CHAPTER IX.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, a few general remarks may be made, the observance of which will usually ensure success in the formation of an Aquarium. In the first place, if the vessel in which the Aquarium is to be established be home-made, care must be taken not to use any cement that has a disagreeable smell—which would be very soon fatal to creatures accustomed to the pure waters of the ocean. Scott’s cement is said to be better than putty, for fixing in the glass to the columns at the angles.
If cement be used to fix the rock-work of the miniature marine landscape, let it be the best Portland cement, which, when dry, must be soaked by filling the vessel with water, and the water changed several times before the tank will be fit for use.
The best sand for the artificial beach, or bottom, is the Thames’ sand, used by builders; but this must be washed several times, till the water runs off quite clear, before it is fit for use—any other kind of sand, if that cannot be procured, must be submitted to similar washings. Sea-water can be procured by furnishing the steward or captain of any Thames steamer, or the guard of a railway in connection with the coast, with a clean barrel; the charge, in either case, for carriage and trouble, would not exceed two or three shillings.
The artificial salt water has been found sufficient for Zoöphytes, but not for fish and other of the higher class of marine animals, except for a certain given time.
The composition for artificial sea-water is as follows:—
| Common salt | 3-1/2 | oz. |
| Epsom salts | 1/4 | oz. |
| Chloride of magnesium | 200 | grs. } troy. |
| Chloride of potassium | 40 | grs. } |
To these are added four quarts of water, and when the salts are thoroughly dissolved, say on the following day, the liquid must be filtered through a sponge; it is then fit for use.
Care must be taken to observe whether, when the sun shines and the light is bright, the silvery bubbles of oxygen form upon the fronds of the marine vegetation; and if not, it is certain that the marine plants are not in a healthy state, and must be renewed.