Fill tank, pouring water on piece of paper floating on top or into cup submerged in tank to avoid uprooting plants. Allow water to stand 24 hours. Be sure it is the right temperature for fish it will contain. Add snails and scavengers. PROVIDE GLASS COVER as tropicals are noted for their jumping ability. Some type of heater should be provided for the aquarium, in order to maintain a uniform temperature during the winter months.
Fish may now be introduced, care being taken not to place too many fish in a new tank until plants have had sufficient time to multiply. The dissolution of uneaten food, dead snails, plants, etc., frequently produces more food than can be consumed by the plant life present. At this point Algae frequently steps in and the tank becomes green or cloudy and foul smelling.
To avoid this condition, avoid too many fish in aquarium, siphon off dirt on bottom frequently, remove plants that are not thriving, cut down light when thread algae becomes a nuisance.
Water in a balanced aquarium will remain crystal clear for months.
Always keep glass cover on aquarium. It helps maintain a more uniform temperature, and keeps fish from jumping out. It may be raised slightly but this is not necessary.
Always use net in handling fish.
Do not use pebbles in aquarium—food gets into crevices where scavengers cannot reach it—causing water to foul.
Always keep a thermometer in aquarium.
Avoid metals in aquarium. Lead is safe as it does not dissolve.
Rooted plants should not have crowns buried when planting—[Fig. 1].