Putty (Aquarium Cement)
About 14lb. of any good putty bound by linseed oil will serve, but this must be of the correct workable consistency. It is better purchased in air-tight tins than loose, as it lasts longer should there be delay before it is used.
Generally new putty is far too wet and sticky, and as soon as it is worked one’s hands become completely gummed up. If this happens, place large lumps of the putty between sheets of newspaper and tread on it; when it is uncovered it will be seen that much of the linseed oil has been squeezed out and absorbed by the paper. Repeat the process again and again with clean paper, until when rolled in the hands the putty stays in a pliable lump, leaving the palms of the hands perfectly clean.
In the event of purchased putty being too hard, it may be softened to the right workable state by kneading into it a few drops of pure linseed oil.
Glazing
Place the aquarium frame back downward on a newspaper laid out on the floor. Fill the whole right angle of the framework with putty, place the glass over it in the correct position, and allow it to fall gently on to the putty. Now with the palms of the hands flat, press it down evenly all round the edges – do not force it – then tip the frame on to its base, and, with a putty knife point forward, cut off the excess putty which has been squeezed out. If this putty is of the right consistency it will fall cleanly away in long strips, and may be used again. Once more tilt the tank over and press the glass home a little more. Repeat this operation until it is evenly embedded with 1/8” thickness of putty showing all around.
Turn the tank upside down, so that it now lies on its face, and insert the front glass. So not fear the back glass suspended above will fall out; if the putty is of the right consistency mentioned all will be well. Treat all four walls in the same way.
The sides may not fit at first, but will do so if inserted on a slight angle slope, making sure that the lower end is towards the front panel – then, as it is eased into position, any scratches made will be on the back panel only. When inserting these side glasses putty will be forced out as usual, but also by the front and back panels, as they are farther embedded. Never force any glass, remove surplus putty squeezed out, and then more pressure may be applied safely.
Finally insert the base and follow the same procedure. If the base is inserted first, pressure on the edges of he glass walls is more difficult, as all the work has to be done through the one top opening, often an arm’s length. Putting it in last enables one to move the opposite side of the tank and apply
