Evening star., 1936-04-14

who realize their need. CoralS, sea shells
and even some stones give forth lime
and other injurious chemicals.
IL. Select at least two fish foods in
tended for goldfish. Do not use most
tropical fish foods.
IL. Feed once day, and then such a
small amount that the keeper will feel
that he or she is starving the poor crea-
lures. Very small fishin' worms are
excellent.
13. The wholesome thing about fish
keeping is that all biological necessities
in the aquarium become matters for
simple observation, record and discus
sion, without taint of purely human
feelings. There is no false modesty about
a fish, and none in watching them. Thus
observation of the excrement becomes
simply an index as to whether one is
feeding properly. Right feeding is
shown by firm, round and black excre-
ment. Too much food is shown by
thin, white feceS with bubbles in it.
IA. Too much life per amount of water
available is shown by gasping of the
fish at the surface in the morning. 1t
Is normal for them to come to the sur
face in the evening, but not in the
morning. If their mouths are open at
the surface at any time of day, and their
gills. as observed from the rear, widely
open, there are too many fishes in the
tank, or the water is polluted. The latter
may be determined by smell or appear
ance The chances are that there are
too many animals present Their num-
ber should be reduced or more aquarium
space purchased.
Is. The nearer the temperature of their
water can be kept between go and 10
degrees, the better, but even cool loca-
tions in Summer will go higher. This
is met mostly by keeping the number
of fish down to minimum.
One ought to know the exact amount
of water in the tank, after sand and
plants are in, and also the total number
of inches of fish life. Theoretically,
goldfshes ought to have at least "a
square inches of water surface per inch
of fish, but a better and more practical
guide is a gallon of water per inch.
l6 If these creatures are given enough
water per fish, they will be healthier
and livelier, and thus present hap
pier aquatic picture. But this is not all.
The fewer animals, the less chance OF
water contamination, the clearer the ele-
ment in which they swim, and usually a
far finer aquarium in every way, eSpe-
cially as to appearance. Its care, too,
will be considerably less.
IT, The aquarium preferably should
be located in a place away from a
radiator, where it will get good strong
light. but not over an hours direct sun
shine If there is more sun, the tank
should be shaded from the direct rays
until it goes around.
18 Every goldfish aquarium, as every
exotic aquarium, should be covered with
a sheet Of glass, resting on felt pads at
each corner. The old idea that this cuts
off air is untrue. Over the goldfish
tank, it permits the raising OF the water
level to within half an inch of the rim,
giving more water, but preventing the
animals from leaping out.
49, Brown algae on the inner glass
means too little light. Pea-soupy water
means too much food and too much light.
Cut down on both. Pleasant green algae
on the inner surface of the glass is de-
sirable, and should not be removed ex-
cept on the front panel.
20. A most important rule is this:
Feel sure that fish keeping is not Just
child's play, but rather test OF intelll-
gence and willingness to learn. And
so determine to observe closely. The
above rules are the result of such de-
termination and observation. They are
not arbitrary, but are based on time and
experience. May fish profit from them!