Vovel holiday gift: tropical fish aquarium If you're searching for a pedal, different gift to give ,is Christmas, why not con sider an aquarium filled with tropical fish? It's beautiful to look at, easy to maintain and adds a decorative and enter taining conversation piece to any room. In fact, a recent study by researchers at the University of Ftennsylvania concluded it is even a benefit in relieving stress- Bestowing a home aquar ian upon a friend, relative or your own children has many positive benefits. Throughout the U.S., 10 million aquari ums are being enjoyed in homes, offices, restaurants aid hotels. In order to select'the best ajuarium for your money, One that 's filled with colorful trop ical fish and easy to maintain, it's a good idea to do a little investigating. First, you will want to locate a good dealer in your area. If you have a friend who has an aquarium, ask for a ref erence; otherwise the phone book lists most tropical fish retailers. It is advisable to purchase a book that provides complete instructions on setting up and maintaining an aquarium. One basic rule to fellow, however, is to buy the largest aquarium possible since, the greater the water environ ment , the less chance of water problems. If you receive an aquarium as a gift, you must assume all the responsibilities for main tenance . When determining where to put your new aquarium, you should consider several fac tors. You will not want to put it in direct sunlight, since this will cause algae to grow on the glass and plastic accessories. You will also not want to put it on your best carpeting since, during water changes, it is possible for some water to splash on the floor, and you will be sure to want to put it on a firm stand since water is heavy. After you have decided on the aquarium, your first accessory will be a tight ly fit ting canopy cover equipped with a fluorescent fixture. Fluorescent fixtures throw off a cool light and will not cause fluctuations in the water tem perature. While we are on the subject of the water temperature, trop ical fish require an environ ment maintained at around 75° F (25° C). You will therefore need a good heater and an aquarium thermometer. A recent development in this technology is the liquid crystal digital thermometer which affixes to the outside of the aquarium yet measures most accurately the water temperature. You will also need a quality filter. *¥our dealer can give you proper advice since there are several types of filters and your needs will vary with the Fnst Fete DRIVE-IN FILM & PROCESSING FUJI FILM COLOR PRINT SALE IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS ASA 100 110-12 EXP. *1.39 110-24 EXP. - *1.99 135-12 EXP. *1.19 135-24 EXP. *2.09 126-12 EXP. *1.39 126-24 EXP. *2.39 ASA 400 110-24EXP. 135-12 EXP. 13524 EXP. 135-36 EXP. NOW STOCKING FUJI T-l 20 VHS TAPE 14.95 Hi FUJI FILM [KODAK DISC CAMERA SPECIALS MODEL 4000 *44.95 MODEL 6000 *64.95 MODEL 8000 *99.95 DISC FILM SPECIAL 15 EXP. 30 EXP. *2.59 *4.99 sfSfFoslFolo DRIVE-IN FILM ft PROCESSING 4400 W. ELM McHENRY MARKETPLACE PAGE 21 -PLAINDEALER WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 24. 1982 Clean allows an efficient siphoning by separating the debris in the gravel and removing it with the water from the aquarium. On a monthly basis, your filter will require minimal maintenance. That's all there is. size of your aquarium. If you are going to keep a k>t of fish you will also want a separate air pump to add oxygen to the water. Decorating an aquarium is great fun. There are multi-col ored gravels, highly decora- tive backgrounds and hundreds of ornaments, as well as plastic plants so real in reproduction it's almost impossible to distinguish them from live plants. Most good retailers will have a complete assortment and your selection should be based on the size or your aquarium and the amount of money you decide to spend. Once you have set up your aquarium, you should add a chlorine neutralizer to the water and add only a few fish initially. These few fish will help develop the proper bio logical conditions necessary to maintain a fully stocked aquarium. After three to four weeks, assuming everything is func tioning properly, you can then go ahead and add the rest of your fish. Aquarium maintenance is a lot simpler than people think. Every two weeks a partial wa ter change (not greater than 20 percent) by siphoning the water from the bottom of the aquar ium is all that is required. A device called the Hydro- Following this simple rou tine . chances of fish disease or any other aquarium problems are remote. In fact, one of the biggest problems people have is spending too much time maintaining their aquarium. On a daily basis, of course, fish should be fed and a good quality flake food will provide a complete diet for almost all fish. Tropical fish are beautiful -- they are easy to maintain and provide a lifetime hobby. GET IN THE SWIM FOR CHRISTMAS! A home aquariun provides children with an economical, educational hobby while adults will enjoy it as a decorative conversatioi piece. If you're interested in purchasing one as a gift -- o • for yourself -- the experts at Tetra Sales are offering ai informative full-color illustrated starter booklet. For . free copy, write Tetra Sales, 201 Tabor Rd. Morris Plains NJ 07950. We911 Sew up Christmas for you! everything in the store! Friday & Saturday only, November 26 & 27 MAIN STREET //M A 229 Main Street 815/338/7370 Woodstock, IL. Opan Dally 9-5:00, Friday til 8:00 ^Now is the time to do your Christmasl •**** Shopping for your sewing friends. S. May we suggest: - •Gingher shears & pinking shears •Sewing Baskets • L & M adjustable dress forms *Sewing Machines or choose from McCalPs, Kwik Sew, Vogue or Butterick for your holiday patterns for crafts and apparel Choose from bolts and bolts of fabrics for your Holiday Sewing: •Calicos •Velours •Corduroys ^Gabardines •Christmas Prints