Your rubber end pieces will need to be securely replaced on the ends of your air stone so the air is forced to go through the stone, instead of the ends of the tube, when it is reinstalled. Gently squeeze the silicone to get 2-3 tiny beads onto the edge of your air stone tube where a rubber piece was attached. Obtain some silicone from your local hardware store. When you do this, some silicone will squeeze out of the sides; use a damp, clean cloth to wipe this extra silicone off the sides of the tube. Allow the silicone to dry for the amount of time listed on the silicone package instructions. Repeat these previous steps for the other side and any other tubes. Reconnect your air stone to all its tubing in the same way that you did when you originally installed it. Place your air stone back into the tank and cover it with gravel using your hands or a long fish net. When everything is back in place, plug in and turn on your air filtration and air stone devices. A clean air stone releases tiny bubbles from its entire length. A dirty air stone will start to release larger bubbles just from the ends of the stone. In 2-3 months you may start to notice a difference in the quality of bubbles coming from your air stone. For best results, clean your entire aquarium at the same time that you clean your air stones.
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One-sentence summary -- Place small silicone beads on the edge of the air stone tube. Place the rubber end piece back on the tube and wipe it clean. Reinstall the air stone back into your tank. Check your air stone for dirt in 2-3 months.

Cover the cage with a light blanket that still lets in light. Your guinea pig will feel safer and more secure. After that, you can move on to introducing yourself. Don't grab your guinea pig out of the cage the first day you take the cover off. Instead, take a few days to let her get to know you. Put your hand in the cage, and let her smell you. Softly stroke your animal so she learns to trust you. If you're worried about your clothes, have a towel available to put under the guinea pig while holding her. Your guinea pig may not go to the bathroom while on you, but you should be prepared. If you're nervous, your guinea pig will pick up on it. Make sure you are calm and collected before you try to hold your guinea pig. Take a moment to take a few calming breaths before approaching the cage. Also, keep the environment calm. You should limit loud noises and sudden movements while your guinea pig is out. You don't want to startle her. For instance, turn off the television and the radio. Turn off your phone so it doesn't go off while you have her out. To catch your guinea pig, you need to gently trap her in the cage. One easy way to catch her is to trap her in one of the cage's pipes, if yours has pipes, and then pull her out. Put your hand out to encourage the guinea pig into the pipe, making sure to block the other side. If your cage doesn't have pipes, try guiding your guinea pig into her house, and then lifting one edge to pick up the guinea pig. If your guinea pig seems very upset or tries to bite you, you should wait until another day to try picking your guinea pig up. Using one hand, slide it under the belly of your guinea pig. Gently start lifting her. Put a finger around the front of one of the guinea pig's legs. That hold will help keep her in your hands. Your guinea pig will feel more secure if you use both hands to pick her up. She may feel like she's falling if you only pick her up with one hand. Use your second hand to support the guinea pig's back end. Make sure you have a solid grip on your guinea pig. Otherwise, she may jump from your hands. However, don't squeeze too hard, as you can hurt your guinea pig. Though you can move around while holding your guinea pig, it's best to sit down while holding her. That way, she won't be confused by your movement, and you're less likely to drop her.
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One-sentence summary -- Leave your guinea pig completely alone for the first day or two. Let the guinea pig get used to you. Have a towel ready for poop and pee. Be calm. Use the cage to your advantage. Slip one hand under the guinea pig. Pick the guinea pig up with two hands. Be firm but gentle.

You shouldn't argue with your parents every time you disagree with them, if only because this strategy will make it harder for you to win when the argument is about something that is really important to you. Weigh the benefits versus the costs. If the topic of the argument is significant to you, it might be worth the effort and the possible consequences of engaging in an argument with your parents. However, if there are minimal worthwhile results, it might be best to let this one go. For example, if your mom hates it when you play your music loudly, the only real benefit of having an argument about this is that you might get to play your music at a louder volume, and maybe only for a short period of time. It will also be perpetuating a behavior that your mom doesn't like and will lead to more arguments in the future. But if your parents have a problem with your significant other and they don't like you spending time with him/her, this might be an instance in which planning an argument is worth it because there are more possible benefits on the line for you. Causing a scene in public will only embarrass your parents and make them less likely to hear what you have to say. Make sure that your argument takes place at home or in a private space so that they are comfortable having the conversation with you. If you start an argument with your parents in public, they will view it as a very immature thing to do and it will not be a good way to begin the argument. Some people get embarrassed when they think others know their business or are listening to them talk. This is not a good way get your parents to hear you out. Give your parents the courtesy of conducting your argument in private. They will probably not listen to you if they are upset. People are more likely to hear what you say to them and really consider your opinions when they are in a good mood. If you start an argument with your parents when they are already upset, they will probably brush you off or respond even more negatively. Give yourself the best possible chance by starting your argument when your parents will be receptive to what you have to say. You might even try putting them in a good mood by doing things you know will make them happy like cleaning your room, doing your homework, or spending time with them. Of course, don't immediately bring up the argument after trying to get your parents in a good mood. That will be too obvious and they will think you only did the nice things for selfish reasons to get something that you want. Before you begin an argument, make sure that you have fully considered the entire situation. Try to think about it from your parents' point of view so that you can predict what they will say in the argument. That way, you can prepare your side of the argument, but you can also think objectively about your position. This can also help you see if you are being unreasonable. Try thinking about how you would feel if someone was treating you the way you are treating your parents. There are always two sides to every story and a good arguer knows that they need to consider both sides.
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One-sentence summary --
Pick your battles. Keep the argument private. Choose a moment when your parents are in a good mood. Put yourself in your parents' shoes.