Abstract
So far as I can judge from “X's” description, the cloudiness of the water in his aquarium is due to the abnormal development of some unicellular algal (Palmellaceæ) or to the prolific spore-production within it of one of the filamentous forms (Confervaceæ). This may be obviated by screening the back of the tank from the access of light. Possibly “X” may find on examination that the cistern whence he obtains his supply has been left uncovered, and that the intruding algal has established itself and entered upon the reproductive process in that position. In that case he should either isolate the water he requires in a dark place for a week or so, when the spores will die, or obtain his supply from a purer source. An investigation with a hig power of the microscope of the turbid water complained of will speedily determine whether the explanation here suggested is the correct one. By way of illustration, I may mention that the water of the ornamental pond in the centre of the Horticultural Gardens, supplied clear and bright shortly before the opening of the Fisheries Exhibition, had assumed within a few days and still retains the colour and consistency of green-pea soup through the rapid development, under the action of light, of a unicellular cryptogam in the manner above described.
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KENT, W. Cloudiness of Aquarium. Nature 28, 102 (1883). https://doi.org/10.1038/028102b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/028102b0
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