Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1934-12-03

given the tank. This may be done
by lowering the shade, or by placing
some opaque substance along the back,
or window side. Many materials have
been used for this purpose. Card
board Is good, but really cuts of too
much light, for the major plants in
the aquarium need light more than
ever, since the water is now somewhat
Opaque.
Green tissue, either in one Of two
thicknesses, softens the light, permits
enough to help the major paintings
in their photosynthesis, or conversion
of light into the factors Of growth. 1t
cuts down the light enough, however,
to harm the free-living forms Of
algae. If this is coupled with les
sened feelings and some fresh water
added twice a week, there is some
likelihood that in time the unwanted
forms of algae will be starved out.
The curious thing is that once such
q tank begins to clear up, 1t does SO
with q rush, and thereafter Is far
clearer than most tanks which have
never gone through this experience.
Newspapers have large use in the
managing Of home aquarium, eSpe-
cially Of tropical fishes.
Their best use, perhaps, comes in
covering tanks at night.
Twelve to twenty sheets of paper.
placed over the glass cover lid. will
prevent the escape OF much valuable
warmth, owing to the air spaces be-
tween the sheets, as we'll as to the re-
sisting powers Of the paper itself.
In homes where automatic heat is
used, the night temperature being
permitted to 60 down to IS degrees
or less. some such covering Is essen
tial. In addition to newspapers over
the top, they also may be used to
box the aquarium all around, or at
least on the window Side.-
In the homes Of many fish fans"
the fish are put to bed" each night
in this way, much to their continued
comfort and that of their owner like
wise, for he rests comfortably in the
knowledge that his pets are protected
from the sudden drop in temperature
which might end their lives overnight.
Newspapers come in handy also to
set the pail on when water is being
siphoned from the aquarium. Even
the most careful operator Is likely to
spill a little water, which is never
wholesome for rugs or hardwood
floors.
When Il becomes necessary to make
over a tank, pad Of old papers is
the best thing on which to place it,
in order to prevent 1t from marring
the porcelain of the sink.
Several sheets of folded newspaper
are useful for carrying plants which
have been washed, and for holding
them by the aquarium while placing
them in position.
When testing new aquarium. to
see that it does not leak, also to ster-
ilize it, which operations may be car
ried on simultaneously (use salt
solution for this) 1t Is good thing
to first place the tank on several thick
nesses Of newsprint, then If it leaks
there will be telltale traces of mois-
ture, easily seen and their positions
noted
Wads of newsprint paper may be
used for cleaning the inner surfaces
of the glass sides, which should never
be done with anything save water and
salt, but absorbent cotton Is better for
this task.
Paper buckets must not be forgot
ten. These are known to most per-
sons who purchase fishes at the stores,
since very few enthusiasts own in
sulated carrying cases. The buckets
will do very nicely, in the coolest
weather. If wrapped in a protective
covering Of newspapers. completely
covering the box.