Practical expert tips for

beginners and experienced aquarists

How to set up an aquarium

67 guide

Colorful ornamental fishExotic aquarium landscapes

Set up an aquarium in 5 steps

2

Selecting ornamental fish and their environment .............................. 4

Contents

An aquarium is like a holiday at home.Colorful activity inside the aquarium andthe mysterious beauty of the underwaterworld will distract you from everyday’sstress. Keeping an aquarium provides plen-ty of variation, is fun, and there is alwayssomething exciting to watch at home.

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

Plants: The green lung for underwater nature ..................................... 9

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

Biotope community aquariumsTropical Rainforest ................................ 14Central America ..................................... 16

Technical equipment Lighting .................................................... 18Heater ...................................................... 19Filtration according to nature ............ 20Air as propulsion .................................... 30Useful helpers ........................................ 32

Different shapes of aquariums ............... 33

Location and aquarium preparation .............................. 34

Biologically clean ....................................... 35

Planning the aquarium landscape ......... 36

Set up an aquarium in 5 steps ................ 37

Computer aided aquarium design ........ 42

3

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!

4

Selecting ornamental fish

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 thatyou want to keep only this species as a pet?Please get informed in advance whetherthe ornamental fish you want to keep issuitable for a species aquarium.

In that case you decide on animals whichoriginate from the same natural habitat.You can create a natural part of an aquaticworld that you will hardly ever see other-wise. This fascinating aquarium type hasmany advantages. Fish, plants and decora-tion harmonize among each other. All fishrequire the same water composition.Maintaining these aquariums is relativelyuncomplicated. And if you really enjoy this,just create a part of the Amazon waterworld, the tropical rainforest and LakeMalawi at your home. This is like a holiday athome. But let us cling to a single aquariumat the moment.

Aquarium for one fish species

Biotope aquarium

Community aquariumYou will keep ornamental fish and plantsthat originate from different regions – justwhat you like. Of course you must be surethat the ornamental fish are peacefulamong each other, and that requirementsconcerning water composition and tem-perature are the same for all of them.

At first, sera will present you some orna-mental fish for community aquariumswhich are particularly suitable for beginners.In the following we will show you somebiotope aquariums.

Ornamental fish live in different waterlayers. There are ornamental fish speciesthat mostly swim near the surface, in themiddle or near the bottom of the aquar-ium. In order to have fish in all water lay-ers, try to consider this when selectingthe fish. Also, you should know about thesize of your aquarium before selectingyour favorite fish. A basic rule is: 1 cmadult fish per liter (1 quart) of water.

An important tip

5

It is almost impossible to get an overviewabout the ornamental fish in your retailer’sstore, 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 territori-al behavior, calmness requirements, sleepingand eating habits of the different species,and to keep species that harmonize wellamong each other.

Community aquarium 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 thisway.

An important tip

6

Characins Barbs and danios

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 family 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 shoaling

behavior.

7

Cichlids Armored catfish

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 anddwarf cichlids can easily be kept by begin-ners.

look for food on the bottom of the aquari-um all day long. They are shoal fish thatshould never be kept alone. Please keep atleast five 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.

8

Labyrinth fishRecommendable fish combinations

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 aspecial 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 bristlenose catfish (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 25°C (77°F)and a neutral pH value (6.5 – 7.5).

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.

Siamese fighters are available in many different

colors. The males fight each other extremely

vehemently, thus one male should always be kept

together with one female. The Siamese fighters

are completely peaceful towards other fish.

How many plants should beplanted?

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 with-out pot, each single stalk is counted as oneplant.)

9

Plants fulfill several impor-tant 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) asthey 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 them-selves from their hungry fellow occupants.

aquariumlength

(cm / in.)x

50 (metric) / 8 (US)

Plants: The green lung for underwater nature

depth (cm / in.)

9

10

Foreground plants

Middle ground plants

Best suited for the foreground are smallplants which do not obstruct the view intothe aquarium. The height is below 15 cm (6 in.).

Cryptocoryne nevillii Dwarf Amazon Swordplant(Echinodorus grisebachii)

Java Moss(Vesicularia dubyana)

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

Anubias barteri Nana Plant (Anubias sp.)

Sumatra Fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides)

Sagittaria platyphylla Red Ivy (Alternanthera reineckii)

Green Cabomba (Cabomba aquatica)

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

–

20 – 28°C (68 – 82°F)

15 – 22°C (59 – 72°F)

–

23 – 28°C (73 – 82°F) 23 – 28°C (73 – 82°F)

SSS

GGG

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

11

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 plant

Nana Barteri Variegated(Anubias barteri var. nana)

Spike Rush(Eleocharis parvula)

Lilaeopsis(Lilaeopsis brasiliensis)(often falsely sold as Echinodorus tenellus)

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

–

18 – 28°C (64 – 82°F)

Light demand: high medium low

Growth rate: rapid medium slow

Spade Leaf Fern (Cryptocoryne ciliata)

Amazon Swordplant (Echinodorus bleheri)

Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea lotus)

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

Cryptocoryne crispatulaor Cryptocoryne wendtii

Java Fern (Microsorium pteropus)

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

False Loosestrife (Ludwigia palustris)

–

18 – 26°C (64 – 79°F)

S

SSS

G

G G G

12

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 muchswimming 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 thewater.

Crinkled Aponogeton(Aponogeton crispus)

Waterweed (Egeria densa)

Parrot Feathers (Myriophyllum aquaticum)

4 – 28°C (39 – 82°F)

–

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

Waging Leaf Swordplant(Echinodorus martii)

15 – 28°C (59 – 82°F)

Corkscrew (Vallisneria americana)

15 – 30°C (59 – 86°F)

Background plants

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 furtherinformation about aquat-ic plants in the seraguide “Feeding aquaticplants according tonature.”

An important tip

Feeding aquatic plants, according to nature

• Light energy • Minerals• Carbondioxide

67 guide

13

Decoration

Stones

For use in freshwateraquariums, granite and basalt are, forexample, suitable. Oil-polluted stones,ore stones, lime-containing stones andstones with metaldeposits are not suitable, even if theylook very decorative. Rinse every stonethoroughly withboiling water, anddo not use too manystones. Use silicon(from the specializedtrade, silicon frombuilding trade suppliers often releases pollutants!) to adhere stone constructions togetherat the connectingpoints in order to prevent them fromcollapsing due togrubbing fish.

Wood

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 frommoors and is

effectively 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 and

snail shells also provide interesting

decoration and shelter for the fish.

14

Biotope community aquariums

Cardinal Tetra

Panda Cory

Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

The splendid colored fish from the hugeAmazon area in the tropical rainforest ofSouth America mostly do best with tem-peratures varying from 24 to 27°C (75 to80°F). Size differences between the selectedfish must not be too large to prevent largerspecies from considering the smaller ones

prey. Soft to maximum medium hard wateris suitable for an aquarium of this type. Youshould put the plants in groups with suffi-cient space between the groups. This willleave sufficient swimming space for fishshoals, and territorial species can marktheir territories.

Fish:

Biotope aquariums represent the naturalenvironments of ornamental fish. Thisaquarium type looks particularly exotic butis easy to keep as everything originatesfrom one water type. We have describedthe advantages on page 4.

We give you 2 biotope aquarium examplesin this guide, which you can set up in anaquarium that is 80 cm (31 in.) long.

Tropical Rainforest

Preferred swimming zones of the fish: all zones bottom zonea

20 x Cardinal Tetra(Paracheirodon axelrodi)

4 x Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid (1 + 3 )(Apistogramma cacatuoides)

7 x Panda Cory(Corydoras panda)

a u

b

b b

Bottom material:

Plants:

15

4 x Red Ivy (Alternanthera reineckii)

2 x Water Hyssop (Bacopa monnieri)

B1 M1

3 x Dwarf Amazon Swordplant(Echinodorus grisebachii)

4 x Central AmericanSwordplant (Echinodorusisthmicus)

F1 F2

4 x Echinodorus parviflorus

B2

1 x slate slab 1 x high slate stone

80 cm / 31 in.

40 c

m /

16

in.

sera recommendation:

Decoration:

For decoration and plant arrangement

Dark gravel (slightly reddish)

1 x root, medium size

3 x Dwarf Sagittaria(Sagittaria subulata)

2 x Amazon Swordplant(Echinodorus bleheri)

M2 M3

B Background M Middle ground F Foreground

B1

B1 B2B2

B2 B2

M1

M1M1 M1

M2M2

M3

M3M3

F1F1

F1

F2

F2 F2 F2

3 x Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

2 x Variatus Platy(Xiphophorus variatus)

5 x Bronze Cory(Corydoras aeneus)

4 x Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

4 x Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

1 x Swordtail(Xiphophorus helleri)

1 x Swordtail(Xiphophorus helleri)

Platy

Guppy

Variatus Platy

Guppy

Swordtail

Bronze Cory

16

Biotope community aquariums

Fish:

Central America

Due to the lively and colorful fish there isalways a lot of activity in an aquarium withfish and plants from Central America. Tallplants grow in the back third of the aquari-um. This gives the fish plenty of swimming

space. Young fish prefer to hide betweenfine-leaved plants. Decorative roots pro-vide shelter for cichlids that dwell near thebottom.

Preferred swimming zones of the fish: all zones bottom zone

a

a

a

a

Swordtail

b b

b

b

b

Bottom material:

Plants:

Decoration:

For decoration and plant arrangement

17

3 x Cryptocoryne nevillii 3 x Java Fern (Microsorium pteropus)

M2 M3

2 x Crinkled Aponogeton(Aponogeton crispus)

3 x Cork Screw Vallis(Vallisneria asiatica)

B1 B2

3 x Cryptocoryne beckettii 4 x Lilaeopsis (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis) (falsely often sold as Echinodorus tenellus)

F1 F2

3 x East Indian Hygrophila(Hygrophila polysperma)

3 x Tiny Crypt(Cryptocorynewendtii)

B3 M1

1 x green jasper stone1 x large root1 x flat pebble

80 cm / 31 in.

40 c

m /

16

in.

Dark gravel (slightly reddish)

sera recommendation:B1

B1B1

B2 B2 B3

M1

M1

M1

M2

M2 M2M3

M3

M3

F1F1

F1F2

F2 F2F2

B3B3

B Background M Middle ground F Foreground

18

Technical equipment

The most important technical devices toprovide natural conditions for the plantsand fish, which mostly originate from tropicregions, are

Lightingsera fluorescent tubes have been devel-oped according to the newest findings inlighting technology. The quality “Made inGermany” points to lowest energy con-sumption at best light yield. By using thenewest fluorescent substances the tubesrelease almost no algae promoting light.You will find information on the ideal com-bination of sera fluorescent tubes for youraquarium at your specialist dealer’s or inthe sera folder “Fluorescent Tubes forAquariums and Terrariums.”

external filter

heater

lighting

heater and

internal filter

lighting

• lighting• heater and• internal or external filter.

Lighting

19

Most aquarium fish are accustomed towater temperatures about 25°C (77°F).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 quart) of water in rooms that are onlyslightly heated. If the aquarium is placed ina warm room, 1 Watt per liter (1 quart) ofwater is sufficient. The heater may withouthesitation be chosen in a stronger version;the power consumption for producing acertain amount of warmth is identical.

The stick-shaped sera aquariumheaters are entirely water-proof andsaltwater resistant. Temperature ad-justment is particularly easy due tothe 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:

Technical equipment Heater

A stronger heater has a higher powerreserve, e.g., if the heating in your homeshould ever break down.

Our tip

aquarium size

liters

5°C / 9°F

10°C / 18°F

15°C / 27°F

20

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

Clean water

Technical equipmentFiltration according

to nature

sera biofibres collect coarseparticles and suspendedmatter.

sera filter wool or sera filtermat retain little dirt parti-cles. You may apply sera fil-ter wool in the sera inter-nal biofilter B at the waterintake right after sera bio-fibres (see page 21).

Fish excrementsPlant parts

Food leftovers

Mechanical prefiltration

Purification bacteria fromsera nitrivec settle insidesera siporax and break downpollutants biologically.

Ammonium/ammonia(NH4/NH3)

Nitrite (NO2)

Nitrate (NO3)

Clean water

Biological water cleaning

Final mechanical purification

sera water filtration like in natureria”) make sure that pollutants such as fishexcrements and dead plants are brokendown biologically.Purifying aquarium water with the sera filtersystems 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 intobrooks, rivers and lakes via springs. There,too, micro organisms (“purification bacte-

21

Mechanical water purificationLarger and solid dirt particles,such as food leftovers and parts ofplants and algae, are collectedduring mechanical water purifica-tion, in order not to clog the bio-logical filter media.

sera biofibres collect coarse dirtparticles effectively. Thereforethey protect the following filtermedia from coarse pollution andincrease the biological effective-ness of the filter.

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

sera filter mat prevents cottonwool fibers from getting caughtinside the motor.

22

Technical equipment

Less water changes

with sera siporax

sera siporax provides ideal condi-tions for various kinds of bacteria.On the large and rough surfacemucous forming bacteria havebest possible hold. They are suffi-ciently provided with oxygen.These bacteria convert ammoniuminto nitrite (aerobic process).

The extremely high amount ofopen-pored tunnel structures insera siporax allows for ideal supplyof the anaerobic bacteria withnutrients and smallest amounts offreshwater. There are oxygen-poorconditions within the tunnels, allowingfor nitrite breakdown into nitrate. Thebacteria are forced to break down nitrateas to get a sufficient oxygen supply.Therefore, nitrate is also continuouslyreduced. Remaining nitrate is consumedby aquatic plants as a nutrient.

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

The surface

of one liter of

sera siporax has

almost as much

biological breakdown

power as 34 liters of

ceramic filter

material.

Biological water cleaning

Filter media for bacteria settlementshould be tube-shaped. This allows thewater to flow off inside them, and thereis no clogging or sticking that couldaffect the filtration process.

Important:

Filtration according to nature

23

When keeping fish from tropicalsoft water areas, the aquariumwater should flow through a layerof sera super peat blackpeat filtergranulate. 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 areimmediately absorbed. Due to itsvery large surface, sera super car-bon filter carbon remains activefor six weeks. After this time, theabsorbing capacity is exhausted,and the filter carbon must be re-moved from 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:

24

Technical equipment

Phosphate is required only in littleamounts as a plant nutrient. In caseof accumulation it often causesalgae 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.As shown on page 22, 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 according to nature

Purification bacteria can only mul-tiply optimally if water currentsare “correct.” This also providesthem sufficient time to breakdown 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 algaebenefit from this, and aquariumpleasure will be spoiled. In case oftoo strong currents the fish willonly lead a short life.

The correct performance ofpumps and filters

25

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

The sera internal biofilters B allow toincrease or lower the water amount pass-ing through partly by a regulator.

The serafil external filters allow to regulatethe water amount passing through withthe stopcocks at the tube connectors withcontrol valve.

Optimal filter size

26

The very powerful serafil 380 internal filteris suitable for small aquariums up to 60 liters(16 gal.). This small but powerful unit isdriven by an integrated electric pump. Thisenables the large filter sponge (above 150cubic centimeters / 9.2 cu.in.) to clean theaquarium water in the best possible way.

Powerful water pump foroptimal water flow

Purification bacteria in the filter sponge pores process

pollutants

Coarse particles get collectedon the surface of the filter

sponge

sera water filtration for small aquariums

Larger particles are collected by the filtersponge. Purification bacteria settle in thepores of the filter sponge and convert pol-lutants into harmless nitrate. The serafil380 includes many ready-to-use fittings forflexible assembly.

Technical equipmentFiltration according

to nature

27

sera water filtration for larger aquariumsTwo filter systems have proven well forcleaning the water in larger aquariums:

Internal filters: sera internal biofilters B 200 and B 400

Advantages of the sera internal biofilter BMaximum filter volume with minimal spacerequirement• Innovative parallel filter technique• 4 chamber system, three of them for the

different filter media, and one that takesup the sera aquarium heater

• Internal filters, such as the sera internalbiofilters B 200 and B 400, for aquariumsup to 200 or 400 liters (53 – 106 gal.),respectively

• External canister filters, such as serafil900, 1100 and 1300, for aquariums from130 to 450 liters (34 – 119 gal.)

• Mechanical quick filtration• Slow, biological pollutant breakdown• Easy installation• Easy, uncomplicated cleaning• Does not leak• Clings closely to the aquarium glass, saves

space• Does not float up• No dangerous gaps for fish• Fits in unobtrusively into the aquarium

landscape

e.g. sera siporax®

sera biofibresbehind the

surface skimmer

sera filter wool

sera biofibres afterthe water intake

28

Intake for water fromthe middle zone

Intake for surfacewater

sera filter media in the sera internal biofilter B

External filters: serafil 900, 1100 and 1300Advantages of the serafil• Filter volumes 5.9 l, 8.1 l and 10.5 l (1.5, 2.1

and 2.8 gal.), respectively• For aquariums up to 240 l, 350 l and 450 l

(63, 92 and 119 gal.), respectively• Long lived, powerful motor with low ener-

gy consumption• Comfortable clip seal• Practical basket inserts for different filter

media• Easy handling for application and care of

filter media• Adjustable security hose connectors• Tube connectors with control valve• Precise water flow regulation• Practical hand pump (no suction, no

leaking)• Mechanical and biological water purifica-

tion• Attractive product design

Technical equipment

sera filter wool (if required: sera superpeat, sera phosvecGranulat or sera supercarbon)

Outlet for cleanwater

Filtration according to nature

29

sera filter wool or sera filter mat

sera siporax®(if required: sera superpeat)

sera filter sponge

sera siporax®(if required: seraphosvec Granulat orsera super carbon)

sera filter sponge

sera biofibres

Practical basket inserts

sera filter media in the serafil external filter

Wat

erf

low

30

High performance membrane pumps:sera air 110 / 275 R / 550 R

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

The sera air 110 has one, the air 275 R two,and the 550 R four outlets with an alwaysabsolutely independent membrane system.Therefore the sera air pumps are ideallysuitable for supplying more than one aquar-ium with only one pump. The sera air 275 Rand 550 R are electronically adjustable –there is no complicated and less preciseadjustment by valves and hose clamps. Thepumps of the sera air series are excellentlymanufactured and bear the TÜV/GS and CESigns. The especially thick-walled and noise-absorbing casing consists of shockproofand long lived ABS material, superior toPVC and similar plastic. Elastic standingfeet ensure permanently quiet use with lit-tle vibration.

Airstones and connection to air-operateddevices

The sera air set “S” is ideal for use with thesera air 110. It contains two meters (2.2 yd.)of silicon hose, which is much more flexi-ble and durable, compared to customaryhoses. Also, it contains an appropriatelysized airstone, a regulator and a non-return valve.

The sera air set “M” suits the sera air 275 R.Four meters (4.4 yd.) of silicon hose, twoairstones, two non-return valves, and oneregulator allow the independent use oftwo aquarium decorations or an air-oper-ated filter such as the sera L 150 or L 300.

Technical equipment Air as propulsion

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Air-operated internal filters

sera internal filter L for aquariums up to60, 150 or 300 liters (16, 40 or 79 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 conditionsfor the bacteria that break down pollu-tants. The sera internal filter L is ideallysuitable for 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 a membranepump, such as sera air.

sera gravel washer (sludge cleaner)

The sera gravel washer thoroughlyremove sludge from the aquarium gravel.You can change a part of the water at thesame time. The sera gravel washer 14 cm isideal 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 25 cm (10 in.), Ø 5.7 cm (2.2 in.).

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Automatic feeding

The serafeed A automatic feeder reliablyfeeds your aquarium fish. The hungryimpression of the fish does not make itoverfeed. Friends or relatives often overdoit. While you are away, the feeder will feed1 – 6 times daily, depending on your set-tings. This is ideal for young fish, for theygrow up faster and more healthy withmore than one small meal per day. seravipagran is especially suitable for a auto-matic feeder.

For a good view inside

Even in case of good aquarium care, slightperiphyton growth on the aquarium glasscannot be completely avoided. Brightgreen spots often cloud the view. The seraglas-clear algae scrapers (three sizes avail-able) allow to clean the glass quickly andthoroughly. No scratches will appear evenafter several years of use. The brush of thecleaning part consists of high-quality solidplastic. The cover of the outer part is madeof soft felt.

For the offspring

The sera breeding container has a volumeof 2.5 liters and offers plenty of swimmingspace for the young fish. Fast and healthygrowth is therefore guaranteed. With somesera biofibres, the sera breeding containeris also excellent for spawning.

Technical equipment Useful helpers

Different aquarium shapes

Living room layout plays an important role.

There are no limits to your imaginationwhen choosing an aquarium shape, providedthe aquarium functions biologically. Thereare triangular, hexangular or octangularaquariums, and also individual custommodels (e.g. with curved panorama frontglass).

All-glass aquariumsThese aquariums do not need a frame. Thepanes are directly glued together bymeans of silicon. This shock-proof aquariumtype is most common today.

Partly framed aquariumsThis stable and decorative aquarium type isequipped with an aluminum frame only atthe top and at the bottom. When buyingsuch an aquarium, make sure the framesare glued and not merely put on.

Completely framed aquariumsWith this aquarium type, the panes areglued into a stable metal (mostly aluminum)frame. These aquariums are particularlyshock-proof.

Aquarium cabinetsSuitable aquarium cabinets are availablefor many aquarium types. They providespace for accessories and the technicalaquarium equipment.

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Location and aquarium preparation

The correct locationWhen choosing the location, bear in mindthat subsequently moving the aquarium is difficult. A decorated and filled 100 liter(26 gal.) aquarium weighs up to 150 kg (331 lb.– without cabinet)! In older buildings werecommend that you gather informationabout the stability of the floor first. Takeinto account that the viewers’ weight addsto the aquarium weight! A small aquariumcan add to more than 300 kg (662 lb.) in asmall area of floor space.

Quiet places in the room which are far fromthe window are best. Sunlight coming inthrough the window promotes algaegrowth. Furthermore, the fish start toswim in a slanting way as – frankly speaking –‘up’ to them is where the light comes from.

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 supplyIn 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 intothe socket.

The rackIn case you do not want to place the aquari-um on a cabinet, you will need a suitablerack. 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.

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Biologically clean

Cleaning and checking forwater proofness

Aquariums sold nowadays come with safetystandards. 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 ortwo 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 hotwater 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 duringthis time, the aquarium is water-proof.

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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).

• Large plants belong to the backpane of the aquarium, otherwisethey will obstruct the view. Inthe foreground, small and lawn-forming plants should be plant-ed.

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

• Include a sufficiently large freezone as swimming space forlively fish.

Planning the aquarium landscape

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. Withthe view from above, you can replace allplants and decoration as often as you like.You can watch every change in the preview,of course including the fish. Just continueto change things if you do not like it. If youare not sure you can just save the presentplanning state. So you can watch yourdesigns as often as you like.

BB

F

F

F F

F

M

M M M

F

M

B B B BB

B▲ sketch (bird’s-eye view)

foreground plantsmiddle ground plantsbackground plantsB

MF

▲ front view

sera floredepotbottom gravel

sera internal biofilter Bdecoration material

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Purchase aquarium gravel only from spe-cialized retailers, never from building mate-rial stores or the like! At the specializedretailer’s you may be sure that the graveldoes not release pollutants into the aquar-ium water. Clean the gravel thoroughlyunder running water before use.

Set up an aquarium in steps5Fill in bottom gravelThe bottom gravel is the basis for the

successful plant and fish care. It offers alarge 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 (for4 – 6 weeks) that the plants need forstrong roots and green leaves. Distributesera floredepot evenly on the spaceassigned for planting (see sketch onpage 36).

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., basalt chip-pings or fired ceramic chippings), as grub-bing fish such as armored catfish otherwiseget 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.

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

serafil 380) (see page 26 please) and thesera aquarium heater. Build a little under-water landscape from well-cleaned rocks and roots fromthe specialized trade that youhave washed with scaldingwater. This will allow the fish toform their territories and hide.

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Set up an aquarium in steps5Filling in and conditioningwaterFilling in water correctly

First place a shallow plate on the gravel toprevent water from whirling up. Then pourthe lukewarm water (24 – 26°C / 75 – 79°F)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 thefishes’ requirements, tap water is not suit-able as aquarium water. Chlorine and otherpollutants, such as metal ions and differentsalts, endanger fish, plants and micro-organisms.

sera aqutan binds heavy metalions immediately, clears thewater and neutralizes effects ofdissolved salts and aggressivechlorine. sera aqutan protectsthe fish’s mucous membranedue to a valuable vitamin B com-plex and skin protection colloids.

sera morena is a water condi-tioner with natural peat extracts,trace elements and humic acids.Suited for all fish originatingfrom tropical soft waters, likecharacins, barbs, catfish andSouth American cichlids. seramorena hinders the growth ofunwanted bacteria, fungi andalgae.

The biological water conditioningwith sera nitrivec is especially important.sera nitrivec consists of different purifica-tion and pollutants breaking down bacteriathat build up a natural micro flora within

hours and, therefore, a function-ing pollutant breakdown. Whenusing sera nitrivec the fish can al-ready be introduced into the new-ly set-up aquarium after 24 hours(see also page 41)!

Important water values for thebeginningBasic water criteria are at first the carbon-ate hardness and the pH value. Both param-eters 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 pHvalue for your desired fish. Also, the ency-clopedia included in “sera – The CD” willinform you in detail about the waterrequirements of the fish. sera – The CDchecks if the parameters fit already whenselecting the fish.

3

increase 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 pH-plus resp.sera pH-minus according to the directionsfor use.

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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 “degreesof German carbonate hardness (°dKH).” Itshould be between 5 and 10°dKH in com-munity aquariums.So, please check the carbonate hardnessfirst by means of the sera kH-Test and

Adding plants1) Shorten the root tips slightly with a pair

of sharp 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 the gravel carefully and pull theplant slightly, so that the roots facedownwards again (fig. 4).

➀ ➁ ➂

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Fertilize plants correctly

Successfully keeping plantsbecomes easy with the finelyadjusted sera fertilization sys-tem. Use sera floreplus as agrowth promoter during thefirst 4 – 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 arefertilized 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 very decorative red-leaved plants (e.g., tigerlotus, Nymphaea lotus): With these, carbondioxide fertilization is indispensable inorder to care for the plants successfullyover 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. Itprovides a complete set consisting ofextremely diffusion-proof parts in particu-larly high quality. It contains an environ-mentally friendly re-usable 500 g CO2 bottlethat you can get refilled at your retailer’s.

The seramic CO2 control system regulatesCO2 dosage automatically. This micro-processor controlled unit controls the pHvalue permanently and keeps it at thedesired value constantly by dosed addingof 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 theaquarium light. Avoid bright light.

After thirty minutesyou can transfer thefish using the serafish net. Be sure todispose the trans-port water into thesink!

Open the bag andturn up the edgesseveral times. Thebag then floats openin the water. Fillaquarium water(approx. the two- orthreefold originalamount of the bagcontent) into thebag in portionswithin the course ofhalf an hour.

Put the fish bag intothe aquarium (open-ing on top) andmake sure the bagfloats.

How to add the fishNow, finally, the aquarium is set up,decorated and planted; filter, heating

and lighting work as they should. The seratests reveal good water quality.Now the first fishes are introduced. Startthe biological pollutant breakdown at thesame time.

• Fill the tank with water up to 2 cm (0.8 in.) below the edge.Then add sera aqutan (pHvalue 6.5 – 7.5). Put the filterinto operation.

• Add sera nitrivec at the soon-est one hour after you addedsera aqutan.

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

• Add sera nitrivec (normaldose) each day for 10 days run-ning. You will shorten the timein which the filter bacteriabecome active by doing so.

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

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Computer aided aquarium design

sera has developed a CD that reaches farbeyond the possibilities of printed informa-tion. sera – The CD makes selecting yourfavorite fish and setting up your desiredaquarium considerably easier.

You can design, save and change as manyaquariums as you like with sera – The CD.sera – The CD checks automatically whetherbottom material, fish, plants, stones andwood suit each other, and how many fish ofevery species you may add. sera – The CDdisplays your desired aquarium as lively asin nature at every stage of your design.sera – The CD prints a shopping list for youto make sure you get everything accordingto your desires.

sera – The CD makes aquarium setup easy

sera – The CDshows you filmsabout 9 biotopeaquariums• West Africa aquarium• Killifish aquarium• Asia aquarium• Central America aquarium• Lake Malawi aquarium• Lake Tanganyika aquarium• Tropical rainforest aquarium• Aquarium for medium hard water• Cold water aquarium

sera – The CD allows you to change every-thing within a biotope directly from thefilm.• You change the aquarium size: sera – The

CD tells you how many fish and plantseach you may add.

• You wish to add different fish and plants:sera – The CD shows you other fish andplants that suit the respective biotope.

sera – The CD provides youwith an extensive encyclo-pedia about fish and plants.You can use your self-designed aquariums as ascreensaver. sera – The CDprovides you with manymore individual designoptions.

Example: Encyclopedia

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Example: Exchange program

for plants

Example: Exchange program

for fish

for your desired aquarium

- The CD

Installation note:Windows® 95/98 orWindows®

NT 4.0 (SP3)sera - The CD -will startautomatically

• Short films about magnificent aquariums• More than a 1000 possibilities for design• Freely design as many aquariums as desired• More than 120 colorful fish• Beautiful aquatic plants• Screen saver of your desired aquarium

CD-ROM

seraGm

bH• P.O. Box 1466 • 52518 Heinsberg • Germany • www.sera.de

30/06G

B

The sera online laboratorysimplifies aquarium careand is a real fun. You willlearn effortlessly how touse water test kits andwater conditioners. Youcan check the quality ofyour aquarium water, andof course pond water, per-manently. This offers thefollowing advantages:• continually good water

quality• fewer problems with

algae• early recognition of fish

diseases• less time needed for the

aquarium care

sera online laboratory

Go and see for yourself on the Internet

www.seralabor.com

Evaluation water test

Overall condition96%

Acidity pH – 6.5

Treatment: Possible causes for too low or rapidlysinking pH values: Too low carbonate hardness, highfish stock with according pollution (The filterpermanently forms acid during the pollutantbreakdown process. This is normal and impossible toavoid.), and too high dosage of conditioners,fertilizers and care products that release acids (e.g.,pH-minus, peat preparations, CO2).Remedial measures: Remove or reduce the abovementioned causes, carry out water changes morefrequently with more alkaline water or water that hasa higher KH; sera pH-plus. Recommended dosage pH-plus: First increase KH to 5 – 10 °dKH if it is lower.Add 5 ml pH-plus per each 20 liters of water. CheckpH value after 12 hours and repeat addition of pH-plus if necessary.

sera pH-plus

Water test

According to the input you provided we recommend thedisplayed treatments and products.

save evaluation print new test

User:Aquarium: AquariumWater type: 200 l Community Tank