28
MAINTAINING FISHES
much cheaper epoxy paint recommended above for
concrete may also be suitable for wooden tanks. Regardless of tank size, % inch plywood is best. Joints
should be carefully fitted and held together with resorcinol glue and brass nails or screws.
METAL tanks: For a number of years the author has used galvanized stock watering tanks for
holding larger fishes. They are inexpensive, available
in a variety of sizes, and may be easily moved or
stored. An overflow pipe may be installed (preferably in the center of the tank) to permit continuous
flushing. The zinc coating of these tanks is toxic to
fishes, and the tanks should be painted prior to use.
As a preliminary to painting, new tanks should be
treated with glacial acetic acid and then flushed. Unfortunately, the author cannot recommend a paint for
metal tanks that has proven entirely satisfactory. Current tests indicate that butyl roofing paint and the
epoxy paint recommended for concrete may be satisfactory.
TEMPORARY TANKS: For short experiments requiring large or unusually long tanks, it is possible to
use a wooden box lined with six mil polyethylene.
Since polyethylene is inexpensive and the frame may
be made of scrap lumber, even large tanks can be
built at nominal cost.