9
Hints & Tips For Best Results
LIVE PLANTS
Once the water conditions and pH levels have
been corrected, live plants can be added to the
aquarium. Remember to empty some water from
the aquarium before adding anything to it.
REMEMBER LIVE PLANTS NEED TO BE FED!
An aquarium safe plant fertiliser should be used.
LIGHTING
It is recommended that the light is turned
completely off for at least 8 hours per day to allow
the fish a proper night period. More than 10 hours
of full light daily can encourage excessive algae
growth.
• The LED light unit does not require replacement
bulbs and should last the life of the tank.
• To maximise light quality, ensure that the clear
cover is kept clean.
FILTER MEDIA
Biological Filtration (Ceramic Noodles)
Biological filtration is a process where toxic
nitrogen compounds such as ammonia and nitrite
(Fish waste) are removed from the system via
a breakdown process carried out by nitrifying
bacteria. (Nitrobacter and Nitrosomonas). These
nitrifying bacteria need substrate with a high
surface area to adhere to such as
Ceramic
Noodles.
• When starting a new system it is important to
remember that bacteria takes time to develop and
grow.
• You can speed up the process by ‘seeding’ the
system with Aqua One Bio Starter.
• Over time this media can block up or break down
so it is important to monitor it.
Seek advice from your Aquarium Specialist if
either of these problems arise.
Mechanical/Chemical Filtration (Carbon
Cartridge)
This is the removal of dissolved organic and
inorganic substances through adsorption on a
porous substrate or by direct chemical removal.
Dissolved organic compounds are what turns the
water a yellow-brown colour or causes foaming
at the surface of the aquarium and need to be
removed.
• Remove carbon cartridge if treating fish with
medication.
• Replace every 6 – 8 weeks as the carbons
absorption capacity will have depleted.
• Rinse well before placing in the aquarium. (in tap
water)
Mechanical/Biological Filtration (Filter
Sponge)
This is the process whereby suspended solids or
particulate matter are removed from the water.
It is important to remove suspended solids not
only to improve clarity of the water but also to:
• Avoid smothering the gills with solids such that
fish cannot breathe.
• Decrease risk of disease outbreaks - there
are high numbers of bacteria associated with
suspended organic solids.
• Protect the biological filter material from rapidly
becoming clogged.
• Can also act as a biological filter medium by
providing sufficient surface area to host beneficial
bacteria
Note: This is only a guide! You should seek
professional advice from your aquarium specialist
at the time of purchase.
DO NOT ADD ALL FISH AT ONCE!
Build stock levels slowly over time. Allow at least
one week between additions of fish. Add a filter
supplement to help the biological system cope
with the additional waste.
Do not over crowd. Remember all fish will grow,
so allow them adequate space.
Introduction of Fish
