JBL 1 Setting up an aquarium Useful tips for beginners JBL 2 Ahead through research Contents 1. Introduction .............................................................................................3 2. Overview: setting up an aquarium ...........................................................5 3. The aquarium ..........................................................................................8 4. Substrate and decorations ....................................................................13 5. Technical equipment .............................................................................16 6. The water ..............................................................................................21 7. The plants .............................................................................................26 8. The fish .................................................................................................32 9. Care and upkeep ..................................................................................36 Impressions from JBL Expeditions and Workshops ......................................38 JBL GmbH & Co. KG Dieselstraße 3 67141 Neuhofen Germany www.JBL.de 5th revised edition 2014 Texts Rainer Keppler, Ph.D. Biologist at JBL Layout: www.b-design-waldsee.de JBL 3 1. Introduction The latest findings show that watching an as when the aquarium suddenly aquarium is relaxing, reduces stress and has turns into cloudy algae soup, bring- a calming influence. It provides an opportu- ing the hobby that you began with so nity to observe natural events closely, leading much enthusiasm to an abrupt end. to greater understanding of natural proces- ses and how they are related. This booklet describes how you can enjoy all the pleasures of an aquarium mentioned At the same time, an aquarium can simply be above and sustain them by providing the right beautiful and fascinating. It can be a decora- upkeep for your small underwater world. You tive feature in your home.. The list of benefits might soon notice that you’ve been infected is endless. However, you will only be able to with the aquatics bug – just as it has infected enjoy them if you provide your plants and fish the JBL Team – which will most likely stay with the proper care that meets their with you permanently. needs which, of course, entails a cer- tain amount of work. Otherwise, Of course, a small booklet like this cannot the advantages may quickly turn provide comprehensive information. Our aim into serious disadvantages, such is to point you in the right direction. JBL Since an aquarium is a micro system of living creatures which react to each other, you will 4 not find easy instructions which simply need to be followed for everything to run like clock- work. Sooner or later, you will come across problems which are not dealt with specifically in the literature available. We therefore recommend sharing ideas and experiences with other enthusiasts. Your specialist aquarium supplier is certainly one person you can turn to for advice. In time, you might like to join a local aqua- rists’ club or find a forum on the Internet. In heated discussions, often stretching on well into the night, you will hear how many differ- ent solutions there may be for the same problem and how each aquar- ium reacts differently. And that’s precisely what makes this hobby so interesting and informative! The following brief overview explains the main steps to be taken when setting up an aquarium. The subsequent chapters then explain the individual related topics in closer detail. The tips in this booklet are intended to show you how to achieve an aquarium in which healthy plants and fish can thrive. JBL 2. Setting up an aquarium 5 Overview 1 Cleaning the new aquarium 1 After placing your new aquarium in the se- lected location, wash it using lukewarm tap water. Cleaning is easy with the JBL Aquarium Sponge (JBL Spongi). Do not use deter- gents or cleaning agents! With JBL Clean A JBL has developed a special nontoxic aquarium cleaner for these purposes. 2 Adding the substrate We recommend the JBL ProfloraStart set to ensure your new aquarium a successful start with healthy, lush aquatic plants. This set contains the basics needed for success- ful aquatic plant care. It consists of: JBL AquaBasis plus, a nutrient substrate spe- cially developed for aquariums, JBL Ferropol liquid basic fertilizer to provide a regular sup- ply of the main nutrients, and the daily fertiliz- 2 er JBL Ferropol 24 to provide essential trace elements every day. You will need the JBL AquaBasis plus nu-tri- ent substrate first. The other two components will be described in more detail later. Cover the floor of the aquarium with a layer of this nutri- ent substrate that is approx. 2 cm deep. We recommend a 4 to 6 cm deep layer of JBL Manado or JBL Sansibar which is particular- ly beneficial for novice aquariums. (More in the chapter, Substrate & Decorations). JBL 3 Installing a heater and filter 3 6 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In- stall the appliances at the rear of the tank so that they can be hidden later by decorations and plants. More on filters and heaters in the chapter on technical equipment. 4 Decorative elements 4 Decorative elements such as roots and stones may now be added. Only use one sort of rock and avoid the temptation to cre- ate a rock desert! Rocks and roots should be placed on the substrate or gently bed- ded in the gravel. 5 Adding water Now fill the aquarium with tepid tap water (25 °C) until almost full. 5 6 You can prevent the gravel layer and the nutrient substrate from being whirled up by pouring the water onto a shallow saucer or glass dish placed on the floor of the aquar- ium. Afterwards, you can adjust the position of the decorative elements as needed. JBL Biotopol or JBL Tropol can be added next to condition the water. JBL 6 Starting up the technical 7 equipment 7 Switch on the heater and the filter and install the lighting according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is advisable to connect the lighting to a time switch. 7 Seeding the filter To get the biological processes started, add a bacterial starter (JBL Denitrol) about one hour after you have added the water con- ditioner (JBL Biotopol) to the aquarium. 8 The bacterial starter adds billions of useful purifying bacteria to your aquarium. These bacteria break down pollutants such as am- monia, nitrite and nitrate and thus prevent any potential problems. 8 Introducing aquatic plants When the equipment is working properly, you can add some aquatic plants. 9 Introducing fish 9 48 hours after putting in the purification bacteria with JBL Denitrol you can add the first fish. Then add a daily dosage of JBL Denitrol for the next nine days, while gradu- ally increasing the fish stock. Three useful helpers to start you off on your new “aquatic hobby”: After cleaning the filter JBL FilterStart should be added to the clea- ned or new filter material to activate a new bacteria population. JBL FilterStart immediately adds billions of beneficial cleansing bacteria to the filter, thereby shortening the waiting time before fish can be introduced. JBL Biotopol and JBL Tropol convert tap water into the ideal environment for your fish. JBL 3. The aquarium 8 Location Thanks to more sophisticated modern light- ing equipment, the window sill is no longer the standard location for an aquarium. Day- light, with its seasonal fluctuations, is diffi- cult to regulate and inevitably leads to the problem of undesirable algae growth. Select a location which is furthest from a window, where the aquarium will get as little Skilful placement of your aquarium can lend your home a special tropical note. direct daylight as possible, but can still be easily viewed from your favourite armchair. Special aquarium lighting available from There should also be sufficient space above your specialist aquarium supplier provides the aquarium for you to comfortably carry suitable light conditions and will keep algae out maintenance jobs (e.g. regular partial growth to a minimum. changes of aquarium water) without getting into contortions. At the same time, you can perhaps bring life and light to a previously dark and dull corner A sufficiently sturdy piece of furniture will be of your home. The selected location should required to support the aquarium. A shelf, also have an electrical power point or easy table or something similar is adequate for access to power. You will need 3-4 electrical a small aquarium. Larger tanks of about 80 connections, depending on the equipment to 100 l upwards should be supported on a used. special tank stand available in a wide selec- tion from specialist aquarium suppliers. It goes without saying that the aquarium and its support must stand absolutely level (use a spirit level). A sheet of expanded polystyrene (Polysoft), available from aquarium suppliers, should be placed between the support and the tank. This will prevent any unevenness and insulate the tank, preventing any loss of heat from the bottom of the tank. JBL 9 When installing an “open aquarium” under a sloping ceiling, make sure that there is sufficient distance between the surface of the water and any lighting. Open aquariums are highly decorative and have a positive effect on the climate of a room! Size keeping. We would like to suggest a com- promise and recommend starting with an As a general rule, the conditions in a large aquarium that is at least 60 cm, preferably aquarium remain more stable, as minor, unintentional lapses in upkeep do not result in an immediate catastrophe. For example, a dead fish which has gone unnoticed in a large aquarium will be decomposed by bacteria without any signif- icant ill effects on other occu- pants of the aquarium or on the quality of the water. In a small aquarium, the bacterial decomposition of waste might lead to a dangerous lack of oxygen, since the bacteria require more oxygen for this task 80 cm, long. An aquarium of than is readily available in the aquarium. this size containing 50 or 80-100 l of water is not too demanding, both from the financial A large aquarium will also more easily “ab- point of view and the level of maintenance sorb” an omitted partial change of water than needed. At the same time, it provides a rea- a smaller aquarium. In terms of a learning sonably stable environment for the occu- effect, though, starting with a small aquari- pants. um is considered to be best, as mistakes Aquarium suppliers often sell aquariums of are “punished” immediately and so you will this size as complete sets with all the neces- quickly become skilled in the art of aquarium sary accessories at a very reasonable price. JBL 10 An aquarium built into a wall as a room divider is especially eye-catching. It turns the aquatic world into a unique experience. Construction and shape Practically all of the tanks sold nowadays are all-glass tanks with silicone rubber ad- hesive. Make sure you buy a brand name tank with a guarantee on the adhesive bonding. This way, you can be sure it will meet all the nec- essary criteria for safety and stability. The economical methods now used for bonding sheets of glass open up new op- portunities for different shapes. Aquariums no longer have to be built in the traditional rectangular shape, and the new styles can be easily integrated into modern decorat- ing schemes. One point which should not be forgotten when planning any ambitious “wonders” of interior design is the needs of the living creatures themselves. Do seek the advice of your specialist retailer!