Cyprinidae (Egg droppers) *Rasbora.
The above illustration will assist the reader in locating the markings of the fish described in this book.
DORSAL CAUDAL PECTORAL ANAL VENTRAL
PREPARING THE BALANCED AQUARIUM
Much of the future enjoyment of your aquarium will depend upon the care with which it is selected, and its proper location.
The aquarium should be rectangular, and the depth should not exceed its width. The larger the tank the more satisfaction you will receive from it—it is easier to balance, maintains a more uniform temperature, and allows space to add to your collection.
The principles of the balanced aquarium are very simple. Fish breathe oxygen (which they obtain from the water) and exhale carbon dioxide. Thriving plants absorb the carbon from the carbon dioxide and liberate the oxygen. This maintains a high oxygen content in the water necessary to maintain healthy fish. No balanced aquarium can be maintained without scavengers to consume bits of decaying food and plants. Fish, plants and scavengers depend upon each other in the balanced aquarium.
Aquarium should be located where it will receive one or two hours of direct sunshine daily and plenty of strong light all day. When aquarium is located cover bottom with one or two inches of well washed coarse sand. (For practical purposes sand may be considered well washed when water runs clear.) Be sure that aquarium has been carefully washed before introducing sand. Sand and aquarium may be washed in strong solution of rock salt—RINSE THOROUGHLY.
Now fill aquarium about half full of water and set in plants. Be sure that over one half your plants are excellent oxygenators. Vallisneria and Sagittaria should not have crowns buried when planting. Plant tall plants in back or in corners and smaller ones in front. You cannot use too many plants—BUT ONLY GROWING AND HEALTHY PLANTS LIBERATE OXYGEN.