedD, if properly handled, will re-
suit in happy tank and pleasure to
its owner.
Location means plenty of light
| with some sun on the tank, If possible
| Northern exposure is not good for
guppies.
Proper feeding means twice a day
but each time putting Just enough
food In, preferably of small size. SC
that the creatures will like to 20 down
to the sand and pick up all that falls
II such proper feeding Is carried out
there is absolutely no need for the
so-called scavengers of whatever type
In the tanks mentioned, the scaven-
gers are hindrances, rather than aids
Proper planting means anacharis,
and plenty Of it. so that the babies
can have chance.
Temperature. IA to 78. Guppies can
be kept far lower, but never as good
Don't be guppy! Bosh! A guppy
Is the very fish to be, at least to have