11100 RG Aquarieneinrichtung US

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    n Colorful ornamental fish

    n Exotic aquarium landscapes

    n Set up an aquarium in 5 steps

    How to set up

    an aquarium

    Practicalexperttipsfor

    beginnersandexperiencedaquarists

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    An aquarium is like a holiday at home.Colorful activity inside the aquarium and themysterious beauty of the underwater worldwill distract you from everydays stress.Keeping an aquarium provides plenty ofvariation, is fun, and there is always some-thing exciting to watch at home.

    ContentsSelecting ornamental fishand their environment............................. 4

    Community aquarium ............................ 5

    Plants: The green lung forunderwater nature .................................. 9

    Decoration ............................................. 13

    sera Biotope AquariumSouth America .................................... 14

    sera Biotope AquariumCentral America ................................... 16

    sera Biotope Aquarium Asia .............. 18

    Technical equipment

    Lighting ............................................... 20Heater ................................................. 21Filtration according to nature ............. 22

    Air as propulsion ................................. 34Useful helpers ..................................... 36

    Different aquarium shapes ..................... 37

    Location andaquarium preparation ............................ 38

    Biologically clean ................................... 39

    Planning the aquarium landscape ......... 40Set up an aquarium in 5 steps .............. 41

    Computer aided aquarium design ......... 46

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    Natural aquarium setup and maintenancecauses little work if you comply to the basicrules in this sera guide. sera supports youwith natural quality products.We wish you plenty of joy and success!

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    In most cases, different ornamental fishspecies are kept in an aquarium. Whendoing so, you must consider how fish live intheir natural environment. Which fish har-

    monize, and which water properties arerequired? In the following, sera will giveyou some recommendations on how toselect your ornamental fish and how to puttogether an aquatic world for freshwateraquariums. There is a special sera guide forsaltwater aquariums.

    Do you like a kind of fish that much that youwant to keep only this species as a pet?Please get informed in advance whether theornamental fish you want to keep is suitablefor a species aquarium.

    In that case you decide on animals whichoriginate from the same natural habitat. Youcan create a natural part of an aquatic worldthat you will hardly ever see otherwise. Thisfascinating aquarium type has many advan-tages. Fish, plants and decoration harmo-nize among each other. All fish require thesame water composition. Maintaining theseaquariums is relatively uncomplicated. Andif you really enjoy this, just create a part of

    the Amazon water world, the tropical rain-forest and Lake Malawi at your home. Thisis like a holiday at home. But let us cling toa single aquarium at the moment.

    Aquarium for one fishspecies

    Biotope aquarium

    Community aquarium

    You will keep ornamental fish and plantsthat originate from different regions just

    what you like. Of course you must be surethat the ornamental fish are peaceful amongeach other, and that requirements concern-ing water composition and temperature arethe same for all of them.

    At first, sera will present you some orna-mental fish for community aquariums whichare particularly suitable for beginners. In thefollowing we will show you some biotopeaquariums.

    Ornamental fish live in different water lay-ers. There are ornamental fish speciesthat mostly swim near the surface, in themiddle or near the bottom of the aquari-um. In order to have fish in all water lay-ers, try to consider this when selectingthe fish. Also, you should know about the

    size of your aquarium before selectingyour favorite fish. A basic rule is: 1 cm(0.4 in.) adult fish per liter (1 US quart) ofwater.

    An important tip

    Selecting ornamental fish

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    It is almost impossible to get an overviewabout the ornamental fish in your retailersstore, at least for beginners. Fish of all colors,shapes and sizes live in retail aquariums.

    Many beautiful fish are easy to keep also byinexperienced aquarists, other species aresuitable only for specialists.

    Just like in real life, also in aquatic environ-ments every fish species has its specialcharacteristics and requirements that donot comply with all co-inhabitants. There-fore it is important also to consider territorialbehavior, calmness requirements, sleepingand eating habits of the different species,

    and to keep species that harmonize wellamong each other.

    Livebearing toothcarps

    There are many colorful platy breeding morphs.

    The breeding morphs of male guppies have splen-

    did dorsal and caudal fins.

    Swordtails are especially rapid, active swimmers.

    fascinate both beginners and experiencedaquarists. They are continuously active andvery peaceful. The colorful fish mainly dwellin the upper third of the aquarium.

    Most ornamental fish live in shoals in na-ture and should be kept in groups of 6 8 specimens also in an aquarium. The fishwill also be more attractive optically this

    way.

    An important tip

    Community aquarium

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    mainly stay in the mid water layers of anaquarium. They reveal a strong shoalingbehavior and are the more attractive themore fish of one species you keep together.

    Cardinal tetras are similar to Neon tetras in their

    requirements.

    The Hemigrammus genus of tetras comes in dif-

    ferent colors. They are peaceful, hardy shoal fish.

    Neon tetras are very popular due to their splendid

    colors and are easy to care for, even by beginners.

    are robust and colorful. Their active behavioravoids any boredom in the aquarium.Please ask your retailer about the final sizeof the fish. Some barbs (e.g. Bala sharks

    [Balantiocheilus melanopterus]) simply growtoo large for community tanks.

    Cherry barbs (Barbus titteya) are beautiful, peace-

    ful fish.

    Tiger barbs are very conspicuous due to their

    stripes. These lively fish must not be kept togeth-

    er with species of long-finned fish (e.g. angelfish,

    gouramis, veiltail hybrids) as they like to nibble at

    their fins.

    Zebra danios reveal a distinct type of shoalingbehavior.

    Characins Barbs and danios

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    show many interesting behaviors, but onlysome of them are suitable for beginners.Most of the larger species are quite aggres-sive and/or rather fastidious. Angelfish and

    dwarf cichlids can easily be kept by begin-ners.

    look for food on the bottom of the aquariumall day long. They are shoal fish thatshould never be kept alone. Please keep atleast four specimens of one species togeth-

    er. In opposition to statements sometimesheard, armored catfish are not garbagecollectors but need a well-balanced highquality diet, just as the other aquarium fish!

    Kribensis need caves in which they can hide and

    breed.

    Butterfly cichlids are very beautiful fish that

    should only be kept together with other calm fish.

    Angelfish are an easy to keep cichlid species. You should by no means keep them together with

    neon or cardinal tetras, as these tetras are a delicacy for larger angelfish.

    Cichlids Armored catfish

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    feel well in a richly planted aquarium.Mostly, they are calm and do not threatenother fish. A special feature of labyrinth fishis that they additionally breathe air with a

    special organ, the so-called labyrinth (hencethe name of the fish). Thus, it is absolutelynormal that anabantoids breathe air fromthe water surface.

    It is always an advantage to combine fishthat stay in different water layers. Forexample: guppies, gouramis, neon/cardinaltetras and armored catfish, or platies,

    barbs, dwarf cichlids and armored catfish.In both cases, introduce some algae-eatingfish. Small to medium-sized specimenssuch as Bushy Mouth Ancistrus (Ancistrus cf.dolichopterus) and the Midget Sucker Catfish(Otocinclus cf. affinis) are especially recom-mendable. These fish constantly scrape offalgae from the inside aquarium glass,stones and plant leaves. Also, livebearingtoothcarps (guppies, platies, black mollies,swordtails etc.) eat algae.

    Most ornamental fish are comfortable withwater temperatures of about 25C (77F)and a neutral pH value (6.5 7.5).

    Siamese fighters are available in many different

    colors. The males fight each other extremely

    vehemently, thus only one male should always be

    kept together with one female. The Siamese

    fighters are completely peaceful towards other

    fish.

    Dwarf gouramis are among the most beautiful

    aquarium fish. The natural form is striped blue

    and red, but by now, there are also orange-red

    breeding morphs.

    A group of Pearl gouramis is especially attractive

    in well-planted aquariums.

    Labyrinth fishRecommendable fish

    combinations

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    How many plants should be

    planted?

    In order to make your aquarium a source oflong-term joy you should pay attention tothe following basic rule when planting:

    For an aquarium, sized 100 cm x 40 cm

    (40 in. x 16 in.), this makes about 80 plants.(In case of bundled plants, i.e. those withoutpot, each single stalk is counted as oneplant.)

    9

    Plants fulfill several important

    tasks in an aquarium.

    The different shades of green of the leavesbring calmness and harmony into theaquarium. A beautifully planted aquarium isa relaxing, decorative eyecatcher in yourhome.

    With the bacteria in the gravel, the plantsform an effective filter system. The plantsshould include fast growing species such ashornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) orwaterweed (Elodea and Egeria species) as

    they withdraw nitrogen containing pollu-tants from the water from the first day.During the photosynthesis the plants takeup the nutrient carbon dioxide and enrichthe water with oxygen.Plants offer the fish hideaways and thusreduce stress. Young fish need a denseplanting with fine plants to hide themselvesfrom their hungry fellow occupants.

    aquarium

    length

    (cm / in.)x

    50 (metric) / 8 (US)

    The green lung for

    underwater nature

    depth

    (cm / in.)

    9

    Plants:

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    Small plants which do not obstruct the viewinto the aquarium are best suited for theforeground. The height is below 15 cm(6 in.).

    Taller plants fall into this category. The mid-dle ground plants are divided into so-calledsolitary plants and group plants.

    Cryptocoryne nevillii Dwarf Amazon Swordplant(Echinodorus grisebachii)

    Java Moss(Vesicularia dubyana)

    22 28C (72 82F) 22 28C (72 82F) 22 30C (72 86F)

    Anubias barteri Nana Plant(Anubias sp.)

    Sumatra Fern(Ceratopteristhalictroides)

    Sagittaria platyphylla Red Ivy(Alternanthera reineckii)

    Green Cabomba(Cabomba aquatica)

    22 30C (72 86F) 22 28C (72 82F)

    20 28C (68 82F)

    15 22C (59 72F)

    23 28C (73 82F)

    23 28C (73 82F)

    SSS

    Foreground plants

    Middle ground plants

    GG G

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    Solitary plants have a larger space demandto the side and are best planted singly;group plants mostly have a slender shape

    and look best, as the name tells, whenplanted in groups.

    = Solitary plant = Group plantS

    Nana Barteri Variegated(Anubias barterivar.nana)

    Spike Rush(Eleocharis parvula)

    Lilaeopsis(Lilaeopsis brasiliensis)(often falsely sold as

    Echinodorus tenellus)

    22 28C (72 82F) 18 26C (64 79F)

    18 28C (64 82F)

    Spade Leaf Fern(Cryptocoryne ciliata)

    Amazon Swordplant(Echinodorus bleheri)

    Tiger Lotus(Nymphaea lotus)

    22 28C (72 82F) 24 28C (75 82F) 23 28C (73 82F)

    Cryptocoryne crispatulaorCryptocoryne wendtii

    Java Fern(Microsorium pteropus)

    23 28C (73 82F) 22 28C (72 82F)

    False Loosestrife(Ludwigia palustris)

    18 26C (64 79F)

    SSS

    Light demand: high medium low

    Growth rate: rapid medium slow

    G

    G G G

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    Tall-growing plants which you should placein the background and at the sides. In theforeground, these plants obstruct the viewinto the aquarium and take away too much

    swimming space from the fish. The rapidly

    growing plants, such as hornwort (Cerato-phyllum demersum) and waterweed (Egeriadensa) are excellent oxygen providers andremove algae-promoting nitrate from the

    water.

    Crinkled Aponogeton(Aponogeton crispus)

    Waterweed(Egeria densa)

    Parrot Feathers(Myriophyllum aquaticum)

    4 28C (39 82F)

    20 24C (68 75F) 10 26C (50 79F)

    Waging Leaf Swordplant(Echinodorus martii)

    15 28C (59 82F)

    Corkscrew(Vallisneria americana)

    15 30C (59 86F)

    Water plants must be transported moist.Wrap them in moist newspapers or thelike. Besides special planttransportation bags, serafish bags are also ideal.

    Ask your specialist deal-er!You will find further in-formation about aquaticplants in the sera guide

    Splendid plants in youraquarium.

    An important tip

    Background plants

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    Stones

    For use in freshwateraquariums, granite

    and basalt are, forexample, suitable.Oil-polluted stones,ore stones, lime-containing stones andstones with metaldeposits are notsuitable, even if theylook very decorative.Rinse every stonethoroughly with

    boiling water, anddo not use too manystones. Use silicon(from the specializedtrade, silicon frombuilding tradesuppliers oftenreleases pollutants!)to adhere stoneconstructions together

    at the connectingpoints in order toprevent them fromcollapsing due todigging fish.

    Bog wood, which isavailable in almost

    every specialized petstore, is suitable for

    almost allkinds of

    freshwateraquarium

    (except aquariumsfor East African

    cichlids). Bog wood isdecorative and stable.

    It originates from

    moors and iseffectively conserved.It does not float once

    it is soaked with water.You should purchasewood only from your

    retailer! Self-collectedwood may rot in the

    aquarium and alsorelease other pollu -

    tants. Coconut andsnail shells alsoprovide interesting

    decoration andshelter for the fish.

    Wood

    Decoration

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    The Amazon region is the river system on

    Earth that carries the largest amount ofwater. Many colorful fish originate from thehuge Amazon region in South America. Theshape varieties of the ornamental fish, thedecorative roots and rocks as well as the

    lush growing plants are the secret of a sera

    Biotope Aquarium South America. A guar-anteed eye catcher with a particularly exoticappearance.

    Biotope aquariums represent the naturalenvironments of ornamental fish. Thisaquarium type looks particularly exotic butis easy to keep as everything originates

    from one water type. We have describedthe advantages on page 4.

    We give you 3 biotope aquarium examplesin this guide, which you can set up in anaquarium that is either 60 (24 in.) or 80 cm(32 in.) long.

    sera Biotope Aquarium South America

    80 cm / 32 in.

    40cm/

    16

    in.

    80

    60 cm / 24 in.

    35cm/1

    4in.

    60

    Planting plan aquarium

    sand

    zo

    ne

    sand

    zone

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    Location Aquarium size / Number of plants

    AmazonSwordplant

    (Echinodorus

    bleheri) 1 1

    BlackAmazonSwordplant

    (Echinodorusparviflorus)

    1 2

    DeltaArrowhead

    (Sagittariaplatyphylla) 1 3

    GreenCabomba

    (Cabombaaquatica)

    2 2

    EchinodorusRed Devil

    3 5

    Grasswort

    (Lilaeopsisnovae-zelandiae) 3 4

    Grasswort

    (Lilaeopsis

    mauritiana) 3 5

    Swimmingzone

    Aquarium size / Number of fish

    Top

    Cockatoo dwarf cichlid(Apistogramma cacatuoides)

    1

    1

    1

    1

    Top/Middle

    Black tetra(Gymnocorymbus ternetzi)

    4 6

    Top/Mid

    dle

    Bleeding heart tetra(Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)

    5

    Bottom

    Sterbas Corydoras(Corydoras sterbai)

    4 6

    Bottom

    Midget Sucker Catfish(Otocinclus sp. cf. affinis)

    5 7

    Aquarium size / Decoration

    dark gravel (slightly reddish)

    for 5 cm

    (2 in.) layerthickness

    fine, white gravel

    for sandpath

    slate stone, flat, red(or similar slate stones)

    5 7pcs.

    10 12pcs.

    root, medium size(or similar root)

    1 1

    Bottom gravel

    Plants Fish

    A

    Back

    ground

    B

    Background

    C

    Background

    D

    Backgrou

    nd

    E

    Middleground

    F

    Foreground

    G

    Foreground

    60 80 60 80

    60 80

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    In Central America, the fish often live inclear, flowing waters. Livebearing fish spe-cies (e.g. swordtails and platys) are colorful,lively fish. Accordingly, there is always hap-pening something in the sera Biotope

    Aquarium Central America leading to newexperiences. Fish fry, which will appearfrom time to time, always keep the Biotope

    Aquarium Central America interesting.

    sera Biotope Aquarium Central America

    80 cm / 32 in.

    40cm/

    16in.

    80

    60 cm / 24 in.

    35cm/

    14in.

    60

    Planting plan aquarium

    sand

    zone

    sand

    zone

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    Aquarium size / Decoration

    dark gravel (slightly reddish)

    for 5 cm(2 in.) layerthickness

    fine, white gravel

    for sandpath

    slate stone, flat, green(or similar slate stones)

    1012pcs.

    1517pcs.

    17

    Location Aquarium size / Number of plants

    Blue waterhyssop

    (Bacopa

    caroliniana) 3 4

    Deltaarrowhead

    (Sagittariaplatyphylla) 2 4

    EchinodorusRed Devil

    1 2

    GreenCabomba

    (Cabombaaquatica)

    2 3

    EchinodorusReni

    1 1

    Cardinalflower

    (Lobeliacardinalis) 3 4

    PygmyChain Sword

    (Echinodorustenellus) 4 6

    Bottom gravel

    Plants Fish

    Swimmingzone

    Aquarium size / Number of fish

    Top

    Swordtail(Xiphophorus helleri)

    2

    3

    To

    p/Middle

    Platy(Xiphophorus maculatus)

    1

    2

    2

    3

    Bottom

    Black-spotted Corydoras(Corydoras melanistius)

    5 5

    Botto

    m

    Bushy Mouth Ancistrus(Ancistrus sp. cf. dolichopterus)

    2

    A

    Back

    ground

    B

    Background

    C

    Background

    G

    Backgrou

    nd

    F

    Middleground

    D

    Foreground

    E

    Foreground

    60 80 60 80

    60 80

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    The ornamental fish originating from Asialive in pools and slowly flowing, low-in-oxy-gen waters. Accordingly, among others thelabyrinth fish (e.g. dwarf gouramis) develo-ped interesting behaviors. They take up

    essential oxygen at the water surface. Thedifferent shapes and colors of Asian orna-mental fish in the sera Biotope AquariumAsia are inspiring again and again.

    sera Biotope Aquarium Asia

    80 cm / 32 in.

    40cm/

    16in.

    80

    60 cm / 24 in.

    35cm/

    14in.

    60

    Planting plan aquarium

    sand

    zone

    sand

    zone

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    Aquarium size / Decoration

    dark gravel (slightly reddish)

    for 5 cm

    (2 in.) layerthickness

    fine, white gravel

    for sandpath

    bamboo stalks(X in the planting plan)

    4

    root, high root, long(or similar root)

    1each

    1each

    19

    Bottom gravel

    Plants Fish

    Swimmingzone

    Aquarium size / Number of fish

    Top 1

    Siamese

    Fighter

    1

    1

    Dwarf

    gourami

    Top

    Neon rainbowfish(Melanotaenia praecox)

    6

    Top

    /Middle

    Checker barb(Barbus oligolepis)

    3

    3

    3

    3

    Top/Middle

    Siamese algae eater(Crossocheilus siamensis)

    3 4

    Bottom

    Coolie loach(Pangio kuhlii)

    3 5

    Bottom

    Amano shrimp(Caridina multidentata)

    5 7

    Dwarf gourami(Colisa lalia)

    Siamese Fighter(Betta splendens)

    A

    Back-

    ground

    B

    Back-

    ground

    I

    Back-

    ground

    C

    Back-

    ground

    E

    Middle

    ground

    D

    Middle

    ground

    J

    Middle

    ground

    F

    Fore-

    ground

    G

    Fore-

    ground

    H

    Fore-

    ground

    Location Aquarium size / Number of plants

    Water Wisteria

    (Hygrophiladifformis) 1 2

    East IndianHygrophila

    (Hygrophilapolysperma)

    2 3

    Cryptocorynenevillii

    2 3

    Vallisneria nana

    2 3

    Nymphaealotus

    1 3

    CryptocoryneGreen Gecko

    2 3

    Microsoriumpteropus

    1 1

    Cladophoraaegagrophila

    2 3

    Wendts watertrumpet

    (Cryptocorynewendtii)

    2 3

    Wendts watertrumpet

    (Cryptocorynewendtii)

    2 3

    60 80 60 80

    60 80

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    The most important technical devices toprovide natural conditions for most plantsand fish, which originate from tropic regions,are

    Lightingsera T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes have beendeveloped according to the newest find-ings in lighting technology. The quality

    Made in Germany points to lowest ener-gy consumption at best light yield. Byusing the newest fluorescent substancesthe tubes release almost no algae pro-moting light. You will find informationon the ideal combination of sera fluo-rescent tubes for your aquarium atyour specialist dealers or in the serafolder Fluorescent Tubes for Aquar-iums and Terrariums.

    lighting, heater and internal or external filter.

    LightingTechnical equipment

    externalfilter

    heater

    lighting

    lighting

    heater

    internalfilter

    = 1.5 cm(5/8 in.)

    = 2.6 cm(8/8 in.)

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    T TT=

    T

    21

    Most aquarium fish are accustomed towater temperatures about 25C (77F).Thus, the aquarium water must be heatedaccordingly.

    The aquarium heater must be attached inthe aquarium in such a way that the wateralways flows round it in order to heat thewater evenly.The required wattage is very easy to deter-mine: Calculate approx. 1.5 Watts per liter(1 US quart) of water in rooms that are onlyslightly heated. If the aquarium is placed ina warm room, 1 Watt per liter (1 US quart) ofwater is sufficient. The heater may withouthesitation be chosen in a stronger version;

    the power consumption for producing a cer-tain amount of warmth is identical.

    The stick-shaped sera aquariumheaters are entirely water-proof andsaltwater resistant. Temperature ad-

    justment is particularly easy due to

    the adjustment wheel with tempera-ture scale. sera aquarium heatersare available in many appropriatelyselected wattages from 25 Watts to300 Watts and are fitted with a pro-tective grid.

    For every aquarium size the correct sera aquarium heater

    How to choose the right heater:

    Heater

    A stronger heater has a higher power

    reserve, e.g., if the heating in your homeshould ever break down.

    Our tip

    Technical equipment

    aquarium size

    liters 25 50 75 100 150 200 250 300

    US gal. 6 13 20 26 40 53 66 80

    5C

    9F25 W 5 0W 50 W 75W 100 W 15 0W 2 00W 2 50W

    10C

    18F25 W 5 0W 75 W 100 W 1 50 W 2 00W 2 50W 3 00W

    15C 2 x 2 x 2 x

    27F75W 100W 150W 200W 300W

    200W 250W 300W

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    Schematic description of water purification in aquariums with sera filter media, used in aninternal or external filter.

    Cleanwater

    Filtration accordingto nature

    sera biofibres or sera filtersponge collect coarse parti-cles and suspended matter.

    sera filter wool or sera filtermat (floss) retain little dirtparticles. sera filter mat(floss) can also be used forthe mechanical prefiltrationcombined with the sera fil-

    ter sponge.

    Fish excrementsPlant parts

    Food leftovers

    Mechanicalprefiltration

    Purification bacteria fromsera filter biostart settle in-side sera siporax and imme-diately start the biologicalbreakdown in the filter. Puri-fication bacteria in the vol-

    canic rock from sera bionitrivec clean the water inthe aquarium.

    Ammonium/ammonia(NH4/NH3)

    Nitrite (NO2)

    Nitrate (NO3)

    Plant nutrition

    Clean water

    Biologicalwater cleaning

    Final mechanicalpurification

    Technical equipment

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    sera water filtration like in nature

    ria) make sure that pollutants such as fishexcrements and dead plants are brokendown biologically.Purifying aquarium water with the sera filter

    systems works on the same principle.

    In nature, the water seeps through groundlayers and is cleaned mechanically this way.Micro organisms in the water convert pol-lutants into nutrients. The water gets into

    brooks, rivers and lakes via springs. There,too, micro organisms (purification bacte-

    23

    Mechanical water purificationLarger and solid dirt particles, suchas food leftovers and parts ofplants and algae, are collected dur-ing mechanical water purification,

    in order not to clog the biologicalfilter media.

    sera biofibres or sera filter spongecollect coarse dirt particles effec-tively. Therefore they protect thefollowing filter media from coarsepollution and increase the biologi-cal effectiveness of the filter.

    sera filter wool consists of solidfibers, which retain small dirt parti-cles for a longer period of timewithout sticking or collapsing. serafilter wool can be washed outmany times in aquarium water.

    sera filter mat (floss) preventscotton wool fibers from gettingcaught inside the motor. De-pending on the filter system, serafilter mat (floss) fulfils the sametasks as sera filter wool.

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    Lesswaterch

    anges

    withserasi

    porax

    sera siporax is placed in the filterand provides ideal working condi-

    tions for the different purificationbacteria. The breakdown of pollu-tants starts immediately. Aftermechanical prefiltration, food orplant leftovers as well as fish wasteare converted into ammonium. Onthe large and rough surfacemucous forming bacteria have bestpossible hold. They are sufficientlyprovided with oxygen. These bac-teria convert ammonium into nitrite

    (aerobic process).

    The extremely high amount of open-pored tunnel structures in sera siporaxallows for ideal supply of the anaerobicbacteria with nutrients and smallestamounts of freshwater. There are oxygen-poor conditions within the tunnels, allow-ing for nitrite breakdown into nitrate. Thebacteria are forced to break down nitrate

    as to get a sufficient oxygen supply.Therefore, nitrate is also continuouslyreduced. Remaining nitrate is consumed byaquatic plants as a nutrient.

    Due to the large internal cross section ofthe tubes, the breakdown products getremoved quickly, without permanentlyrinsing away the bacteria.

    Thesurface

    ofoneliter(

    oneUS

    quart)ofser

    asiporax

    hasalmos

    tasmuch

    biologicalbreakdown

    poweras34

    liters(9US

    gal.)ofceram

    icfilter

    material

    Biological water cleaning

    Filter media for bacteria settlementshould be tube-shaped. This allows thewater to flow off inside them, and there isno clogging or sticking that could affectthe filtration process.

    Important:

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    When keeping fish from tropicalsoft water areas, the aquariumwater should flow through a layerof sera super peat blackpeat filter

    granulate. sera super peat evenlyreleases valuable humic acids andtrace elements into the aquariumwater for a longer period of time.Depending on the current watervalues, sera super peat decreasesthe carbonate hardness and thepH value. For a long time, thesevalues constantly remain in theslightly acidic range. sera superpeat inhibits the growth of fungi,

    bacteria and algae.

    After a disease treatment youshould increase the amount ofsera super carbon in the filter fora short while. Do not use filter car-

    bon in case of a disease treatment,and remove already inserted filtercarbon. Otherwise the active sub-stances of the treatment are imme-diately absorbed. Due to its verylarge surface, sera super carbonfilter carbon remains active for sixweeks. After this time, the absorb-ing capacity is exhausted, and thefilter carbon must be removedfrom the filter in any case.

    Otherwise absorbed substancescould be released to the wateragain. sera super carbon has noinfluence on the pH value and isfree from phosphates and nitrates.

    Special sera filter media

    sera super peat and sera super carbonshould not be used together. The filtercarbon would immediately absorb allvaluable substances from the peat. Usesera super peat instead of sera supercarbon.

    Attention:

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    Phosphate is required only in littleamounts as a plant nutrient. In caseof accumulation it often causes

    algae problems. sera phosvec Gra-nulat removes phosphate easily,safely and with a long-term effect.

    sera biopur and sera biopur forteas well as sera siporax allow set-tling of purification bacteria tobreak down pollutants biologically.These filter media are recommend-ed if only little breakdown perform-ance is required, e.g. in denselyplanted aquariums with few fish. Asshown on page 24, sera siporaxhas a biological breakdown per-

    formance that is 34 times highercompared to ceramic filter media.Therefore, sera siporax has anexcellent price vs. performanceratio.

    Filtration accordingto natureTechnical equipment

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    Purification bacteria can only mul-tiply optimally if water currents arecorrect. This also provides themsufficient time to break down

    pollutants.

    The current must be strongenough to sufficiently supply thebacteria with oxygen and nutrients.In case of too strong currents, thepollutants cannot be broken downcompletely. The purification bac-teria lack the required time, andthey cannot multiply quicklyenough. Rapidly growing algae

    benefit from this, and aquariumpleasure will be spoiled. In case oftoo strong currents the fish willonly lead a short life.

    The correct performance of

    pumps and filters

    27

    The filter size in relation to the aquarium

    size may vary. Somewhat larger is alwaysbetter than too small. You can see whichaquarium size a filter suits on the filterpackage.

    Optimal filter size

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    The sera fil 60/120 motor filters are easy to

    maintain, highly efficient internal aquariumfilters for small aquariums up to 60/120liters (16/32 US. gal.). The very large filtermaterial volume [approx. 200/350 cm(12.2/21.4 cu.in.)] ensures optimal aquariumwater filtration and best possible biologicalclarification, providing you with crystal clear,natural aquarium water.

    The third filter chamber of the sera fil 120 is

    filled with the new high performance bio

    sera water filtration for small aquariums

    filter medium sera siporax mini. This filter

    medium ensures best water quality by opti-mal biological cleaning.

    The extensive accessories range allows toinstall the aquarium filters in various posi-tions.The filters can be extended by separatelyavailable filter chambers.

    sera siporax mini

    Filter cartridge

    Filter cartridge

    Front cartridge

    sera super carbon activated filter carbon

    Coarse particles get collected on the

    surface of the filter sponge

    Powerful water pumpfor optimal water flow

    sera fil internal aquarium filters

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    sera water filtration for larger aquariums

    Two filter systems have proven well forcleaning the water in larger aquariums: Internal filters as included with the sera

    Biotop Nano Cube 60 and the sera

    marin Biotop Cube 130

    Internal filter inside the sera Biotop Nano Cube 60 and thesera marin Biotop Cube 130

    Advantages Maximum filter volume with minimal

    space requirement Innovative parallel filter technique Clings closely to the aquarium glass,

    saves space Fits in unobtrusively into the aquarium

    landscape

    External filters such as the sera fil bioac-tive 130, 130 + UV, 250, 250 + UV, 400 + UVhave proven well for cleaning the water inlarger aquariums up to 130, 250 or 400

    liters (34, 66 or 106 US gal.), respectively.

    The 4 chamber internal filter in the seraBiotop Nano Cube 60 includes net 2 filter sponges for mechanical filtration sera siporax 1,000 ml (290 g/10.2 oz.) for

    biological filtration, with 270 m (2,900sq.ft.) filter surface

    sera heater 50 W

    sera flow pump STP 1000 50 ml (1.7 fl.oz.) sera filter biostart biocultures for immediate biological pollutantbreakdown

    The 4 chamber internal filter in the seramarin Biotop Cube 130 includes sera protein skimmer PS 130 2 filter sponges for mechanical filtration sera siporax 2,000 ml (580 g/1.2 lb.) for

    biological filtration, with 540 m (5,800sq.ft.) filter surface

    sera heater 100 W

    sera flow pump STP 1000 sera UV-C System 5 W 100 ml (3.38 fl.oz.) sera marin bio reef-

    clear bio cultures for immediate biologi-cal pollutant breakdown

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    sera fil bioactive external filters

    With this newest generation of external fil-ters, sera provides crystal clear, biologically

    clean water in constant quality.Being equipped with the unique filtermedium sera siporax [270 m surface perliter (2,900 sq.ft. per US quart)] and withsera filter biostart, the filter becomesimmediately active after starting it.Furthermore, the sera fil bioactive + UVexternal filters reduce algae growth andpathogens.

    sera bioactive filter system for animmediate start and lasting biologicalpollutant breakdown within the filter

    Coarse plant and uneaten food particlesas well as fish waste are collected by thefilter mat (floss) and sponge.

    Purification bacteria and enzymes fromsera filter biostart decompose the remai-ning waste particles and convert theminto ammonium for further breakdownby sera bio nitrivec.

    Purification bacteria working in the filterrequire special settling space. The biologi-cally active filter medium sera siporax

    provides best settling conditions on asurface of 270 m2 per liter (2,900 sq.ft. perUS quart) (see page 24, please).

    Simply pour the amount of sera filter bio-start required for the tank size onto the drysera siporax. sera filter biostart containshighly active and optimally blended microorganisms, perfectly balanced to the highperformance filter medium sera siporax.

    The filter will immediately become biologi-cally active after the start. Add sera bionitrivec to the aquarium water at the same

    UV-C lamp

    filter mat

    (floss)

    filter sponge

    sera siporax

    time as to start pollutant breakdown in theentire aquarium.

    Filtration accordingto natureTechnical equipment

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    1

    2

    3

    4

    5

    6

    3

    4

    4

    4

    5

    1. Multi-function valve Hose connection Rotatable water intake and outlet Multi-purpose handle for water flow

    regulation and quick water shutoff2. Filter power head Pump and cable UV-C lamp for removing cloudiness and

    reducing algae and pathogens (130 + UV,250 + UV, 400 + UV)

    Intake suction pump for an easy andconvenient start Retractable handle for easy transport

    (130, 130 + UV) Clip locks

    3. Filter mat (floss) and filter sponge formechanical filtration

    4. Filter media basket Separately removable Retractable handles for easy removal

    and cleaning

    5. sera siporax bio filter medium and serafilter biostart for biological filtration

    1 liter (1 US quart) sera siporax in thesera fil bioactive 130 for more than 200liters (53 US gal.) of aquarium water

    2 liters (2 US quarts) sera siporax in thesera fil bioactive 250 and 400 for morethan 400 liters (106 US gal.) of aquariumwater

    6. Filter case

    With rubber feet for a safe stand andacoustic insulation With clip locks

    Immediately biologically active

    34 times as much filter perfor-

    mance*

    Reduces algae growth

    Reduces pathogens

    * compared to common ceramic filtermaterial

    ++

    Advantages of the sera fil bioactive external filters

    Immediately ready for use Easy to start Easy to clean Low energy consumption

    Quiet operation Long life time Quick breakdown of ammonium and nitri-

    te

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    Model Watts Qmax

    sera fil bioactive 130 + UV 16 W / UV-C 5 W 300 l/h (79 US gal./h)sera fil bioactive 250 + UV 32 W / UV-C 5 W 750 l/h(198 US gal./h)sera fil bioactive 400 + UV 36 W / UV-C 5 W 1,100 l/h(291 US gal./h)sera fil bioactive 130 11 W 300 l/h (79 US gal./h)sera fil bioactive 250 22 W 750 l/h(198 US gal./h)

    sera bioactive filter system program

    Filtration accordingto natureTechnical equipment

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    sera UV-C System 5 W

    The ideal addition for external filters withoutbuilt-in UV-C water clarifier

    Reliably removes all kinds of floating algae

    (green, cloudy water) without using che-micals

    Reduces the multiplication of thread andother algae

    Reduces pathogens and cloudy watercaused by bacteria

    Powerful but very economical UV-C clarifierwith multi-purpose connection for filtersand pumps.

    The sera UV-C Clarifier can be used in com-bination with a flow pump, e.g. sera P 1200,or an external filter, e.g. sera fil bioactive130 or 250. The performance of the pump

    should be the volume of the aquarium perhour. The UV-C clarifier cannot be operatedwithout a pump.

    Aquarium inhabitants and filter organismsare not harmed by using the sera UV-CClarifier. You will achieve permanently bio-logically healthy aquarium water up to500 liters (132 US gal.).

    sera UV-C System 5 W foraddition to filters without built-in

    UV-C clarifier

    3333

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    Many situations in an aquarium require air.Therefore you need a powerful air pump,e.g. for air-driven airstones filters gravel cleaners gravel washers

    The sera air 110 plus has one, the air 275 Rplus two, and the 550 R plus four outletswith an always absolutely independentmembrane system. Therefore the sera airplus pumps are ideally suitable for supply-ing more than one aquarium with only onepump. The sera air 275 R plus and 550 Rplus are electronically adjustable there isno complicated and less precise adjustmentby valves and hose clamps. The pumps ofthe sera air plus series are excellently man-ufactured and bear the TV/GS and CESigns. The especially thick-walled and noise-

    absorbing casing consists of shockproofand long lived ABS material, superior to PVCand similar plastic. Elastic standing feetensure permanently quiet use with littlevibration.

    Airstones and connection

    to air-operated devices

    The sera air set S is ideal for use with thesera air 110 plus. It contains two meters(2.2 yd.) of silicon hose, which is much moreflexible and durable, compared to custom-ary hoses. Also, it contains an appropriatelysized airstone, a regulator and a non-returnvalve.

    The sera air set M suits the sera air 275 Rplus. Four meters (4.4 yd.) of silicon hose,two airstones, two non-return valves, and

    one regulator allow the independent use oftwo aquarium decorations or an air-oper-ated filter such as the sera L 150 or L 300.

    Air as propulsion

    High performance air pumps:

    sera air 110 / 275 R / 550 R plus

    Technical equipment

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    Air-operated internal filters

    sera internal filters L for aquariums up to60, 150 or 300 liters (16, 40 or 79 US gal.),

    respectively, are very powerful and quiet inoperation. The air is evenly distributed. Thespecially developed sponge is able to col-lect even smallest particles. The highporosity provides ideal living conditions forthe bacteria that break down pollutants.The sera internal filter L is ideally suitablefor rearing young fish.

    Gravel cleaner

    The sera gravel cleaner thoroughlyremoves sludge and dirt from the gravel.The sera gravel cleaner is suitable foraquariums up to 60 centimeters (24 in.)

    high, and is easily attached to an air pump,such as sera air plus.

    sera gravel washer

    (sludge cleaner)

    The sera gravel washers thoroughlyremove sludge from the aquarium gravel.You can change a part of the water at thesame time. The sera gravel washer 14 cmis ideal especially for small aquariums, as itmakes cleaning in the corners between theplants easier. Height 14 cm (5.5 in.), edgelength 7 cm (2.8 in.). The sera gravel washer

    (round) is suitable especially for largeareas. Height 24 cm (9.4 in.), 5.7 cm (2.2 in.).

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    Automatic feeding

    The sera feed A plus automatic feeder reli-ably feeds your aquarium fish. The hungry

    impression of the fish does not make itoverfeed. Friends or relatives often overdoit. While you are away, the feeder will feed 1 6 times daily for up to 30 days, dependingon your settings. This is ideal for young fish,for they grow up faster and more healthywith more than one small meal per day.sera vipagran is especially suitable for aautomatic feeder.

    For a good view inside

    Even in case of good aquarium care, slightperiphyton growth on the aquarium glasscannot be completely avoided. Bright greenspots often cloud the view. The seraglas clear T/TA algae scrapers (five sizes

    available) allow to clean the glass quicklyand thoroughly. No scratches will appeareven after several years of use. The brush ofthe cleaning part consists of high-qualitysolid plastic. The cover of the outer part ismade of soft felt.

    For the offspring

    The sera breeding container has a volumeof 2.5 liters (0.6 US gal.) and offers plenty ofswimming space for the young fish. Fastand healthy growth is therefore guaranteed.With some sera biofibres, the sera breed-ing container is also excellent for spawn-ing.

    Useful helpersTechnical equipment

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    Living room layout plays an important role.

    There are no limits to your imaginationwhen choosing an aquarium shape, provided

    the aquarium functions biologically. Thereare triangular, hexangular or octangularaquariums, and also individual custommodels (e.g. with curved panorama frontglass).

    All-glass aquariumsThe panes are directly glued together withsilicon without a frame.

    Partly framed aquariums

    Aluminum frame at the top and at the bot-tom, the frames should be glued and notmerely put on.

    Completely framed aquariumsThe panes are glued into a stable metal(mostly aluminum) frame. These aquariumsare particularly shock-proof.

    Complete aquariums

    Everything is included and optimally bal-anced in this case. Panes, frames and inter-nal filter are connected among each other.This makes the aquarium especially robustand less shock-sensitive. The internal filteris completely equipped for immediate bio-logical pollutant breakdown (see page 29,please). The cover with aquarium lamps,food opening and fold-and-push mecha-nism is also included. The sera Biotop NanoCube 60 and the sera marin Biotop Cube 130are immediately ready for use.

    Aquarium cabinetsSuitable aquarium cabinets are available formany aquarium types. They provide spacefor accessories and the technical aquariumequipment.

    37

    Different aquarium shapes

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    The correct location

    When choosing the location, bear in mindthat subsequently moving the aquarium

    is difficult. A decorated and filled 100 liter(26 US gal.) aquarium weighs up to 150 kg(331 lb. without cabinet)! In older buildingswe recommend that you gather informationabout the stability of the floor first. Take intoaccount that the viewers weight adds tothe aquarium weight! A small aquarium canadd to more than 300 kg (662 lb.) in a smallarea of floor space.

    Quiet places in the room which are far

    from the window are best. Sunlight com-ing in through the window promotes algaegrowth. Furthermore, the fish start toswim in a slanting way as frankly speaking up to them is where the light comesfrom.

    In a dark corner of the room the aquariumoptically stands out better, and the fish areless frequently disturbed by persons rush-

    ing along, opening doors, etc.

    The power supply

    In any case you will need a (multiple) mainssupply close to the aquarium in order toconnect filter, heater, lighting, etc. Thepower supply should, if possible, be abovethe aquarium as then no water (e.g., duringthe water change or refilling) can run into

    the socket.

    The rack

    In case you do not want to place the aquari-um on a cabinet, you will need a suitable

    rack. It must be stable and stand exactlyhorizontally. A spirit level is very helpful.Place a safety pad and heat insulationbelow the aquarium to avoid tensioncaused cracks. The sera thermo-safe safetypad reduces the danger of breaking glasscaused by e.g., single sand grains or ten-sion caused cracks caused by torsion of thewooden cabinet. sera Biotop Cubes arenot placed onto a safety pad as they areequipped with a glued-on safety frame.

    Location and aquarium preparation

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    Cleaning and checking for

    water proofnessAquariums sold nowadays come with safety

    standards. However, you should check thepanes and the glue seams for eventualmanufacturing defects. The silicon seamsmust be done carefully, and there must beno gap between the silicon and the glass.This control can best be carried out duringthe now described cleaning.

    Clean the aquarium carefully before set-up as to remove possible chemicals usedduring production, etc. You need one or

    two new buckets for this purpose, whichnever were in contact with cleaningagents or other chemicals, and which areused for aquarium care only.

    The panes (incl. covering pane) should byno means be cleaned with chemical glasscleaners, not even on the outside. A dashof the cleaning agent easily gets into theaquarium by mistake.

    Thoroughly clean the aquarium with hot

    water and a firm cloth or sponge onwhich you have added some drops ofsera pH-minus. Attention: Many spongesare already impregnated by the manufac-turer with cleaning agents and thus notsuitable for aquariums!

    After cleaning the aquarium is filled withwater and watched for 2 3 hours. If nowater leaks out of the aquarium during thistime, the aquarium is water-proof.

    Biologically clean

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    Take into consideration enoughhideaways for your fish. Caves,which can very easily be builtfrom slab-shaped stones orstones with holes, are particular-ly well accepted (see page 13,please).

    Large plants belong to the backpane of the aquarium, otherwise

    they will obstruct the view. Inthe foreground, small and lawn-forming plants should be planted.

    By means of suitable decorationmaterial, technical equipment inthe aquarium (filter, heater, etc.)can be hidden in such a way thatthey become invisible or atleast quite unobtrusive. The

    water must flow around theheater in order to have thewarmth distributed evenly.

    Include a sufficiently large freezone as swimming space forlively fish.

    Before setting up your aquarium youshould think about the ideal layout. Asketch describing all rock arranging, roots

    and plants is a good basis for planning theaquarium landscape.

    sera The CD is an ideal aid for this. You canreplace all plants and decoration as oftenas you like. Just continue to change thingsif you do not like it. If you are not sure youcan just save the present planning state. So

    you can watch your designs as often as youlike.

    BB

    F

    F

    F F

    F

    M

    M M M

    F

    M

    B BB B

    B

    B

    sketch (birds-eye view)

    foreground plantsmiddle ground plantsbackground plantsB

    MF

    front view

    sera floredepot

    bottom graveldecoration material

    Planning the aquarium landscape

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    The bottom gravel is the basis for thesuccessful plant and fish care. It offers

    a large settlement surface for the bacteriawhich break down the pollutants. In addi-tion, it provides a support for the plants.Fill sera floredepot gravel fertilizer into theaquarium, maximum filling height: two cen-timeters (0.8 in.). Cover it with a 5 cm (2 in.)freshly washed layer of finely grainedaquarium gravel.During the initial phase, sera floredepotprovides the plants with nutrients (for 4 6weeks) that the plants need for strong

    roots and green leaves. Distribute serafloredepot evenly on the spaceassigned for planting (see sketch onpage 40, please).

    As a covering layer, finely-grained (2 4 mm)aquarium gravel or river sand with a grainsize of 1.5 mm is used. Please make sure notto use sharp-edged gravel (e.g., basaltchippings or fired ceramic chippings), as

    grubbing fish such as armored catfishotherwise get injured.The gravel should be dark, in no case brightwhite. Bright gravel irritates the fish andcauses stress. Furthermore, the splendidcolors of the ornamental fish look evenbetter above dark gravel.

    41

    Purchase aquarium gravel only from spe-cialized retailers, never from building mate-

    rial stores or the like! At the specializedretailers you may be sure that the graveldoes not release pollutants into the aquari-um water. Clean the gravel thoroughly underrunning water before use.

    5Fill in bottom gravel

    1

    Decoration and technicalequipmentNow you can install the sera filter (fig.:

    sera fil 60) (see page 28, please) and thesera aquarium heater. Build alittle underwater landscape fromwell-cleaned rocks and rootsfrom the specialized trade thatyou have washed with scaldingwater. This will allow the fish to

    form their territories and hide.

    2

    Set up an aquarium in steps

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    Filling in and conditioning

    water3 Filling in water correctlyFirst place a shallow plate on the gravel toprevent water from whirling up. Then pourthe lukewarm water (24 26C / 75 79F)on top of it until the aquarium is filled by 2/3.The sera precision thermometer makestemperature control easier.

    Fish-friendly waterWithout conditioning according to the fish-es requirements, tap water is not suitableas aquarium water. Chlorine and other pol-lutants, such as metal ions and differentsalts, endanger fish, plants and micro-organisms.

    sera aquatan binds heavy metal

    ions immediately, clears thewater and neutralizes effects ofdissolved salts and aggressivechlorine. sera aquatan protectsthe fishs mucous membrane dueto a valuable vitamin B complexand skin protection colloids.

    sera blackwater aquatan is awater conditioner with naturalpeat extracts, trace elements and

    humic acids. Suited for all fishoriginating from tropical softwaters, like characins, barbs, cat-fish and South American cichlids.sera blackwater aquatan hindersthe growth of unwanted bacteria,fungi and algae.

    The biological water conditioningwith sera bio nitrivec is especially impor-

    tant. sera bio nitrivec consists of differentpurification and pollutants breaking downbacteria that build up a natural micro flora

    within hours and, therefore, afunctioning pollutant breakdown.When using sera bio nitrivec thefish can already be introduced intothe newly set-up aquarium after24 hours (also see page 45,please)!

    Important water values for the

    beginningBasic water criteria are at first the carbonatehardness and the pH value. Both parame-ters should be checked by all meansbefore introducing the fish, and adjustedaccordingly.The ideal values differ for the fish. Yourretailer will advise you on the ideal pH valuefor your desired fish. Also, the encyclopediaincluded in sera The CD will inform you indetail about the water requirements of the

    fish. sera The CD checks if the parametersfit already when selecting the fish.

    Set up an aquarium in steps5

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    So, please check the carbonate hardnessfirst by means of the sera kH-Test andincrease it, if necessary, by means of seraKH/pH-plus according to the directions foruse. Then the pH value should be deter-mined by means of the sera pH-Testreagent or the electronic sera pH meter.

    You can easily and safely adjust the correctpH value by means of sera KH/pH-plusresp. sera pH-minus according to thedirections for use.

    43

    The carbonate hardness stabilizes the pHvalue. It buffers changes that are, for exam-ple, caused by biological degradationprocesses in the aquarium and the carbondioxide consumption of the plants. The car-bonate hardness is measured in degrees ofGerman carbonate hardness (dKH). It

    should be between 5 and 10dKH in com-munity aquariums.

    Adding plants

    1) Shorten the root tips slightly with a pair ofsharp scissors before planting (fig. 1),and remove rotten or frayed leaves.

    2) Dig a planting hole with your finger intothe gravel which has been prepared withsera floredepot (fig. 2).

    3) Carefully put the roots into the hole (fig. 3)and cover them with gravel. Press thegravel carefully and pull the plant slightly,so that the roots face downwards again.

    4

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    Fertilize plants correctlySuccessfully keeping plantsbecomes easy with the finelyadjusted sera fertilization sys-

    tem. Use sera floreplus as agrowth promoter during the first4 6 weeks. The faster theplants grow, the sooner theywill contribute to the biologicalwater purification and supplythe fish with oxygen. Then startregular fertilization.Some plants (e.g., Cabomba)take up their nutrients mainlyvia the leaves. These plants are

    fertilized with sera florena.Other plants, such as Anubiasand Cryptocoryne species, takeup the nutrients mainly via theroots. These plants are ideallycared for by means of sera flo-renette A. sera florenette Areleases the nutrients welldosed over a prolonged period.

    Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important nutri-

    ent for all plants. The carbon dioxidedemand, however, differs strongly. Manyslowly growing plants (e.g., Anubias) haveonly a low CO2 demand. The situation is dif-ferent with rapidly growing species (e.g.,Cabomba, Myriophyllum) and the verydecorative red-leaved plants (e.g., tigerlotus, Nymphaea lotus): With these, carbondioxide fertilization is indispensable in orderto care for the plants successfully over a

    prolonged period.

    The sera CO2-Start kit is the reasonablestart into the CO2 fertilization for smallaquariums. You will need the sera CO2 fer-tilization system for larger aquariums. It

    provides a complete set consisting ofextremely diffusion-proof parts in particu-larly high quality. It contains an environ-mentally friendly re-usable 500 g (17.6 oz.)CO2 bottle that you can get refilled at yourretailers.The seramic pH Controller regulates CO2dosage automatically. This microprocessorcontrolled unit controls the pH value per-manently and keeps it at the desired valueconstantly by dosed adding of CO2.

    Set up an aquarium in steps5

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    Transfer into a new aquarium means a cli-mate change for the fish. Switch off the

    aquarium light. Avoid bright light.

    After thirty minutesyou can transfer thefish using the serafish net. Be sure to

    dispose the transportwater into the sink!

    Open the bag andturn up the edgesseveral times. Thebag then floats openin the water. Fillaquarium water(approx. the two- orthreefold original

    amount of the bagcontent) into the bagin portions within thecourse of half anhour.

    Put the fish bag intothe aquarium (open-ing on top) and makesure the bag floats.

    How to add the fish

    Now, finally, the aquarium is set up,decorated and planted; filter, heating and

    lighting work as they should. The sera testsreveal good water quality.Now the first fishes are introduced. Start the

    biological pollutant breakdown at the sametime.

    Fill the tank with water up to2 cm (0.8 in.) below the edge.Then add sera aquatan (pHvalue 6.5 7.5). Put the filterinto operation.

    Add sera bio nitrivec at thesoonest one hour after you

    added sera aquatan. sera bionitrivec accelerates activationof the filter bacteria.

    Add 10% of the fish stock onthe next day (1st day).

    Add 30% of the fish stock onthe 4th day. Start with algaeeaters and a few bottom-orien-tated fish.

    5th and 7th day: check ammoni-

    um and nitrite. sera toxivecquickly neutralizes too highvalues.

    Add another 30% of thedesired fish stock on the 8th

    day. 10th day: same as 5th and 7th day. Add the final 30% of the

    desired fish stock on the 11th

    day. During the start-up phase feed

    only sparingly using the seravipan product family: seravipan flakes for fish in theupper and sera vipagran softgranules for fish in the middlewater layers. sera vipachipsfor all bottom fish. Check theammonium and nitrite levelseach day and, if necessary,neutralize with sera toxivec.

    5

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    sera The CD 2.0: Design your desiredaquarium

    You can easily combine colorful fish andfascinating aquatic plants to form exoticunderwater worlds.

    sera The CD already exists since 1999.With possibilities unique until now, sera The CD 2.0 provides a considerably impro-ved software program for aquarium setup.

    sera The CD makes

    aquarium setup easy

    sera presents yougreat and easy to

    keep biotopeaquariums on the CD, whichyou can alter within a biotope according toyour taste. Furthermore, you can combineover 140 different fish and 50 differentplants. You can do nothing wrong. sera The CD checks automatically whetheraquarium size, bottom gravel, fish, plants,rocks and wood suit each other. sera TheCD provides many possibilities, e.g.:

    Basics including everything you need toknow about aquariums

    Step by step aquarium setup as a film tofollow

    Valuable advice about aquarium care Encyclopedia with information about fish

    and plants Shopping list for your desired aquarium

    Start page

    46

    Computer aided aquarium design

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    Adding and exchanging

    the fish

    Encyclopedia

    sera online laboratory

    The sera online laboratorysimplifies aquar-ium care and is a real fun. You will learneffortlessly how to use water test kits andwater conditioners. You can check thequality of your aquarium water, and ofcourse pond water, permanently. This offersthe following advantages:

    continually good water quality fewer problems with algae less time needed for the aquarium care

    Go and see for yourself on the Internet

    Drag-and-drop design

    with the mouse

    www.seralabo

    r.com

    4747

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    39/05US

    GmbH D 52518 Heinsberg Germany