(Get this book.
`,y
`~a.,raaen, Natonat Fish conservano
`Your fish will thank you! one"" "
`
`Tennant Company
`Exhibit 1014
`
`Exhibit 1014_0001
`
`

`

`TM
`References for the
`Rest of ts!
`
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`BOOK SERIES
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`Exhibit 1014_0002
`
`

`

`AQUARIIS
`
`DUMMIES
`
`by Maddy Hargrove
`and
`Mic Hargrove
`
`®
`
`IDG
`BOOKS
`
`WORLDWIDE
`
`IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.
`An International Data Group Company
`
`Foster City, CA ¢ Chicago, IL ¢ Indianapolis, IN ¢ New York, NY
`
`Exhibit 1014_0003
`
`

`

`Aquariums For Dummies®
`Published by
`IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.
`An International Data Group Company
`919 E. Hillsdale Blvd.
`Suite 400
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`
`IDG
`BOOKS
`
`WORLDWIDE
`
`Exhibit 1014_0004
`
`

`

`Chapter 1
`The Practice of Aquarium Keeping
`•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
`ln This Chapter
`► Discovering the joys of fishkeeping
`► Differentiating among freshwater, marine, and brackish tank systems
`► Choosing the system right for you
`•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
`Let me be the first to welcome you to the world's greatest hobby! I have
`
`always loved fishkeeping, and hope that you do, too. This book can help
`you achieve your goal of setting up and maintaining a successful aquarium.
`
`Imagine it: It's eight o'clock and you're just getting home from the office
`where you spent the last half hour listening to your irate boss rant and rave
`about problems beyond your control. Your ears are still ringing, your head is
`pounding, and your mood is ugly. You walk in the front door of your home,
`plop down in your best easy chair, and let the healing therapy begin.
`
`Directly in front of you is your beautiful 55-gallon aquarium. In your private
`underwater world, you see bright green hairgrass plants waving softly in the
`gentle current. The aqua blue water soothes your tired eyes as it swirls end(cid:173)
`lessly through a cheerful airstone. A frolicking school of brightlycolored
`neons dart merrily though a small hole in a towering rock wall. The smooth
`pebbles on the aquarium floor reflect the dazzling array of colors around
`them. The soothing bubbling from the filter reminds you that there is always
`a place you can go to relax and get away from it all. (Hey, your aquarium
`sounds fantastic! Can I come over?)
`
`At first, any hobby can be as complicated as an IRS long form, but rest
`assured that this book dispels the "mystery" surrounding keeping a healthy
`aquarium.
`
`Tle Benefits of an Aquarium
`
`Okay, it's time to snag a comfortable chair and travel with me through the
`marvelous world of aquarium-keeping. There are a lot of great reasons for
`having tropical fish. Fishkeeping is a hobby that the whole family can
`
`Exhibit 1014_0005
`
`

`

`8 Part I: Aquarium Setup
`
`participate in and enjoy together. A fish tank is a great way to teach children
`the responsibility of animal care as well as the biological principles that go
`hand in hand with our own species' daily survival. The older generation can
`also benefit scientific research shows that aquariums can help lower
`stress and prolong life (be it freshwater, marine, or brackish).
`
`Another advantage of keeping an aquarium, is that the tanks don't require a
`lot of space, and are perfect for apartment dwellers who may be prohibited
`from owning larger, roaming pets, such as dogs and cats. You can match an
`aquarium to almost any space that you have. You can get a tank that takes up
`an entire wall in your home, or one small enough to fit on your desk and
`every size in between. And speaking of desktops, an aquarium in your office
`is a great way to spend a little bit of time goofing off each day without your
`boss finding out. Besides, your coworkers will think you're cool if you have a
`tank that they can come look at.
`
`Other advantages to keeping aquariums are that fish don't bark at the neigh(cid:173)
`bors, caterwaul at the moon, chase the letter carrier, make unsightly messes
`on the floor, or whimper all night. You probably will never have to bail a rene(cid:173)
`gade goldfish out of the local pound, either.
`
`An aquarium encourages your artistic side to run wild when it comes to
`aquatic decorating, and you won't find another hobby quite as soothing(cid:173)
`nothing compares to dipping your tired arms into nice cool water to do a
`little underwater planting or rearranging.
`
`Getting Started
`
`Daily care and maintenance of a home aquarium is simple, and really doesn't
`require a great deal of time or money. You can set up a complete aquarium
`system with a relatively small amount of money as long as you don't go over(cid:173)
`board at the beginning, and are content to add to your system as you go along.
`But if you're like me, you may find yourself paying off several charge accounts
`at your local pet shops. (Honest, I put a check in the mail yesterday!)
`
`Doing your Homework
`
`Setting up an aquarium is simply a matter of following a few basic rules.
`Knowledge is the key to success, and you're making a good start by buying
`this book. But, you can find out about fishkeeping from many other sources
`also. Chapter 26 lists Web sites and other resources that can provide you
`with more information about your hobby. A little research can go a long way
`and make all the difference between complete success and unnecessary fail(cid:173)
`ure. Do your homework well, and you'll be prepared to handle any aquatic
`situation.
`
`Exhibit 1014_0006
`
`

`

`_____________Chapter 1: The Practice of Aquarium Keeping
`
`9
`
`Aquariums of old
`The ancient Egyptians are generally believed to
`Public aquariums began to show up in Europe
`be the first "true" aquarium keepers. Historical
`in the late 1800s. Those first aquariums were
`evidence suggests that Egyptians kept fish in
`quite a bit different that the ones we have today,
`ponds as a source of food, and smaller species
`and displayed only a few different species.
`in their homes to impress their friends. (I don't
`Later on, expensive glass aquariums were
`know if they had pyramid-shaped aquariums
`manufactured for the elegant homes of the
`back then, but l kind of doubt it.)
`rich and famous (darn, that leaves me out).
`Unfortunately, because they were heated by
`High-ranking Roman officials are rumored to
`open flames or oil lamps, these primitive tanks
`have kept ponds full of hungry eels. lf an eel(cid:173)
`were unsafe. Often, members of high society
`keeping official happened to have a politically
`with aquariums ended up with a very large pile
`uncooperative neighbor ... well the neighbor
`of ashes where their mansions once stood, and
`may have gotten a fish-eye view of their good
`a fish fry dinner.
`buddy's aquatic pets.
`During these early and dark days of aquarium(cid:173)
`From Rome, fishkeeping began spreading in the
`keeping, hobbyists had to make do with
`Far East Oriental aquarists became so fasci(cid:173)
`makeshift equipment and scary potions. The sit(cid:173)
`nated with the common goldfish that they went
`uation finally began to improve in the 1900s
`into aquatic hyperdrive and started selectively
`when fish shows and aquarium societies (a
`breeding them at a rate of about 10 gazillion per
`bunch of fish nerds gathered together in one
`minute. Needless to say, they came up with a
`place) emerged to help the increasing number
`bunch of cool-looking goldfish!
`of hobbyists maintain their tanks.
`
`/lat Kind of Aquarium Do Jou lant?
`
`Immediately after you decide to set up an aquarium, you need to decide
`which type of system you want.
`
`You can choose from three general types of systems: saltwater, freshwater,
`and brackish. Individual types of fish, tank size, equipment, and plants vary
`dramatically from system to system, so this chapter contains a brief
`overview of each type of setup to give you a better idea how space considera(cid:173)
`tions, initial financial outlay, difficulty level (do you have a lot of time to work
`with a reef system?), and availability of species many effect your decision.
`
`Freshwater systems
`
`The most popular type of aquarium is a freshwater system. It's probably the
`most practical system for a beginning aquarist for several reasons:
`
`ildren
`at go
`n can
`
`uire a
`bited
`:h an
`kes up
`and
`office
`your
`have a
`
`1eigh(cid:173)
`esses
`a rene(cid:173)
`
`(cid:173)3
`a
`
`) 3
`
`esn't
`um
`over(cid:173)
`long.
`ounts
`
`ng
`ces
`
`lw
`
`ay
`fail(cid:173)
`ic
`
`Exhibit 1014_0007
`
`

`

`10
`
`Part I: Aquarium Setup
`
`e A freshwater system is not quite as expensive to set up as a saltwater
`system. (Saltwater systems require larger tanks and extra equipment;
`see the "Marine systems" section later in this chapter.)
`e Freshwater fish are generally less expensive than marine fish. It's much
`better to work with less expensive fish when you're just starting out, and
`still learning the ins and outs of the hobby.
`e Freshwater fish are readily available at most aquarium shops and offer a
`wide variety of colorful species to choose from. Many hardy species,
`such as guppies, platys, and swordtails, are very forgiving of beginners'
`mistakes. Marine fish are much more sensitive to water conditions and
`don't tolerate mistakes as easily.
`e Many varieties of freshwater fish breed quite easily and may provide you
`with opportunities to sell your overstock (don't quit your day job,
`though), and a chance to experiment with new breeds.
`You can keep significantly more freshwater than marine fish in the same
`amount of space.
`You can set up either tropical or coldwater freshwater systems. Each system
`has slightly different equipment requirements and houses different types of
`fish.
`Freshwater tropical aquariums
`Freshwater tropical aquariums house the largest majority of retail freshwater
`fish. If you choose this system, you can set up a community aquarium with a
`variety of species that can coexist peacefully, or you may decide to try a
`species tank for a few of the more aggressive species, such as cichlids. A
`freshwater tropical aquarium offers the greatest number of choices in live(cid:173)
`stock and plants out of all the systems I discuss in this chapter.
`
`Most tropical freshwater fish are inexpensive and pretty easy to keep, which
`is why this is the best system for a beginning hobbyist. You can purchase a
`system at many superstores in kit form. A kit generally includes a tank, hood,
`filter, net, food, instruction book, and heater necessary for a tropical tank,
`but often doesn't include gravel, plants, or livestock.
`Popular species of tropical freshwater fish include platys, guppies, mollies,
`neons, swordtails, catfish, angelfish, algae eaters, bettas, tetras, and barbs.
`
`Freshwater coldwater aquariums
`A coldwater aquarium usually houses species such as goldfish, sunfish, shin(cid:173)
`ers, and bitterlings than normally live in lower temperatures in their native
`habitat. Large koi are often kept in coldwater ponds. The equipment you
`need for a coldwater aquarium is similar to that for a tropical aquarium,
`except that coldwater tanks don't require a heating system. Larger tanks are
`
`e
`
`I ~
`
`II
`
`Exhibit 1014_0008
`
`

`

`water
`ment;
`
`s much
`£ out, and
`
`d offer a
`cies,
`ginners'
`ns and
`
`ovideyou
`ob,
`
`the same
`
`h system
`types of
`
`shwater
`n with a
`try a
`ds.A
`in live-
`
`2p, which
`chase a
`ank, hood,
`al tank,
`
`mollies,
`d barbs.
`
`fish, shin(cid:173)
`ir native
`1t you
`rium,
`tanks are
`
`____________Chapter 1: The Practice of Aquarium Keeping
`
`11
`
`6
`
`better for this type of system because coldwater species are generally
`larger than most tropicals and they consume more oxygen. Take care in
`choosing plants for this system because many plants can't survive the lower
`temperatures.
`
`Aside from goldfish, most coldwater fish are difficult to obtain in many areas
`of the country. Setting up a coldwater system drastically reduces your
`choices of fish and live plants.
`
`Marine systems
`
`Marine, or saltwater, systems require saltwater. You see marine fish on most
`scuba and underwater programs. The most popular of these fish includes the
`coral reef species often found living in close proximity to various inverte(cid:173)
`brates (animals without backbones), and are often very colorful and quite
`beautiful. But don't fool yourself, beauty has its price. Saltwater fish can be
`very expensive.
`
`You would be wise to gain a little experience with freshwater fish before
`attempting a complete coral reef system. Although many people say that new
`hobbyists shouldn't begin with a marine system, I disagree. It's the type of
`fish that matters, and though I can think of many specialty freshwater fish
`(discus and pencilfish, for example) that can be disastrous for newcomers,
`other species can be very rewarding.
`
`The saltwater used in a marine system is usually obtained by mixing fresh
`water with a manufactured salt mix. A good filtration system is important in
`marine tanks to keep the oxygen levels high and the ammonia levels low.
`Marine fish have a lower tolerance to ammonia (a fish waste product) than
`freshwater species do, and an inadequate filter soon leads to disaster in a
`saltwater tank.
`
`Like freshwater, marine aquariums can be broken down into a few
`subcategories.
`
`Coldwater marine. Many tanks of this type house animals such as lob(cid:173)
`sters and rockfish that are native to colder Pacific areas.
`Tropical marine. These tanks generally contain fish native to coral reef
`areas, such as tangs, clownfish, and damsels.
`Reef tank. Some reef tanks contain only invertebrates, such as
`anemones, scallops, organisms growing on live rock, and clams. Other
`tanks may have both invertebrates and fish.
`
`You can set up a saltwater system in a variety of ways. Invertebrates are a
`little more difficult to care for, so if you do set up a saltwater system you may
`want to start with a fish-only tank, or choose your invertebrates carefully.
`
`Exhibit 1014_0009
`
`

`

`Chapter 3
`The Tank and Stand
`
`@¢@ ¢ ¢ 8
`
`b @% @
`
`8 @ ¢ @ ¢ 8 ¢@¢¢ @@@@@@@¢ @ @@ @ @ @@ @
`
`@@ ¢
`
`In This Chapter
`► Choosing the right tank
`► Setting up the stand
`► Moving the tank
`•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
`f'nee largest items that you will purchase for your aquarium system
`<,, the tank and the stand. There are many different styles, shapes, and
`sizes of aquariums on today's market, and the construction involved in these
`modern acrylic and glass tanks is of much better quality today than the old
`steel-framed aquariums that were around when the hobby began.
`
`Aquarium stands have also come a long way over the years. The old heavy
`iron stands have now been replaced with beautiful cabinets and fancier
`wrought-iron varieties. Now aquarium keeping is truly an art form in itself.
`
`/lat to Consider Before Buying a Tank
`
`The first step in setting up your new aquarium system is purchasing a tank.
`But before you go out and actually buy one,
`look at a few of the variables that
`may affect your purchase: Your aquarium has to fit into your individual situa(cid:173)
`tion, plus, you have to match your tank to its surrounding environment and
`to any of your special needs. (Dang, there's a drawback to everything!)
`
`Stop for a moment and think about the purpose for your tank. Are you setting
`it up so that everyone in your family can enjoy it? Or do you want to have the
`aquarium in your own private office or bedroom? A freshwater community or
`hardy marine tank may be more suitable for family viewing than a species
`tank would be.
`
`our
`y reach
`ze in
`
`ne salt in
`water
`> tank
`2 water
`e to go
`rim. You
`
`les
`quarium
`have
`
`Exhibit 1014_0010
`
`

`

`22
`
`Part I: Aquarium Setup
`
`Decide where to put the tank. Take a measurement of the intended space so
`that you don't end up with an aquarium blocking the refrigerator or being
`used as a doorstop. Don't forget that you need to add a few inches on to the
`back measurement so that you have plenty of room for a_quarium equipment
`such as filters, pumps, and protein skimmers.
`
`Hitting the ATM machine
`
`Before you go shopping, check to see how much mad money you have avail(cid:173)
`able for this particular fish-keeping project, taking into consideration that
`even though your aquarium is probably the largest piece of fish-keeping
`equipment you'll ever own (and the one with the largest price tag), the cost
`of all the other hardwarefilters, pumps, gravel, chemicals, and heaters
`adds up quickly. Without proper planning, you may find yourself making a
`whole bunch of trips to the ATM machine.
`
`A larger tank requires more expensive equipment, so you may not want to
`purchase a 125-gallon aquarium if that leaves you five bucks left to spend on
`equipment. In this situation, it's better to purchase a small tank, so you have
`more than enough money left over for substrate, plants, filters, and other
`essentials.
`
`The type of system you set up really makes a difference as far as cost is con(cid:173)
`cerned. For example, a saltwater or brackish tank costs quite a bit more in
`the long run than a freshwater tank, because of the extra equipment needed
`for marine setups and the higher cost of livestock for both systems. Make a
`few pricing trips to the fish shop to get a firsthand idea of how much each
`set up costs.
`
`Don't be nickled-and-dimed to death
`If you're not careful, you can get nickled-and(cid:173)
`equipment so that you don't end up digging
`dimed purchasingthe extras for your tank. Skip
`for a hundred dollars' worth of change in your
`the fancy decorations when you first set up your
`pockets when you get up to the register.
`tank, so you have enough money to purchase
`Aquariums are really a good value, and gener(cid:173)
`the equipment you need. Make sure you figure
`ally cost quite a bit less than many other hobbies
`in the price of filters, lights, gravel, chemicals,
`such as skydiving and bungee-jumping. The
`hoods, plants, air hose, nets, test kits, heaters,
`money you spend in the beginning will pay you
`marine salt (if needed), medications, decora(cid:173)
`and your family back with years and years of
`tions, and, of course, yourfish. Take a calculator
`unending pleasure.
`with you when you go to purchase your
`
`Exhibit 1014_0011
`
`

`

`_Chapter 3: The Tank and Stand
`
`23
`
`Checking out a starter kit
`
`If you don't want to get nickled-and-dimed to death when you buy your
`aquarium equipment, you can always purchase a starter kit. A starter kit is a
`system-in-a-box that usually contains:
`e Tank
`e Filter
`e Food
`Hood
`e Heater
`e Net
`Thermometer
`e Water conditioner
`A beginning aquarium book
`
`Unfortunately, many starter kits don't have gravel, decorations, stands, or
`light bulbs, so they're not really complete. These kits are usually for freshwa(cid:173)
`ter systems only, so if you want a brackish or marine system, you have to
`purchase salt and other pieces of equipment separately.
`
`Finding free space
`
`Okay, you finally decided where you want to put your aquarium, but now you
`want to know what size tank won't require a two-foot shoehorn in order to
`squeeze it in. For example, you live in a small apartment or house and want
`to purchase an aquarium that you can enjoy without cramping your living
`space. If you find yourself sleeping on the sofa the following week, then you
`probably miscalculated your available free space for a bedroom tank.
`
`In order to avoid space hassles (and your spouse's fury), useTable 3-1 to see
`quickly the minimum space requirements (length by width by height) you
`need for various sizes of several standard aquarium tanks. Remember, these
`are the minimum requirements the space that extra equipment takes up is
`not figured in.
`
`ace so
`eing
`to the
`tipment
`
`e avail(cid:173)
`that
`ing
`te cost
`ters
`ing a
`
`ntto
`end on
`u have
`ther
`
`is con(cid:173)
`re in
`reeded
`lake a
`each
`
`digging
`in your
`
`gener(cid:173)
`obbies
`g. The
`ayyou
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`Exhibit 1014_0012
`
`

`

`24 Part I: Aquarium Setup
`
`Table 3-1
`Tank Volume
`10 Gallon
`
`15 Gallon
`
`20 Gallon
`
`25 Gallon
`29 Gallon
`30 Gallon
`
`40 Gallon
`
`45 Gallon
`
`50 Gallon
`55 Gallon
`75 Gallon
`100 Gallon
`125 Gallon
`200 Gallon
`
`Space Requirements for Tanks
`Space Requirements in Inches
`Regular: 20 x 10 x 12
`Long: 24x8x 12
`Hex: 14 x 12x 18
`Regular: 24 x 12 x 12
`Long: 20 x 10 x18
`Show: 24x 8 x 16
`High:24x12x16
`Long: 30 x 12 x 12
`Hex:18x16x20
`Regular: 24 x 12 x 20
`Regular: 30 x 12 x 18
`Regular: 36 x 12 x 16
`Breeding: 36 x 18 x 12
`Long: 48 x 13 x 16
`Breeding: 36 x 18 x 16
`Regular: 36 x 12 x 24
`Hex: 22x22x24
`Regular: 36 x 18 x 18
`Regular: 48 x 13 x 20
`Regular: 48 x18x 20
`Regular: 72 x 18 x 18
`Regular: 72 x 18 x 22
`Regular: 84 x 24 x 25
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`Exhibit 1014_0013
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`

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`25_hapter 3: The Tank and Stand
`People considerations
`
`An important part of your placement decision are the people living with you.
`Face it, your aquarium is going to make some noise, even if it is outfitted with
`the most up-to-date equipment on the market. Sure,
`it won't bark, meow,
`chirp, croak, hiss, or growl, but it probably will do a little bit of bubbling, rat(cid:173)
`tling, and/or humming once in a while.
`
`If your friends or family are like me, they enjoy all the neat little sounds that
`an aquarium is bound to make. They may even. find them relaxing. But other
`people may think that your little aquatic setup is downright annoying. I usu(cid:173)
`ally get rid of the people before the tank, but if that's not practical for you,
`your placement options may be limited quite a bit.
`
`Children are another important factor in considering the type of system you
`purchase. If you have small tots in the house, a tank full of piranhas will prob(cid:173)
`ably go over with your spouse like a lead balloon. A community tank (filled
`with friendly fish such as guppies and platys) may be more appropriate for
`younger children.
`
`Purchasing a Tank
`
`s%@6)
`
`You have a few choices when it comes to where to purchase an aquarium.
`e Your local pet shop or fish shop is an obvious choice. The advantages of
`buying from a dealer are numerous. Dealer tanks usually have a war(cid:173)
`ranty of some kind (depending on the store's policy) and are in good
`condition. If you have any problems with your aquarium, you can often
`return it for a replacement. A dealer can also give you advice and help
`you pick out your equipment and livestock. The drawback of purchasing
`from a pet shop is that the prices are usually higher.
`Pet superstores usually carry a small line of aquarium equipment, but you
`don't generally find a whole lot of specialty items (like protein skimmers
`necessary formost saltwater setups). The employees are usually trained
`in the basics of aquariums at best, so you may end up with bad advice on
`more complicated systems. Also, I find that the quality of livestock in this
`type of store is not the greatest. (In fact, it's downright scary!)
`Garage sales are a really fun and practical place to purchase used equip(cid:173)
`ment at a really outstanding price. But keep in mind that the aquarium
`equipment is used and may have some problems.
`e Newspaper ads can lead you to a nice set-up at a nice price, although
`reservations about buying used equipment apply. Buying through an ad,
`however, may give you a chance to see the tank up and running before
`you purchase it.
`
`Exhibit 1014_0014
`
`

`

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`
`26
`
`Part I: Aquarium Setup
`
`Before you purchase a used tank, carefully inspect it for possible leaks, glass
`cracks, and worn silicone. Check to see that the silicone seal (the goopy-look(cid:173)
`ing stuff in the corners and seams) is not cracked, peeling away, or missing in
`some areas. A small break in the silicone can cause the aquarium to leak.
`Look at each individual piece of glass in the tank to ensure that it does not
`have any cracks or broken glass. If the aquarium has any of these problems,
`you're probably better off buying a new tank.
`
`If you're a first-time buyer, avoid buying used equipment such as pumps. An
`old pump could have frayed or worn wires that might pose an electrical
`hazard. Once you get a comfortable with how your aquarium equipment
`works, then it might be okay for you to try out used equipment.
`
`Ask the person selling the equipment if you can try the stuff out. If he or she
`is uncooperative, simply look at your watch with a worried expression, and
`then burn rubber to the nearest pet shop.
`
`ypes of Aquariums
`
`The high-quality aquarium products now offered by manufacturers is quite
`mind-boggling compared to the old glass aquariums of the '60s and '70s that I
`was stuck with when I was young. The original metal frame tanks were not
`properly suited for saltwater setups because they contained metal. Salt could
`eventually corrode the metal frame and become toxic to the inhabitants of
`the tank. Fortunately, nonmetallic materials were developed and eventually
`replaced heavy-metal frames and inadequate seam adhesive. This break(cid:173)
`through in aquarium construction was a direct result of complaints filed by
`tropical fish-keeping enthusiasts who demanded a better product one
`they could use for all types of systems.
`
`Figuring water volume without getting a Ph.D.
`gallon capacity of any rectangular or square(cid:173)
`If you happen to run across an older tank at a
`local garage sale or auction, the seller may not
`shaped aquarium is as follows:
`know how many gallons the aquarium holds.
`Length (inches) x width (inches) x height
`Although aquarium tank sizes made today are
`(inches) = capacity (in gallons)
`standardized, many older tanks are not A good
`formula for obtaining an on-the-spot total for the
`
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`Exhibit 1014_0015
`
`

`

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`opy-look(cid:173)
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`leak.
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`height
`
`_Chapter 3: The Tank and Stand
`
`27
`
`Glass aquariums
`
`The all-glass aquariums (one is shown in Figure 3-1) on today's market are
`still the most popular of all available tanks. These new tanks are constructed
`of plate glass and sealed with a non-toxic silicone. The glass in these aquari(cid:173)
`ums is either tempered (stronger, lighter in weight, shatters when it breaks)
`or plate (heavier and thicker but only cracks when it breaks).
`
`Figure 3-1:
`An all-glass
`aquarium.
`
`Testing and repairing a leaker
`dry the tank, remove the old silicone with a
`One way to test an aquarium for leaks is to fill it
`safety razor (please be careful!), and then
`with water and let it stand on a piece of news(cid:173)
`replace it with new aquarium sealer. Let the
`paper for 24 hours.
`If the newspaper gets wet,
`sealer dryfor48 hours before you add any water
`the tank leaks (make sure you aren't fooled by
`to the tank.
`condensation drips). To repair a leak, drain and
`
`Exhibit 1014_0016
`
`

`

`28
`
`Part I: Aquarium Setup
`
`The frames (usually plastic and come in a wide variety of colors) are glued
`onto the rim. Glass tanks do not scratch easily and provide a good viewing
`area because all of the walls are flat. Some glass tanks can be purchased reef
`ready, which means that they have holes drilled in them for equipment and
`hoses, allowing you to hide equipment inside of a cabinet.