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To maintain tropical fish in the conditions to which they’re accustomed, it’s essential to maintain the temperature of the water at an average of 70° to 75°F. You will find numerous methods of doing this according to the facilities at the disposal of the tropical fish lovers.

Whatever technique of heating is utilized, its purpose would be to maintain a reasonably constant temperature range similar to the requirement of the fish.

It should be realized that the temperature of the water in an aquarium isn’t the exact same throughout; this is simply because heat rises. The lower regions of the tank will probably be cooler than just below the surface, fairly a couple of degrees cooler in reality. Fish in natural waters are also subjected to these conditions; as a result it’s not unnatural to them. To obtain average temperature readings, the thermometer bulb should be positioned midway between the surface and also the bottom.

The majority of thermometers are calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit, and all references in this website are to this scale, but should you wish to convert to degrees Centigrade the following formulae could be utilized:

(Deg. C x 9/5) + 32 =Deg. Fahrenheit
(Deg. F – 32) x 5/9 =Deg. Centigrade

There are three methods of heating an aquarium tank which are as follows:

1. Electrical heating of aquarium
2. Oil heating of aquarium
3. Gas heating of aquarium

Leaks are a nuisance, but it’s not usually essential to empty the tank to do a repair. The tank should be given a chance to correct its own leak. It’ll frequently do this supplied the seepage isn’t too quick. A leak rights itself when the suspended matter in the water clogs the fault via which the water is leaking. This procedure might take up to a week. To stop a pool of water forming on the floor, attach a strip of newspaper to the underside of the tank just below the leak, this will absorb most of the water prior to it reaches the floor. When the paper becomes perfectly dry the leak is cured. If, nevertheless, it doesn’t stop within a week, the cement should be scraped out between the glass and also the frame to a depth of approximately 0.25 in., a hack saw blade broken in half offers a handy tool for this purpose. If bent back upon itself, the broken edge will have a slight curve which will act as a scoop. Remove the old cement about 1.5 in. to every side of the seepage. Next, thoroughly mix red lead with gold-size to a sticky paste. This should be forced down into the crevice with a hack saw blade, or any comparable flat tool. When the paste is set, touch it up with paint to match the existing colour.

A truly poor leak demands attention from the inside. The aquarium should be emptied and left to dry for a minimum of a week to make certain removal of all of the moisture in the cracks, then prop the tank at an angle of about 30° and run gold-size down the inside corners. Little fountain pen filler could be utilized to apply the gold-size. Don’t attempt to use the tank until a minimum of a week after this treatment. A more convenient technique would be to use a proprietary sealing compound, supplied generally in a tube with a nozzle to make the application simpler. Should you prefer this technique, make certain that you use a sealer specially made for aquarium use. General kind sealers might contain toxic chemicals which are harmful to the fish.

A cracked piece of glass can’t be successfully repaired, the entire pane should be carefully knocked out, old cement removed, along with a new piece of glass inserted.

A spare aquarium should usually be component of the aquarist’s equipment. I know it’s a fantastic temptation to use it on one pretext or another, but I advice you to keep it empty of fish to ensure that in the event of an accident it’s ready for immediate use.

There is a correct and incorrect method to fill an aquarium.

Initially make certain that your tank is perfectly flat and doesn’t stand on two corners only. If it’s unevenly balanced, the bottom should be packed with little pieces of aluminium or any metal. Cardboard or wood should not be utilized as the thickness varies with temperature and dampness, and puts an uneven strain on the tank, which will eventually trigger a leak or crack the glass.

To fill your aquarium, place a sheet of newspaper on the sand, which has been placed on the bottom of the tank, and pour water gently on to it. The paper will rise with the water level, and stop a direct stream of water disturbing the sand. A saucer laid on the sand is another technique. Water-can with a sprinkler rose offers a great technique of filling gently. Don’t at any time use hot water as it softens the cement.

Aquarium must be over 2 ft in length should be filled gradually to permit the glass and frame to settle and for this reason I advise you to half fill your tank within the morning and finish the job within the evening. It’s nearly usually greatest to use old seasoned water. The water should be drawn from the tap and left for a couple of days to age. It can, needless to say, be left within the aquarium to season, providing no fish or plants are introduced.

Aquarium cements must have 3 qualities – water resistance, adhesiveness, and elasticity, the latter to permit for the slight movement of the glass and frame because of their various coefficients of expansion. Don’t use tough cement, simply because it’s nearly impossible to remove, and this will make repairs extremely challenging.

A great high quality cement ready for use instantly is now obtainable in tubes and tins. This will, of course, save a fair quantity of time and trouble in mixing your own.

The very best high quality linseed putty is most likely the easiest to use. It ought to be well worked with the hands until fairly soft, and then liberally pressed into the frame with the fingers, taking particular care to fill the corners.

A slightly much better cement could be made in the event you mix two parts red lead, two parts white lead, and one component putty thoroughly, utilizing a little quantity of gold-size to unite the entire mass. To mix the leads with the putty use a board to lay them on, and maintain kneading the mixture with a broad putty knife.

Another easy cement is made from equal parts of white lead ground in oil and whiting. The lead and whiting are mixed together with the boiled linseed oil until it reaches the consistency of dough. This mass ought to then be hung in a muslin bag, a lot within the exact same manner as when making cream cheese, and left overnight to set. The next day it ought to be kneaded once more prior to utilizing. This particular cement has the virtue of remaining soft and in great condition for a considerable time if kept in an airtight tin, and offers a handy standby in an emergency. The more it’s kneaded, the softer it becomes.

If it is essential to make fast drying cement, the following formula could be utilized:

Whiting – 16 parts
Litharge – 4 parts
Powdered red lead – 2 parts
Powdered resin – 2 parts

The ingredients ought to be mixed together with a great high quality varnish to the consistency of a stiff dough. If big areas are to be covered, don’t make a big quantity at one time, but make it in little batches as needed to stop the unused cement becoming too tough to work.

Cement containing plaster of Paris ought to be avoided as it tends to dry rather brittle.