THE AQUARIUM BUILDING
15
the time of installation of the heating system. A final
consideration is the frequent need to maintain different temperatures in different tanks.
A hot water heating system is probably more satisfactory for smaller buildings while steam heat would
be most satisfactory for larger installations. A hot air
system would be a very poor choice. Whether steam
or hot water heat is chosen, the heat radiating units
should extend along all walls and should include zone
control.
Electrical Service
The electrical service to an aquarium room
should be of high capacity. As an approximation each
400 square feet of floor space should have an independent, 110 volt, number 10 wire circuit. Convenience outlets should be placed approximately 5/2
feet from the floor ( See Figiu:e 1 for location various
services ) . Wiring should be in conduit and special attention should be given to proper grounding. All outlets should accommodate a grounding wire from the
appHances. Tank stands, air hues, and all other metal
objects should be thoroughly grounded. The danger
of electrical shock in an aquarium room is obvious.
Lighting
Information on the light requirements of fishes is
limited. We know little or nothing about their quantitative or quahtative needs. They, of course, require
a minimum amount of hght for vision and may utilize
light in the synthesis of certain vitamins. In regard to
the latter, however, a vitamin fortified diet would constitute a suitable substitute. There are several good
15
the time of installation of the heating system. A final
consideration is the frequent need to maintain different temperatures in different tanks.
A hot water heating system is probably more satisfactory for smaller buildings while steam heat would
be most satisfactory for larger installations. A hot air
system would be a very poor choice. Whether steam
or hot water heat is chosen, the heat radiating units
should extend along all walls and should include zone
control.
Electrical Service
The electrical service to an aquarium room
should be of high capacity. As an approximation each
400 square feet of floor space should have an independent, 110 volt, number 10 wire circuit. Convenience outlets should be placed approximately 5/2
feet from the floor ( See Figiu:e 1 for location various
services ) . Wiring should be in conduit and special attention should be given to proper grounding. All outlets should accommodate a grounding wire from the
appHances. Tank stands, air hues, and all other metal
objects should be thoroughly grounded. The danger
of electrical shock in an aquarium room is obvious.
Lighting
Information on the light requirements of fishes is
limited. We know little or nothing about their quantitative or quahtative needs. They, of course, require
a minimum amount of hght for vision and may utilize
light in the synthesis of certain vitamins. In regard to
the latter, however, a vitamin fortified diet would constitute a suitable substitute. There are several good