What -Whyhow? an AQUARIUM BOOK 1 Ahead Through Research 1

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GB Art. Nr.: 96221 10 V02 Setting up USEFUL TIPSFORBEGINNERS What -WhyHow? AN AQUARIUM BOOK 1 Ahead through research 1

Ahead through research

Inhalt Page 1. Introduction 1 2. Guidelines: setting up an aquarium 2 - 4 3. The aquarium 4 - 7 4. Ground cover and decorations 8 - 9 5. Technical equipment 10 - 13 6. Water 14 - 18 7. Plants 19 - 23 8. The fish 24 - 27 9. Maintenance 28 1. INTRODUCTION 10. Literature 29 Latest findings show that watching an This small brochure describes how you aquarium is relaxing, reduces stress and can enjoy all the advantages of an aqua- has a calming influence. It provides an rium mentioned above and how the plea- opportunity to observe natural events clo- sure given by your small underwater world sely, leading to greater understanding of can be prolonged by providing the right such processes and relationships. care for the species of fish selected. You will soon notice symptoms of a serious But an aquarium can also be quite simply case of aquarium virus infection which will beautiful and fascinating. It can be a deco- probably affect you, as it has us, for the rative feature of a room....The list of rest of your life, giving hours of pleasure. Published by advantages is endless. However, it is JBL GmbH & Co.KG important to bear in mind that the correct Of course, a small brochure like this can- D- 67141 Neuhofen/Pfalz care of fish and plants entails a certain not provide comprehensive information. www.jbl.de amount of work, otherwise the advantages Our aim is to point you in the right direc- may quickly turn into disadvantages. If, for tion. 3rd revised edition 2006 example, the aquarium should become Texts: Dr. Rainer Keppler, cloudy with algae, the hobby which was For further more detailed information we Biologe im Hause JBL started with such enthusiasm may come to recommend that you purchase one of the Layout: akzenta PR, D- 53797 Lohmar a disappointing end. books listed in the bibliography. Since an aquarium is a micro system of AQUARIUM GRAVEL, PARTICLE SIZE create a rock desert! Rocks living creatures which react to each other, 2 - 3 MM, MAX DEPTH 4 - 5 CM and roots should be placed there are no simple instructions which only on the substrate or gently need to be followed for everything to work bedded in the gravel. smoothly like a machine. 3 2 2.5 Adding water You will probably, sooner or later, come across problems which are not dealt with QUA ASIS PLUS Now fill the aquarium with tepid tap water specifically in the literature available. JBL AQUA BASIS PLUS (25¡C) until almost full. To avoid mixing the gravel layer together with the lower We therefore recommend that you and the daily fertilizer JBL Ferropol 24 to layer of substrate containing additives, exchange ideas with other enthusiasts. provide essential trace elements each day. pour the water onto a shallow saucer or Your specialist aquarium supplier is cer- glass dish placed on the floor of the aqua- tainly one person you can turn to for First you need the nutrient substrate JBL AquaBasis plus advice. In time, you may perhaps like to The tips in this small brochure are intended to show . The other two compo- join a local aquarists' club. In heated dis- you how to achieve an aquarium in which healthy nents will be described in more detail later. cussions, often stretching on well into the plants and fish can thrive Cover the floor of the aquarium with a 2cm night, you will hear how many different deep layer of this nutrient substrate. This is then covered with a layer of washed solutions there may be for the same pro- The following brief guidelines explain the aquarium gravel, particle size 2 - 3 mm. 4. blem and how each aquarium reacts diffe- main steps to be taken when setting up an rently. And that's what makes this hobby aquarium. The subsequent chapters then Using pre-washed gravel from a specialist so interesting and informative! explain each stage in closer detail. aquarium supplier will save you the trouble of washing the gravel. GUIDELINES: rium. Adjust the position of any decorative objects if necessary 2. SETTING UP AN AQUARIUM 2.3 Installing a heater and before adding JBL Biotopol or filter JBL Tropol to prepare the water. BIS 2CM SCHICHTHÖHE Follow the manufacturer's instructions. 2.1 Cleaning the new aquarium Install the appliance at the rear of the tank 2.6 Starting up the equipment After placing the aquarium in the selected location, wash it using luke-warm tap water. Switch on the heating and the filter and JBL Aquarium Cleaning is easy with the install the lighting according to manufac- Sponge. Do not use detergents. 1. turer's instructions. It is advisable to 3. connect the lighting to a time switch. 2.2 Introducing substrate 3 useful helpers to start you off on We recommend the JBL ProfloraStart set your new "aquatic hobby": JBL for a successful start for your new aqua- so that it can later be hidden by decorati- Denitrol adds beneficial cleansing rium with healthy thriving aquatic plants. ons and plants. bacteria to the aquarium water and This set contains the basics needed for shortens the waiting time before successful aquatic plant care. It consists 2.4 Decorative elements fish can be introduced. JBL Bioto- of: JBL AquaBasis plus, a nutrient sub- 2. pol and JBL Aquatrop J convert tap strate specially developed for aquariums, Decorative elements such as roots and water into the ideal environment for JBL Ferropol liquid staple fertilizer to pro- stones may now be added. Only use one your fish. vide a regular supply of the main nutrients, sort of rock and avoid the temptation to 2.8 Introducing aquarium plants At the same time you can perhaps brigh- quate for a small aquarium. Larger tanks ten a previously dull corner of your room. of about 80 to 100l upwards should be Aquarium plants may be added when the The location selected should also have an supported on a special tank stand availa- equipment is operating correctly and the electrical power point or easy access to ble in a wide selection from specialist 4 first dose of JBL Denitrol has been added. power. Depending on the equipment used, aquarium suppliers. 5 3 - 4 electrical connections will be requi- It goes without saying that the aquarium 2.9 Introducing fish red. and its support must stand absolutely level 5. There should also be sufficient space (use a spirit level). A few days later. More on this in the chap- above the aquarium for you to comfortably A sheet of expanded polystyrene (Poly- ter on fish. carry out maintenance jobs (e.g. regular soft), available from aquarium suppliers, partial changes of aquarium water) without should be placed between the support and 2.7 Maturing performing contortions. the tank. This will safeguard against any A sufficiently sturdy piece of furniture will unevenness and insulate the tank, preven- In order to help the beneficial filter bacteria be required to support the aquarium. A ting any loss of heat from the bottom of the become established JBL Denitrol contai- shelf, table or something similar is ade- tank. ning additional beneficial bacteria should be added now and on the following 9 days.

3. THE AQUARIUM

3.1 Location 50 cm

Thanks to more sophisticated modern lighting equipment, the window sill is no longer the standard location for an aquarium. Daylight, with its seasonal fluctuations, is difficult to regulate and inevitably leads to the pro- 100 cm blem of undesirable algae growth. 3.2 Size Select a location which is furt- oxygen since the bacteria require more hest from a window, where the As a general rule, the conditions in a large oxygen for this task than is available in the aquarium will get as little direct aquarium remain more stable, as minor, aquarium. daylight as possible, but can still unintentional lapses in maintenance do not A large aquarium will also more easily be easily viewed from your result in an immediate catastrophe. For "absorb" an omitted partial change of favourite armchair. example, a dead fish which has gone water than a smaller aquarium. unnoticed in a large aquarium will be dis- On the other hand in terms of learning Special aquarium lighting availa- posed of by bacteria without any significant effect, starting with a small aquarium is ble from your specialist aqua- ill-effects on other occupants of the aqua- considered to be best because mistakes rium supplier provides suitable rium or on the quality of the water. In a are immediately and unmistakably ob- light conditions and will keep A carefully sited aquarium will give your room a special "tropical" small aquarium, the conversion of waste vious. Scrupulous maintenance is inevita- algae growth to a minimum. flair. by bacteria may lead to a critical lack of bly learnt. We would like to propose a middle path, of this size are often sold by aquarium sup- and recommend starting with an aquarium pliers as complete sets including all the of at least 60 cm, preferably 80 cm, length. necessary accessories and are very rea- 3.4 USEFUL EQUIPMENT Such an aquarium, containing 50 or 80 - sonably priced. 6 100 l water, is not too demanding both There are a few implements which will The JBL Catch Net is a 7 from the financial point of view and the make the maintenance of your small useful piece of equipment level of maintenance needed and at the when removing fish. It is underwater world much easier to carry out. available in a range of same time provides a reasonably stable These are: a clean bucket used solely for environment for the occupants. Aquariums sizes to suit every work on the aquarium and never for hou- need. sehold cleaning. A siphoning tube about 15 - 20 mm diameter and 1.5 - 2 m long can be used to empty some of the aquarium water into the bucket during partial changes of water. A silt cover on one end of the siphoning tube has proved very useful. When installing an "open aquarium" under a sloping ceiling check that there is sufficient distance between the AquaEx from JBL is a complete set com- surface of the water and any lighting. Open aquariums are highly decorative and have a positive effect on the cli- removed from the aqua- mate of a room. prised of silt guard and siphon tube. This set has a special valve mechanism which rium without having to discharges water into the bucket without "fish around” in the water. 3.3 CONSTRUCTION AND SHAPE the unpleasant task of sucking it up by mouth. The set also includes two practical JBL Blanki does an hose clips which can be used to attach the excellent job in removing hose easily to the edge of the aquarium or stubborn algae deposits to the bucket, preventing the hose from without scratching the accidentally slipping off. JBL AquaEx is aquarium glass. available in two sizes: AquaEx 20-45 for aquariums from 20 to 45 cm high and In addition, calcium stains and grime on AquaEx 45-70 for aquariums from 45 to the outer panes of the aquarium can be 70 cm high. removed using JBL BioClean A, a biological cleaner which, if it should inad- You will need an algae cleaner to remove vertently come into contact with the unsightly deposits of algae from the front aquarium water, is not harmful to fish. pane of the aquarium. JBL offers two All this equipment should be stored in types, the JBL Blanki or Blanki Set and the vicinity of the aquarium away from JBL Algae Magnet other household cleaning equipment. An aquarium built into a wall as a room- in 3 different sizes. divider is especially eye-catching. The world of the aquarium becomes a unique experience. For daily routine cleaning, we recommend a floating algae magnet, JBL Floaty. This Almost all tanks sold nowadays are all- traditional rectangular shape and the new has two advantages: it can be used from glass tanks with silicone rubber adhesive. styles can be easily integrated into modern outside the aquarium without getting your Check that the tank you select is from a decorating schemes. hands wet as the cleaning section in the manufacturer who gives a guarantee on water is connected magnetically to the One point which should not be forgotten the adhesive bonding. Such aquariums "handle” outside the aquarium. when planning any ambitious "wonders" of meet all the necessary criteria for safety interior design is the needs of the living crea- and stability. The economical methods In the event that the inner section loses tures themselves. now used for bonding sheets of glass open contact with the outer part during over- up new opportunities for different shapes. Do seek the advice of your specialist retai- energetic cleaning, the inner section will Aquariums no longer have to be built in the ler. float to the surface and can be easily gravel. We recommend using a dark colou- That is completely unnecessary. To en- red, round-grained gravel, particle size 2 - sure that any wood used does not float 4. GROUND COVER AND DECORATIONS 3 mm. Natural decorative material, such as when water is added weight it down with a a few stones and one or two roots obtained rock. 8 Before we go into the individual topics nutrients and is an anchoring place for the from aquatic stores can now be used to 9 mentioned in the brief introduction to aqua- aquatic plants, whilst for the fish it provides create hiding places for the fish or to dis- rium keeping at the beginning of this bro- the necessary "ground under the feet". guise technical equipment such as the chure by starting with some suggestions heater and filter as much as possible. on ground cover and decorations, we We recommend the following layering of would like to make a few points. substrate: First place a 2cm deep layer of The operation of the equipment should not Your aquarium should develop into a small JBL AquaBasis plus on the floor of the be impeded in any way and the filter, water biotope which looks and behaves as aquarium. This nutrient where needed, should remain easily naturally as possible. It is advisable, there- substrate has been speci- accessible for cleaning. Do not use materi- fore, to avoid artificial-looking decorations ally developed for aquatic als which may leak any harmful sub- such as plastic divers, shipwrecks or pla- plants and contains all the stances into the water. Decorative material Attractive decorations can be created using Javanese stic plants. The needs of the fish should nutrients required to start bought from a reputable aquarists' supplier moss on tree roots. The Javanese moss is at first held have priority over decorative or artistic a new aquarium, whilst can be safely used. This particularly in position with thin thread. flights of fancy. also acting as a nutrient applies to roots. The only wood which is store. suitable for an aquarium is wood which THE REAR WALL OF THE However, there is still plenty of scope for has been impregnated with humic acid, beauty and aesthetics, as you will see as such as resinous moor wood. Do not use AQUARIUM you read this brochure. If you actually tried wood from the forest. JBLJBL Even the most attractive aquarium decorations loose

to reproduce the natural environment of 2 cm 3 - 4 cm the fish as closely as possible, the result AAQUAQUA BBASISASIS PLUS PLUS Savannah wood and mangrove wood has their charm if viewed against the backdrop of the would be a more or less monotonous sight. also recently become available from aqua- living room wallpaper. Cover any of the sides of the The ground layer should be at least 4-6 cm deep for aquarium which are not to be used for viewing with a It is more important that the habitat meets rium suppliers. Rocks and wood should be backdrop. There are numerous aquarium backdrops strong plant growth the fishes' needs i.e. fish which like to hide washed thoroughly under running water, available as prints on foil from aquarium in plants should not be kept in an aquarium scrubbing with a brush if necessary. Save suppliers. You are certain to find a motive without plants, or ones which live in caves JBL AquaBasis plus is part of the JBL yourself trouble by not boiling these which suits your aquarium. We recom- be kept in bare aquariums. ProFloraStart set described in Chapter 2, objects, as is often recommended. mend JBL Rear Wall Adhesive to profes- which we particularly recommended for sionally glue the rear wall to your aquarium, so that it adheres smoothly without Now back to ground cover again. When setting up a new aquarium. Next cover this air bubbles and can be seen to best effect. you have placed your aquarium in the layer completely with a 3 - 4 cm layer of A polystyrene sheet used in addition to the position chosen, briefly wash it with luke- well-washed gravel. Using pre-washed backdrop will insulate against heat loss warm tap water (without detergents). You gravel from a specialist aquarium supplier and reduce heating costs. can then start to add the substrate. This will save you the trouble of washing the has to fulfil several functions: it provides

Stone is one of the most natural decorative elements. With a little fantasy, attractive back walls and other constructions can be created, like the "backdrop" in the photo on the right, a natural-looking setting. Let your imagination run free! The Java fern attaches its roots (rhizomes) to the rough surfaces of stones and the wood roots, forming a very natural aquarium world. Many external filters e.g. JBL CristalProfi are Well run-in aqua- supplied complete with filter material which is riums and filters 5. TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT adequate for aquariums with normal stocking are characterised levels. If you buy a filter which does not contain by crystal-clear, healthy water in A certain amount of technical equipment is ProCristal 50 and 100 filter material, we recommend the following: 11 10 which your fish necessary in order to create the best possi- for standard aquariums small pieces of ceramic pipe (JBL Cermec) display their most ble conditions for the inhabitants of the of 60cm and 80 cm for the bottom layer (about 1/3 of the filter con- brilliant small aquarium biotope. It is not capable of (approx. 50 and 100 l). A tent). Almost all of the remaining filter volume colours. regulating and supporting itself as in nature, special feature of this fil- should be filled with a material which gives cle- although operating according to the same ter is a pre-filter cartridge ansing bacteria the best possible conditions to principles. We would like to explain what which can be cleaned or establish colonies. A whole range of suitable you need to know about technical equip- replaced regularly, pro- materials are available. The most common is ment and what equipment is needed. tecting the actual biolo- coarse foam e.g. JBL Filterpad F15 for the gical filter material from JBL CristalProfi external filter. A mixture of 5.1 Filter undue soiling and therefore ensuring a longer 1) JBL Symec XL filter floss. 2) JBL Cer- A filter, as the name says, should filter some- working life. mec small ceramic pipes. 3) JBLSymec- thing, namely the aquarium water. The remo- Mix. 4) JBL SintoMec. 5) JBL Symec. val of visible floating particles and beautifully Ask your specialist clear aquarium water is more a welcome aquarium supplier about side-effect. The main function of an aquarium JBL ProCristal internal filters. filter is not just mechanical filtering, but the Air-operated internal filters are not recom- disposal and conversion of invisible harmful mended as they expel the CO2 which is vital 5. substances by bacteria. We would like to for plant growth (see chapter on plants). briefly explain where these harmful substances come from and how water purifica- We recommend motorised external filters, 1. 4. tion is carried out by bacteria. The excretion e.g. from the JBL CristalProfi range, for lar- from the fish, uneaten food and decaying ger aquariums. The filter can be conveniently plant material are all sources of soluble waste positioned below or behind the aquarium, 3. material which can be harmful to the fish to a with only the less intrusive supply and sipho- flow Water greater or less extent over a long period of ning tubes actually in the aquarium. In con- 2. time. Certain bacteria have become speciali- trast to internal filters, a larger volume is avai- 2. zed in the breaking down and conversion of lable for the filter mass. Check that you buy a harmful substances into less harmful ones. model in which the pipes can be prevented coarse and fine filter floss, JBL Symec Mix, is which activated carbon is needed e.g. to filter The filter material of the aquarium filter provi- from slipping by screw fittings, clips or such also highly suitable. The non-plus ultra amon- out residues of medicines over a limited period des ideal conditions for these bacteria which like. Despite rumours to the contrary, pipes gst biological filter materials are materials of time. It will also be necessary from time to become established there over a period of are part of the "living inventory" of an aqua- made of sintered glass, such as JBL Sinto- time to clean the filter material. Greatly redu- about two weeks. More details on this are rium and always seem to change their posi- Mec and JBL Micromec. This is topped with ced water flow through the filter is an indication given in the following chapter and in the JBL tion when you are away. a final thin layer of foam (JBL FilterPad F35) that it needs cleaning. Remove the filter mate- Brochure "What - Why - How" No. 2. or cotton floss, JBL FilterPad VL or JBL rial from the filter (following the maker's instruc- Quick-disconnect plugs with stop valves, eit- Symec VL. This composition can be used for tions) and rinse under luke-warm, running At the beginning you need to know that there her fitted or available as an accessory, make filters in which the water flows from the bottom water (25¡C). Do not use hot water or deter- are external and internal filters. Internal filters routine cleaning of the filter easier. to the top. If the flow is in the opposite direction, gents. Do not clean too thoroughly, to are positioned in the aquarium, with the the order of the layers is reversed, with the avoid harming the beneficial bacteria advantage that there no pipes containing The selection of suitable filter material which small ceramic pipes placed at the top. Any which have settled in the filter material. water running outside the aquarium, which would provide the ideal conditions for benefi- other filter materials such as peat or particu- More filters have been "cleaned to death" than could spring a leak. On the other hand, the cial bacteria, as mentioned previously, is not larly activated carbon should not be used have expired through lack of cleaning. After routine cleaning which is needed from time to a problem with motorised internal filters as under any circumstances in the filter of a new setting up an aquarium for the first time, the fil- time entails "splashing around" in the aqua- these are supplied with ideally suited foam fil- aquarium. Later, in the course of your career ter material should not be cleaned in the first 4 rium. We recommend the JBL internal filter ter cartridges. as an aquarist, you will come across cases in - 8 weeks. tubes can be used, we recommend a com- HEAT & LIGHT bination of SOLAR Tropic and SOLAR Natur. The SOLAR Natur tube should be installed as the front tube, as this creates 12 5.2 Heating stocked aquarists' suppliers offer a wide an impression of depth in the aquarium. 13 variety of styles and configurations of Since the large majority of aquarium lighting either as individual However great the temptation might be, we fish which are easy to keep lamps or complete aquarium hoods. strongly advise against the use of tubes and therefore suitable for a We recommend lighting or a hood with one which emit a more or less pink light, and beginner's aquarium come or more fitted fluorescent tubes to save which will bathe your underwater world in from tropical countries, costs. Fluorescent tubes produce the most an unnatural candy-coloured glow. Alt- your aquarium will need a light for the energy consumed. According hough candy-coloured lights may be con- If you send your fish "to bed" in the evening with a heater. A temperature of to the latest findings, aquarium plants sidered under the heading "a matter of dimmed light (e.g. a spotlight up to 60 W), you will be between 23 - 26¡C will pro- require the full natural spectrum of light in taste", it has been proved that this shade able to enjoy the fascinating spectacle of the colours vide the right "working con- order to thrive. of light promotes undesirable algae gro- and behaviour of the fish. ditions" for your fish, JBL SOLAR full-spectrum tubes provide wth, which is exactly what should be avoi- (depending on species). the right source of light for your underwa- ded especially at the beginning. If, howe- daylight and 12 hours darkness. Because Aquarists' stores sell a ter world. Full-spectrum tubes not only ver, you still do not want to do without of the angle of the sun's rays in the early variety of aquarium hea- enable the plants in the aquarium to pro- candy-coloured light, one tube in this morning and evening, the underwater day ters. We recommend a rod- duce healthy growth, to the disadvantage colour can be used in a lighting system lasts only about 10 hours. shaped thermostat heater. JBL ProTemp, available from any specialist aquarium store, is an extremely

compact regulated heating

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A time switch will guarantee a rance of the aquarium, it is also the source the fishes natural colouring. How?" Book 7. With regard to the length regular cycle, saving the fish unnecessary of vital energy needed by the plants to For hoods with only one fluorescent tube of time the lighting should be switched on, stress. Set the lighting times so that the thrive and develop their full glory. At the we recommend the JBL SOLAR Tropic most aquatic plants flourish best under fish are still active when you have time to same time the plants supply the underwa- light shade, as this is ideally suited to the conditions similar to a tropical day, which observe them in the evenings e.g. on at 11 ter world with essential oxygen. Well- needs of plants. If two or more fluorescent is almost exactly divided into 12 hours of a.m. and off at 10 p.m. aquarium keeping you will perhaps want to keep more "demanding" fish requiring 6. DAS6. WATER WASSER specific water preparation. At the beginning, however, you should select fish 14 which thrive in the tap water which is easily 15 THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR available. Details on the requirements of fish can be found in specialist literature or AT THE BEGINNING by asking your specialist supplier. In its natural state, The water in your aquarium, the natural More detailed information is element for your plants and fish, plays a water contains all the substances given in the JBL Brochure vital role. On the one hand the water and which are essential "What - Why - How?" its properties influences the fish and plants for fish to live. Tap Book 2. living in it, on the other hand the biological water, on the other processes of the fish and plants have an hand, has to be made "fish- You should, however, know influence on the quality of the water. For friendly" by the If you wish to keep South a few basic facts about this reason we would like to explain some addition of JBL American fish which prefer water chemistry. facts about water. Biotopol. "black water" in your first aquarium, you will Having filled your aquarium with tap water need to add at the correct temperature, as explained in JBL Tropol. point 2.5 of the guidelines, the water must now be prepared ready for the fish. Tap 6.1 Water Hardness water has been treated according to The new lid makes precise dosing simple. You are sure to have noticed that in some hygiene standards as drinking water for areas you need a lot of soap to produce humans. The water which comes out of the foam when washing your hands, and in tap is not the ideal habitat for fish. This can other areas you need very little. Where not easily be remedied by adding the water much soap is needed, the water is soft, and preparation solution JBL Biotopol to the where a lot of soap is needed the water is tap water. hard. The hardness of the water is due to JBL Biotopol immediately binds any chlo- the water absorbing differing amounts of rine and heavy metals (e.g. from copper minerals which cause hardness as it pas- pipes) which are toxic to fish and may be ses through various rock layers until collec- present in the water. In addition, it adds ting as ground water. The degree of organic protective colloids needed by the hardness depends on the area and compo- fish to keep their mucous membranes sition of the rock layers. If the water flows healthy. These protective colloids are to be through chalky soil, more minerals causing found in the water in the fishes natural hardness are dissolved than if it flows environment. Hygiene standards for dome- through primary rock (e.g. granite etc). stic drinking water mean that they are Water hardness can be measured and the undesirable, and therefore have to be levels are expressed in degrees of German added to aquarium water. hardness. Hardness is classified as total Any other water preparation measures, hardness and carbonate hardness. There such as softening or mixing with rainwater are convenient JBL Test Sets to measure or distilled water, should not be carried out both of these. At the beginning you need to unless specifically recommended in later know that carbonate hardness, caused by chapters. Tap water has an unvarying qua- soluble chalk in the water, is far more impor- lity and is the best guarantee of consistent tant, in fact vital, for your aquarium. Carbo- conditions in the aquarium. At a later date nate hardness ensures that the pH level, when you have sufficient experience in which we will look at next, does not soar, something which the fish and plants do not for the well-being of your fish. It is best to do ned at 7, the most beneficial level, and the the patience of aquarium keepers, like at all. For this reason you should check this in a separate container from which you plants are supplied with the essential nutri- JBL has developed a bacteria prepa- that the carbonate hardness of the aqua- can add water when partially changing the ent, CO2. This widens the range of plants ration which shortens the waiting time. rium water is at least 5 German degrees, aquarium water. Higher levels of carbonate which can be selected. More on this in the With JBL Denitrol you can introduce a large 16 keeping it as constant as possible with hardness in the tap water should simply be chapter on plants. number of beneficial bacteria to the aqua- 17 regular partial changes of water. This is the accepted. If the level exceeds 15 degrees, rium right from the early stages. Follow the only reason for any water treatment measu- fish should be selected accordingly. Total 6.3 Nitrite manufacturer's instructions. In addition, you res, which we recommend in the initial sta- hardness should also be accepted as it should add half a feed tablet (JBL Novotab) ges. Should your tap water be below 5 comes, do not worry about it. It only beco- Nitrite is a highly toxic by- to the water on the first day to further accele- degrees German carbonate hardness, you mes important if you later decide to breed product produced rate the increase in numbers of the bacteria. should increase the hardness level to about fish from extremely soft waters. during the conver- As a rule, you can begin to release fish into JBL AquaDur plus 5 degrees with sion and decompo- the aquarium from the fifth day sition of the fishes' onwards. Measure the nitrite level excrement beforehand to check that it is and other under 0.2 mg/l. organic matter by the bacteria. As already mentioned in the chapter on filters, certain beneficial bacteria, also referred Nitrite levels of under to as nitrifying bacteria, are responsible for 0.2 ml/l are seldom this task. Unfortunately these bacteria grow measured in thinly-stocked aquarium with healthy and increase very slowly. plant growth. The aquarium water should THE JBL TEST Without a "helping hand" it would take about be checked regularly, 2 - 3 weeks for the bacteria to multiply and particularly at the settle sufficiently in the filter (and in the sub- beginning. strate). Characteristic for these 2 - 3 weeks 6.2 pH levels below 7 or rise above 8 - 8.5. In the of development and maturing is a nitrite level morning it will usually be about 7, and which initially rises very slowly to reach a The pH level indicates whether a about 8 in the evening. You can mea- high level before gradually sinking again. liquid reacts in an acidic, neutral or sure the pH level using the JBL pH Fish should not be released into the new basic (alkaline) manner. The pH scale Test Set 3.0 - 10. aquarium until the nitrite level has sunk once ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 The pH level is largely determined by more to below 0.2 mg/l (measured with the (very alkaline), with neutral (neither the interrelation of carbonate hardness JBL Nitrite Test Set). As experience shows acid nor alkaline) at about 7. and CO2. Carbonate hardness raises that this 2 - 3 week waiting time greatly testsStickstoffkreislauf im Aquarium: We are constantly confronted with the the pH level to a certain extent, whe- phenomenon of the pH level in our reas CO2 lowers it. If the two balance FFEEDUTTER daily lives. Coca Cola, for example, each other, the level is around the neu- has a pH level of 3. All dishes which tral point, 7. Plants extract CO2 from we consider to taste good are more or less the water through assimilation, causing the acidic. Most fishes and plants are easily and pH level to gradually rise towards 8. If requi- successfully kept at pH levels around neu- red, the level can be increased to above 8 tral. One important piece of information is by switching off the lighting. Airstones that, with a one point change in the pH level, should not be installed on any account as PLANTS the concentration of the substances which they force CO2 out of the water, raising the wasteAbfallstoffe products AND ALGAE determine the pH level alters tenfold, and pH level. If you wish to spend more money on the such as excre- with a 2 point change the alteration is one ment, urine, well-being of your fish, you can provide an NO hundredfold. For this reason any sudden leftover food and 44 NO fluctuations should be avoided. In your new additional source of CO for you aquarium dead plants NH NO22 NO23 2 AMMONIUM NITRATE aquarium the carbonate hardness regulates with the JBL PROFLORA CO2 Set. This Ammonium NITRITENitrit Nitrit the pH level, ensuring that it does not sink allows the pH level to be constantly maintai- 6.4 Oxygen 7. PLANTS 18 7.1 Why living plants? 7.2 What plants need to 19 As well as their attractive and decorative survive effect, healthy plants have an entirely positive influence on the aquarium biotope. In Plants have some needs which have to be photosynthesis, a unique chemical pro- met, in order that the beneficial effects cess to which all forms of animal life on described above can also be enjoyed in earth owe their existence (including we your aquarium. humans), plants use the energy of light to You will find this easy using JBL products synthesize a major part of their own sub- and bearing in mind the following tips. Light is the source of energy which plants stance from water and CO2. Oxygen is produced as a waste product, released by need for photosynthesis. This energy the aquatic plants into the surrounding source can be supplied by a lighting Air root systems of indoor plants (e.g. philoden- water. This provides the other inhabitants system from an aquarists' store. Tips on There is always sufficient oxygen available for all the type of lighting and duration are given dron) trailed into the aquarium will form a dense inhabitants of the aquarium in well-planted aquari- of the aquarium with a convenient and network, providing hiding places for the fish and in the chapter on lighting. ums with CO2 nutrients (small bubbles of gas are a effective supply of vital oxygen. Of absorbing harmful substances. sign of adequate supplies of oxygen). course, this process cannot take place at night (lack of light) Oxygen is the elixir of life for all the and the plants have to

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Unfortunately, certain species of terrestrial plants with Such plants may be capable of surviving for a surpri- particularly decorative leaves are frequently "drowned" singly long period of time underwater, however they are and forced into the role of aquatic plants. If any so-cal- slowly but surely dying and polluting the water. led "aquatic" plant with attractive red or white stripped It's all a matter of supply and demand.... leaves should remind you of house plants, do not buy it! 7.4 Planting tive near broad-leaved plants, light green ents, nitrate and phosphate. For this rea- next to dark green etc. Always arrange son, JBL's aquatic plant food contains There are a few points to notice before long-stemmed plants and miniature rosette neither nitrates nor phosphates as planting the aquatic plants you have plants in groups. Now, roll up your sleeves these nutrients are provided by the meta- 22 purchased from your aquarists' store. The and off you go! bolism of the fish. 23 aquarium should be filled with water at the Carefully bed the ends of long-stemmed An aquarium has a high risk of algae deve- correct temperature and the hardware (fil- plants in the gravel. Plant the roots of loping during the first few weeks after it ter, lighting, heating) be operating correc- rosette-shaped varieties deeper in the gra- has been started up. The plants must first tly. Remove all metal ties, plastic pots, vel, carefully pulling the plant out again adapt to their new habitat and require rock-wool and anything else attached to until the junction between the roots and the hardly any nutrients during this time. Wait the lower end of the plants. leaves is level with the surface of the gra- for two weeks after planting, when the vel. The plants need a lot of rest after plan- plants should have begun to grow, before ting to become established and acclimati- giving regular doses of JBL Ferropol or Algae-eating fish, such as these Siamese barbs, are Trimming the roots and planting sed to conditions in the aquarium. JBL Ferrotabs. Any growths of algae in useful helpers in the battle against unwanted algae. this period should be removed. author are the caridina and neocaridina Algae-eating fish, which should be inclu- species, with some very interestingly 7.5 Algae ded in the planning of the "aquarium inha- coloured breeds. bitants", play a useful role in the fight Undesirable algae growth is the main against unwanted algae. Small catfish e.g. cause of people abandoning the fascina- Otocinclus or live-bearing poecilia (Mollys, ting hobby of aquarium keeping. We would Guppys, Platys) should be considered. like to explain what steps you can take Young fish of the Siamese barbus are right from the beginning to prevent this insatiable consumers of algae. Unfortuna- happening to you. Algae are plants too and tely they become somewhat quarrelsome Using sharp scissors, trim about 1/3 of the therefore need the same nutrients and in their old age and not so fond of their roots of rosette-shaped plants. Remove environment as other aquatic plants. And "greens". any rotten or dead leaves. Long-stemmed another point: a little algae here and there Small shrimp which tirelessly devour algae plants are usually sold with few, if any, is no cause for concern, it is an integral are becoming more and more common in roots. Remove only dead leaves or stems. part of an aquarium. No aquarium is ever specialist shops. Personal favourites of the Before planting you completely free of algae! But on the should have some other hand there should not be too much idea of how you algae either. wish to arrange the MEASURES AGAINST plants. It is helpful The more nutrients that are absorbed by VIGOROUS ALGAE GROWTH to draw a plan. Use healthy aquatic plants, the harder it is for the variety of sha- algae to flourish. Therefore, healthy plant Regular partial changes of water and frugal feeding encourages colonisation by nitrate- pes and colours growth is the best insurance against prevent increases in the nitrate and phosphate absorbing bacteria and thereby almost available to form unwanted algae. If plant growth is distur- levels of the water. Nitrate and phosphate levels completely removes nitrate biologi- bed e.g. by constant fiddling about in the can be reliably tested with the JBL Nitrate Test cally, without releasing chloride. In the event contrasts rather Set and the JBL Phosphate Set. that no improvement is seen despite the reduc- than a monotonous aquarium, frequent re-siting of the plants, tion in the nutrients, nitrate and phosphate, the uniformity. Plants changes in lighting (light colour) etc., algae Test your tap water too. This is often the source algae can be combated in a gentle, biological with feathery lea- may take the upper hand. of problems. manner using JBL BioFerm. This is made of barley straw, treated with bacteria. It slowly ves are most effec- In order to filter phosphate and nitrate out of the releases certain natural substances which inhi- As a lower life-form, algae can adapt more bit the growth of algae. And the final resort is Fast-growing floating plants extract a lot of harmful aquarium water, JBL has developed three highly readily to new conditions, vigorously spr- efficient special filter materials. JBL PhosEx Ultra JBL Algol, an algae preventative which, howe- substances from the water, particularly in the initial binds excess phosphates quickly and reliably with- ver, does not deal with the cause of the algae. stages, look very attractive with their dense network of outing forth and taking advantage of the nutrients which the plants are unable to uti- out releasing them again. JBL NitratEx is an ion- roots and are an ideal refuge for many fish. Of course, exchange resin which binds mainly nitrates and Legal caution: use algaecides with care, they have to be "harvested" after a time to allow more lize because of the disturbances. There is converts it to chloride. It can be regenerated using always read the instructions and labelling. light into the aquarium. one more thing that they love: the nutri- salt. JBL BioNitratEx is a filter material which 8.2 How many fish? 8. THE FISH Exercise restraint in the total number of fish. When the nitrite test gives the go-ahead, 24 8.1 Selection start with a few fish. After 1 - 2 weeks, when 25 you have confirmed that everything is running smoothly, you can add a few more. We wish to leave the choice of fish up to This gives the filter bacteria time to adapt to port bag until the volume of water in the bag you, with the specialist advice of your aqua- the amount of waste produced by the excre- has approximately doubled. rists' supplier. When buying fish, you should ment from the fish. As a general rule of 3. Remove the transport bag from the insist on species that are easy to look after, thumb for the density of fish recommended aquarium and carefully shake the contents which are suited to the size of your aqua- for an aquarium, allow 1 cm fish per litre of over a bucket into a net. Release the fish into rium and which are compatible. Useful fish water. This applies to fully grown fish. Since the aquarium, Alternatively, catch them Blue directly in the transport bag using a for novices are live-bearing poecilia which gourami all fish are usually sold as young fish, you help to keep down the levels of unwanted should allow enough leeway in your calcu- net. algae, as mentioned previously. lations. Ask your supplier about the final These fish also have interesting bre- size of the fish. The transport water should be eding habits: they are live-bearing as Over-stocking the aquarium increases poured away. their name says. With a little luck, the risk of unwanted algae growth. Striped armoured you will soon be able to experience catfish the "happy event" in your aquarium. Having bought your future charges, take the transport Other fish families make interesting fish bag and contents home as quickly as possible. Do not shake unnecessarily and keep the bag for beginners e.g. tetras, barbs or gou- dark (newspaper etc.) to avoid rami. Ask for advice. Algae-eating fish, frightening the fish. mainly from the catfish family, should be If you wish to catch a fish, be amongst your selection. calm and patient. Patience and cunning usually Some popular fish for beginners: bring quick rewards and save damaging the aqua- Rosy tetra rium decorations. Black neon Swordtail 8.3 Introducing the fish When the great day has at last arrived and you stand in front of your aquarium with The lighting may be switched on again one or your newly-acquired housemates, it is time two hours later. to release them into their new home in the Do not feed until the next day. correct manner. The following procedure JBL Acclimol has proved successful, (you will also find Add to the water immediately to quickly remedy any transport stresses these instructions on the rear of the JBL and avoid damage to the vital mucous Fish Transport Bag which your aquarists' membranes of the fish. Red neon supplier may use): JBL Acclimol, with valuable plant extracts and vitamins, strengthens the 1. First switch off the lighting. Place the closed immune system of fish, reducing the risk transport bag on the surface of the water of disease and helping the fish to acclima- and let it float there for about 15 minutes. tise to their new surroundings. Remember that many fish which are 2. Open the transport bag and attach it, open, purchased as young fish can reach a to the side of the aquarium (e.g. with a Always add JBL Acclimol to the aqua- considerable size within a year e.g. the washing peg). Carefully fill water, a little at a rium water after working in the aquarium Clown Loach time, from the aquarium into the open trans- or introducing new fish. surface of the water as is consumed in 2 - 3 All JBL food products are produced stric- minutes without any leftovers. Do this tly according to need, guaranteeing that the 8.4 FEEDING THE FISH three times a day. Later, when the fish are ingredients are absolutely fresh. fully grown, 1 - 2 feeds per day given in the 26 Feeding the fish is one of the most A special type of food should be same manner will be sufficient. Allow the 27 important and pleasurable routine mentioned: JBL NovoPleco. This fish to fast for a day occasionally by giving jobs which now links you with your food contains a high level of wood them nothing to eat. Do not use feeding aquarium. fibre and is absolutely vital for the rings. These concentrate the feed in too popular ancistrus and small an area with the result that smaller JBL, with its varied series of other plant-eating and more timid fish will often have insuffi- feeding materials designed to armoured catfish. cient food. meet the specific needs of the Open boxes of feed should be kept in a fish, ensures that your fish are dark, cool and dry place to prevent any always offered a wide selection deterioration in quality. As manufactu- of menus. Under the name, rer we guarantee the freshness and vitamin Novobel, you will find a staple More detailed information on feeds content of the feeds by stamping a use-by Varied, according to need, high quality Ð you food made up of over 50 raw and nutrition is to be found in our date on the container and hermetically sea- can’t go wrong with the JBL food range. materials, which meets the brochure "What - Why - How?", ling the tubs. The vitamins and other essen- daily needs of your fish. Book 3. tial ingredients in the feeds have a limited Variety and colour is offered shelf life once the container has been ope- by the staple food Novoco- However, we would like to give ned. We therefore recommend that you buy lor and the premium food you some important tips on feeding feed in quantities which will be used up wit- GALA. at this point. Most beginners hin 2 - 3 months. The tempting bargains of In addition there are make the mistake of feeding large boxes or even buckets of feed are many special feed sorts too much too often. Bear in detrimental to the health of your fish in the for the more specialized mind that fish in the wild do not end. fish e.g. tablets for gro- always find something to eat and und feeding fish and for therefore constantly hunt for food, plant-eaters, NovoTab and which can easily tempt novi- 8.5 FISH DISEASES NovoFect. ces to give too much food.

Since the fish you have There is one unfortunate aspect of fish- Fish diseases, such as white spot disease purchased are usually young keeping which we need to mention: fish can become ill. shown here, occur sel- fish which are still growing, as dom if fish are we mentioned previously, you kept correctly. should scatter as much food on the As a rule, diseases are a sign of inade- quate maintenance. Any successful treatment must therefore be followed up with a review of maintenance procedure and improvements in care.

The most common fish disease is white but only when symptoms of the spot or ichthyophthirius, which can be disease have been identified. identified by a large or small number of Varied, high quality, little white spots on the fins and body of the More details on fish diseases meeting nutritional needs, fish. This disease can be easily and safely and their treatment can be you cant go wrong with the remedied with JBL Punktol. You should found in our brochure JBL food range. always keep a bottle of this medication at home. "What - Why - How?" Book 4. It should never be used as a prophylactic, 9. MAINTENANCE 10. LITERATURE

28 Since most beginners tend to work on the Since carrying full, or even overflowing, 29 principle of "you can't have too much of a buckets of water through the house may We particularly recommend this good thing", we would like to give a realistic cause some protests from your nearest and book: view of the maintenance tasks which are dearest, here's a tip: a long hose from the necessary. aquarium directly into the "smallest room in Dreyer, Stephan; Keppler, Rainer: the house" avoids annoying puddles on your How to have a successful aquarium, expensive living room carpet. Daily: t.f.h. publications Inc. Franckh-Kosmos, Stuttgart 1993 The most important item is, of course, feeding As required: the fish. Remember the tips given in the pre- (new edition in preparation) vious chapter. Remove unsightly algae growth from the At the same time you should use this oppor- inner surface of the front panes of your aqua- tunity to observe all the fish, noticing any inju- rium. The outside of the glass should also be ries, parasitic infections or incompatibility. Do cleaned now and then to remove any finger- ask the advice of an experienced aquarium prints and give a clear view of the fish. Test keeper or your specialist aquarium supplier, a the aquarium water occasionally, not only as beginner often tends to interpret part of a partial water change, as described in every unfamiliar movement as a this brochure, adding any nutrients or additi sign of illness. ves which may be lacking. Check the temperature and that other equipment is operating normally.

Once a fortnight: The most important fortnightly maintenance task is a partial change of water, adding nutrients for the aquatic plants. Take out about 30% of the aquarium water using either a siphoning tube or JBL AquaEx, The best care you can give your aquarium is to let it mentioned earlier, and replace the water with grow undisturbed. Too many adjustments are often tap water at the correct temperature. When made in an aquarium, new fish or plants are added, siphoning out the water you can also carefully decorations moved etc. remove any detritus you may notice. This is easy to do using JBL AquaEx. Take care not And now we hope you have many ent- to plough up the gravel in the process. ertaining "fish-filled" hours of fun Remove dead plant leaves and adjust plant growth if necessary. with your new aquarium.

If the filter flow has reduced significantly, wash the filter material as described previously. Add any nutrients and water conditio- ner according to the amount of fresh water (JBL Ferropol and JBL Biotopol). will bepleasedtoadviseyouandrecommend JBL WWHBROCHURES Y further readingincludingtheother on furthertopicsfromaquaristics Your specialistaquarists'retailer U PCAITSUPPLIER SPECIALIST OUR

GB Art. Nr.: 96221 10 V02 Setting up USEFUL TIPSFORBEGINNERS What -WhyHow? AN AQUARIUM BOOK 1