Q: Before you start the detailed work of copy editing, familiarize yourself with the content, tone, and formatting of the entire text. This will help satisfy your curiosity as to what the text is about, and will familiarize you with the author's writing ability and style. Make sure that you understand the goal or objective of the piece as well. If you're editing a long text (say, over 30 pages), you may need to skim a chapter or section at a time. If you're copy editing your own text, you can probably skip this step. Spelling errors crop up in every text, and it's mostly up to copy editors to catch and correct them. Also, correct words that, while not misspelled, are incorrectly used. For example, if an author meant to write "thorough" but instead wrote "through," change the incorrect word. If you're editing with a word processing software, it will catch many errors for you. Keep your eyes open for spelling mistakes still, though, since digital spell checkers aren't perfect and can't edit based on context. As you edit the copy, make sure that it follows correct grammar rules. Correct any ambiguous or incorrect grammar. While an author may perceive these edits as superficial, correct grammar is integral to the meaning and structure of good copy. If you're unsure if a specific instance of grammar is correct or not, consult your style guide. Grammar errors that you should spot and correct include: Subject-verb disagreement. Dangling or misplaced modifiers. Inconsistencies in verb tense. You'll need to refer to a style guide or grammar manual, which explains correct punctuation usage and rules. Edit the text so that all punctuation adds to the clarity and readability of the copy. An important part of this step is to make sure that authors use commas correctly. For example, an inexperienced author may place a period or comma outside of quotation marks. Fix any misused em- or en-dashes, or hyphens. Authors who are deeply entrenched in their fields often forget that lay readers will be unfamiliar with many common abbreviations and acronyms. This is especially prevalent in scientific or technical writing. Catch these missing definitions and insert them. Acronyms should be defined at the first usage. For example, USGS should be defined as or "the U.S. Geological Survey." Units of measure should also be define. For example, if you're editing a paper on hydrology, "ppm" should be defined as "parts per million" when first used. Common measurements like "cm" may not need to be defined. Consult your style guide to find out.
A: Skim the entire copy before you begin editing. Correct spelling mistakes and word usage. Correct grammar errors. Search for and fix any errors in punctuation. Make sure that all abbreviations are defined.

Q: These snap over the brick without the use of nails. However, the brick and clamp must be a very similar height to make a good fit. This may not work well if the recess above the brick leaves less than 1/8 inch (3.18 mm) depth of the brick's upper surface exposed, or if it forms a curved surface due to a concave masonry joint. As long as the masonry is not too old and soft, you can replace nails with screws for more secure anchoring: Choose screws at least twice as long as the thickness of the lumber you are attaching. Select a masonry drill bit with a diameter equal to the screw's shaft's, not including the threads. Drill through the lumber and into the masonry. Insert and tighten the screw until firm. Avoid over-tightening. There are many epoxies, mastics, and contact cements that can bond to brick. Check the manufacturer's instructions before buying to find a product that works with the material you plan to attach, and that can withstand the expected temperature, weight, and weather exposure. This approach may work well for light loads on soft brick surfaces, which are difficult to drill or nail without crumbling. This tool drives hardened steel pins into the masonry using a gunpowder charge. It is rarely used for home projects, since lack of training or the wrong model could lead to shattered brick or injury. If you have some construction experience and have a large project to complete, this could save you a lot of time. Do not use a powder-actuated tool on hollow brick.
A: Hang pictures from hole-free brick clamps. Install masonry screws. Use an adhesive substance. Complete professional jobs with a powder-actuated tool.

Q: Algae thrive when water contains high levels of phosphate and nitrate. Though municipal tap water is safe for consumption and generally low in phosphates and nitrates, there is always a chance that your water source is adding these algae-friendly nutrients to the tank every time you change the water. The best way to ensure that you're adding quality water to your tank is to test your tap water with a home testing kit. Tap water should ideally be at 0 parts per million (ppm) when you test for nitrates and phosphates. If your tap water tests higher than 0 ppm, you'll need to filter your water before adding it to the tank. You can purchase a water quality testing kit and a water filter at many pet stores or through an online retailer. Protein skimmers will help remove organic material like waste and excess nutrients from the water in your tank. That way, if you accidentally overfeed your fish or if fish waste accumulates in the tank, you'll still be able to keep the water relatively clean. A proper protein skimmer should run continuously 24 hours a day. You can discontinue or decrease use of the protein skimmer once your aquarium is free of algae. The filter on your home aquarium can easily build up organic wastes and nutrients. Even though the filter removes these elements from the water, a dirty filter will eventually start to leak those algae-friendly additives back into the tank. To combat this, the filter media should be changed every month. You should also rinse off the filter media every time you perform a partial water change to ensure that the nutrients and detritus do not build up inside the filter.
A:
Test your tap water. Install a protein skimmer in your tank. Change your filter media on a monthly basis.