Professional Documents
Culture Documents
For more detailed instructions, refer to the packaging of each item, or consult your
local pet retailer.
2. Place aquarium on a
manufacturer recommended
stand. Position tank away
from drafts, heating ducts and
direct sunlight.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Aquarium Choices & Considerations . . .3
Filtration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Mechanical Filtration, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Chemical Filtration,
Biological Filtration
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Powerheads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
CO2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Feeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Aquarium Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
INTRODUCTION
The aquatic hobby has grown steadily
as everyone is looking to bring the
beauty of nature into their homes. Vast
choices of aquariums, cabinets and
support equipment exist and provide
aquarists with many options. A
beautifully presented display aquarium
affords a glimpse into the fascinating
underwater world, providing a
captivating centerpiece for any home,
office or professional environment.
A variety of options exist when
developing, setting up and maintaining a
living biosphere. Many choices
sometimes result in a difficult decision
making process. This guide provides
helpful guidelines and information that
will contribute to an easy, enjoyable
experience.
Aquariums have many positive attributes
that extend well beyond being
decorative. Research has indicated a
link between watching an aquarium and
the reduction of stress. Finding the
chance to relax in todays fast paced
world has become difficult, at best. The
aquarium provides a living display,
which allows observers in a variety of
environments, such as dental, legal, and
medical offices, as well as restaurants,
hotel lobbies and homes to relax and
compose their thoughts.
Weight
Type of Aquarium
Aquarium Location
Place the aquarium away from sources
which will influence temperature
(radiators, fireplaces, windows), create
vibration (high traffic areas) and allow
light entry (windows, sky lights).
A conveniently located, grounded
electrical receptacle is important for
heater, canopy and filtration
components. Select a position where
the set-up can be easily viewed and
appreciated. Under no circumstances
should any household electrical
appliances be placed under or in close
proximity to your aquarium.
Aquarium Preparations
The Right Size
The size of aquarium is often limited to the space available. In general, select the
largest size of aquarium that space, location and budget will allow. This will provide
many benefits, such as a more stable environment, greater choice of fish and plants
and an enhanced aesthetic value.
fish excreta
and urine
NITRATE
BUILDUP
6
NITRITE
AMMONIA
NITRATE
Toxic gases
excess
food
plant
remnants
PLANT
FERTILIZER
ANAEROBIC
BACTERIA
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION
6.0
Insufficient
5.0
Borderline
TE
4.0
2.0
Safe
RI
3.0
IT
IA
Chemical Filtration
fish
respiration
ON
Biological Filtration
Biological purification of water is
accomplished by various beneficial
strains of bacteria.
There are several
important sources of
waste produced in most
aquariums. Fish generate
nitrogenous waste as they
breathe and excrete
organic matter. Plants shed
leaves as they grow.
Invertebrates and corals also
shed organic substances.
Beneficial bacteria known as
Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter,
commonly referred to as
nitrifying bacteria, prefer lodging
in the filter system. Superior oxygen
levels exist due to constant incoming
water, while biological filter media
provide an excellent habitat for these
desirable bacteria. Nitrifying bacteria
utilize two very toxic nitrogenous
compounds, ammonia and nitrite, as an
energy source, and produce nitrate, a
relatively harmless by-product. Nitrate is
easily controlled through regular water
changes and is used by plants as a food
source.
The Nitrogen Cycle (see chart) refers to
the conversion of toxic nitrogenous
compounds, ammonia and nitrite to
nitrate. This phenomena is commonly
encountered when first starting an
aquarium, or if certain events take place
which eliminate or reduce beneficial
nitrifying bacteria, such as disease
treatments or prolonged power failures.
Bacteria take time to establish
themselves. Nitrifying bacteria reproduce
every eight hours. The initial nitrifying
bacteria to populate tend to be
Mechanical Filtration
mg/Litre
FILTRATION
1.0
NITRATE
0
0
10
20
30
40
50 days
10.0
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION
Normal vs Cycle Addition
9.0
8.0
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION
7.0
Insufficient
6.0
Borderline
5.0
Safe
2.0
IT
ON
3.0
RI
IA
TE
4.0
mg/Litre
1.0
NITRATE
0
0
10
20
30
40
50 days
Oxygenation
This process takes place at the water
surface, the interface between water
and air. The most efficient way to
increase oxygen levels in water is to
move and agitate the surface (without
causing stress to aquarium inhabitants).
The greater the surface movement, the
greater the oxygenation rate. Symptoms
of oxygen deficiency sometimes occur in
heavily stocked aquariums and are
demonstrated by fish exhibiting
exaggerated and rapid gill movement. It
is important to note that temperature is
also a factor. Higher temperatures result
in lower dissolved oxygen levels.
Planted aquariums should employ gentle
surface movement. This will reduce
carbon dioxide loss, a key element of
photosynthesis for plants.
Power filters and powerheads are much
more efficient in oxygenation versus air
pumps, because of greater water
movement over a much larger water
surface area.
02
C02
8
FILTER SYSTEMS
Powerheads
Air Pumps
Pumps are versatile devices which can be
used for a variety of purposes in
aquariums. They are used to power inside
box filters, sponge filters, undergravel
filters, airstones, aerating ornaments, and
provide oxygenation by moving water to
the surface. It is important to understand
that a pump introduces ambient air into
the aquarium. Consider any sources of airborne pollutants to be potentially harmful.
AQUACLEAR
Quick Filter
10
AquaClear Powerhead Undergravel Filter Pumps increase flow rates for greater water movement
and higher oxygen levels.
Model
Model
AquaClear 101
AquaClear 201
AquaClear 301
AquaClear 402*
AquaClear 802*
AquaClear 901
For aquariums up to
liters
U.S.gal
Pumps Up to
l/hr
U.S. gal/hr
Item #
37.8
75
113
190
283
>378
300
450
658
1022
1514
3550
A-584
A-585
A-586
A-565
A-570
A-587
10
20
30
50
75
>100
80
126
174
270
400
935
Elite 799
Elite 800
Elite 801
Elite 802
Elite 803
Maxima
Maxima R
Optima
For aquariums up to
liters
U.S. gal.
20
5
40
10
55
15
75
20
75
20
115
30
115
30
>115
>30
Outlets
Item #
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
1
A-799
A-800
A-801
A-802
A-803
A-805
A-806
A-807
Underwater Filters
11
Fluval 1plus
Fluval 2plus
Fluval 3plus
Fluval 4plus
For aquariums up to
liters
U.S.gal
Pumps up to
l/hr
U.S. gal/hr
Item #
45
90
130
215
200
400
700
1000
A-160
A-165
A-170
A-175
12
24
34
57
50
105
185
260
12
Model
Model
AquaClear MINI 75
20
AquaClear 150
113
30
AquaClear 200
189
50
AquaClear 300
378
100
AquaClear 500
567
150
*optional - for freshwater use only
378
567
757
1135
1892
100
150
200
300
500
A-595
A-600
A-610
A-615
A-620
A-598
A-605
A-613
A-618
A-623
Media
Carbon Amrid*
A-597
A-602
A-612
A-617
A-622
A-596
A-601
A-611
A-616
A-621
AquaClear Filter
systems
incorporate the
exclusive
CycleGuard Insert
System which
ensures that all
filtration
AquaClear Unit
requirements are
with CycleGuard
fulfilled by
filters.
providing three
distinct filter media.
This ensures continuous biological
filtration as one insert is replaced at a
time, while the remaining filter media
supports the re-establishment of essential
bacteria (along with a dose of Cycle).
Superior contact
time and filter
volume
Minimal contact
time and filter
volume
Canister Filters
Bottom
AquaClear Foam Insert*, fulfills the
following functions:
1) Particulate debris removal and
optimal water distribution patterns,
allowing subsequent filter media to
perform at full efficiency.
2) Biological filtration, due to the
porous structure of foam, providing
surfaces for beneficial bacteria.
Middle
AquaClear Ultragrade Carbon Insert*,
Fluval Peat, Phos-X, and other chemical
filter media are used to adjust and
purify water.
Fluval MSF External Canister Filters provide complete filtration for most aquariums.
These innovative filter systems incorporate features that are designed to facilitate
aquarium maintenance and provide excellent water quality.
Some of the features and benefits are:
3) Large pre-filtration sponges that
provide a large surface area to
1) Aqua-Stop quickly
trap enormous waste loads,
disconnects water with
helping maintain filter flow rates.
the flip of a lever to allow
easy access to
4) Opaque Ribbed Hosing filter contents.
eliminate kinks, for easier set-up
and no algae growth within the
2) Multi-Media baskets - a
hose supporting better long-term
variety of filter media are
flow rates.
easily installed or
removed, to provide
5) Water flow design maximizes
optimal conditions for
contact time. Incoming water
most types of aquarium
is immediately directed
set-ups.
through large pre-filtration
sponges and is vertically
forced through multiple
media baskets.
Top
AquaClear Ammo-Rid or Bio-Max,
effective at controlling harmful
nitrogenous compounds such as
ammonia, which is produced by various
sources within the aquarium.
Note: Aqua-Clear Filter Media Bags are available
for all models of AquaClear
Fluval MSF External Canister Filters - are suitable for mechanical, biological and
chemical filtration applications. These multi-stage filters provide extremely large
filtration volume relative to most popular filters.
Model
For Aquariums up to
liters
U.S. gal
Pumps Up to
l/h
U.S.gal/h
Item #
Fluval 104
Fluval 204
Fluval 304
Fluval 404
100
200
300
400
480
680
1000
1300
A-200
A-205
A-210
A-215
25
40
70
100
125
180
260
340
14
Aquarium Peat
15
FILTER MEDIA
Carbon
Hagen offers a
complete selection of
carbons, all designed
for water filtration.
These carbons provide
the correct pore size and
selection of optimal raw ingredients to
provide long lasting aquarium filtration.
This is very important as there are
carbons that are manufactured using raw
materials which are designed for filtering
air, not water, and are sold for aquarium
use.
Foam
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter
media. The porous channel structure
within the foam obliges the incoming
water to deviate from a straight path,
maximizing contact time and giving the
foam a huge holding capacity for debris.
This is easily observed when rinsing foam,
as large quantities of waste are released.
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved
after approximately 10 to 14 days. Foam
also supports essential bacteria and can
be a mechanical and biological filter
media, as evidenced by
internal filter systems,
as long as a regular
water change
schedule is respected.
Ammonia Remover
Hagen Ammonia Remover is a natural
mineral, which safely and effectively
scavenges ammonium from aquarium
water. This is particularly useful when
chloramine is present in
tap water, and in
instances where
ammonia can occur,
such as new
aquariums, fish loss,
overfeeding, after disease
treatment, and overpopulated
installations.
BioMax
The perfect biological media for fresh or
salt water aquariums. BioMax porous
cylinders are capable of supporting huge
populations of water purifying bacteria.
They are composed of 85% Micro-Tunnels,
ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria
which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite.
The remaining 15% are
micro-cavities, ideal for
hosting denitrifying
bacteria, providing
biological activity
which controls nitrate,
a potential nutrient for
algae.
16
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Aquarium Thermometers
A thermometer should always be used
to monitor temperature levels and
maintain a comfortable environment
for aquarium inhabitants.
17
Heaters
Three basic types of heaters exist: clipon, submersible, and electronic. Clip-on
heaters represent an economical option
for providing stable temperatures and
are designed to be fastened to the
aquarium frame. It is important to
respect the indicated water line. This
will ensure proper functioning of the
thermostat.
Submersible heaters offer greater
flexibility in terms of application
(aquariums with lower water levels) and
are available in easy-to-hide smaller
diameters, such as the Hagen Thermal
Compact and Pre-Set range.
Electronic
Aquarium Heater
POWER CORD
Heating Tips
WATERTIGHT SEAL
SOLID STATE COMPONENTS
Self-Protected
No moving parts
PILOT LIGHT
Brilliant Glow
THERMO-SENSOR
As accurate as an external sensor
Patented Precision
PROTECTIVE COMPONENT COVER
HEAVY DUTY CERAMIC HEAT SHIELD
Isolates Heater Element from
Electrical Components
HEATER TUBE
HEATER ELEMENT
CERAMIC HEATER CORE
Evenly dispenses heat
Minimizes "Hot Spots"
18
Tronic
Heater Guard
protects fish
from burns and
lesions and
guards against
heater breakage
Model
Style
Watts
100 150
25
50
75
Radiant Compact
Radiant
Thermal Compact Mini
Thermal Compact
Thermal Compact Pre-Set
Tronic
Clip-on
Clip-on
Subm.
Subm.
Subm.
Subm.
Aquarium Capacity*
Gallons
Liters
51/2
20
10
37
15
56
200
300
LIGHTING
Aquarium Type
General Fresh Water Community
Planted Aquarium
African Cichlid
South American Cichlid
Goldfish
Natural Biotope
Marine Reef
Marine Fish
ICON KEY
IDEAL FOR
MARINE-GLO
FRESH WATER
AQUARIUMS
POWER-GLO
PLANTED
AQUARIUMS
LIFE-GLO
CORALS
AQUA-GLO
INVERTEBRATES
20
FLORA-GLO
Promotes plant growth and intensifies fish colors
VIVARIUMS
SUN-GLO
Mar
ineGlo
Pow
er-G
lo
LifeGlo
Aqu
a-Gl
o
Sun
-Glo
Flora
-Glo
19
Bulb Type
2 to 3
1 to 3
1 to 3
1 to 2
1 to 3
2 to 4
2
Approx. Quantity
Lighting Tips
1. Most plants require approximately
12 hours per day of light from a
fluorescent fixture.
2. Sudden changes in light may stress
fish. When turning canopy lights on
or off, it is beneficial to have room
lights on for at least 30 minutes.
3. Fish fed during the day should be
allowed 30 minutes of light before
and after feeding.
4. Use timers when possible. Plants
and fish will respond better to
consistent lighting periods.
5. Plants and fish will adapt to gradual
light changes. When changing bulbs
in a multiple bulb installation,
stagger them 1 to 2 weeks apart.
21
Community Aquariums
This broad classification of aquarium
generally refers to a mix of fish and
plants originating from different
geographical areas, with emphasis
placed on color and hardiness. This type
of aquarium can be very successful if it
follows basic rules for compatibility of
its inhabitants with respect to
temperature, water chemistry, aquarium
size, and character.
Goldfish Aquariums
22
23
Planted Aquariums
This type of aquarium features emphasis
on plants and limited fish populations.
An example of a plant tank could feature
a backdrop of large groupings of faster
growing species, such as species of
Hygrophila, Limnophila, Rotala,
Vallisneria, with an Echinodorus species
in the middle and groupings of
Cryptocorynes in the foreground. The
gravel would consist of 2 to 5mm
diameter at an average depth of 3
inches. Other decor is limited due to the
space requirement of the plants and is
usually limited to a piece or two of
driftwood. Typical choices for fish could
be smaller tetras or rasboras and some
angelfish. It would also be suggested in
this type of set-up to include some algae
controlling species of fish, such as
Siamese Flying Fox.
Lighting, CO2 injection, fertilization, and
attention to appropriate filtration media
are important details.
Rocks
Driftwood
Gravel
For planted aquariums, a size range of 2
to 5 mm is ideal for most plants. In
general, it is suggested to avoid very
light colored substrates, as they can
make fish appear less colorful. If epoxy
coated gravel is being used, make sure
to avoid rinsing with hot water and
excessively agitating when cleaning, to
preserve the epoxy coating.
Use the gravel to aquascape and create
a depth perspective. Slope from back to
front and employ some terracing to
provide deeper areas. This also
benefiting plants which have heavier
root networks, such as the larger
Echinodorus
species.
Ornaments
Hagen provides a wide variety of safe,
non-toxic, natural and artificial
decorations to enhance the aquatic
environment. Creating an attractive and
interesting aquascape is easy and
beneficial to fish,
providing them
with structure
that supports
natural
behaviour
patterns.
24
WATER
These rocks furnish a natural look while
being completely non-reactive in
aquarium water. Planting rocks provide
an advantage in that natural plants can
be conveniently moved without
significantly disturbing their root
systems.
Artificial Plants
Aquarium Backgrounds
Marina aquarium backgrounds are
available in a variety of sizes to fit most
aquarium applications. The scenery
can contrast or complement most
any aquarium set-up, while also
hiding unsightly electrical cords or
hoses. Aquarium backgrounds provide
the finishing touch to any decorated
tank, ensuring that fish and plants
look their best.
3D Greek Ruins
3D Rock Scenery
25
26
Livebearers:
7.0 to 7.6
Rasboras:
6.2 to 6.8
African Cichlids:
7.8 to 8.5
Rainbows:
7.0 to 7.4
South American
Cichlids:
6.2 to 6.8
South
American Catfish
(Corydoras, etc.):
6.2 to 6.8
Tetras:
6.2 to 6.8
WATER HARDNESS
Acid water has more
Hydrogen ions (blue)
than Hydroxyl ions (green)
LIVE PLANTS
Alkaline water has more
Hydroxyl ions (green)
than Hydrogen ions (blue)
Planting Tips
Leaf
Stem
ACID
Increasing proportion
of Hydrogen ions [H+]
27
NEUTRAL
Hydrogen and Hydroxyl
ions in balance
ALKALINE
Increasing proportion of
Hydroxyl ions [OH-]
Crown
Roots
28
29
Hygrophila Difformis
(Wisteria):
Grows rapidly,
recommended for new
aquariums, rapidly
absorbs mico-nutrients,
Plant Gro Iron Enriched
strongly recommended.
Aponogeton
ulvaceus:
Suited for
tanks
30 U.S. gal.
& up, rapid
growth.
Microsorium
pteropus (Java Fern):
Attaches to
driftwood or rocks,
flourishes in low to
high light and at
various pH and
hardness values.
Vallisneria
spiralis:
Suggested for
background
placement, good
choice for new
installations &
hardwater
Aponogeton
crispus:
Attractive olive
green color,
rapid growth.
Echinodorus
osiris:
Excellent
feature plant,
provides red
colored leaves,
suited to 30
U.S. gal.
tanks & up.
Hydrocotyle
leucocephala
(Pennywort):
Can be used as a
floating plant,
provides refuge
for fry (babies),
grows rapidly.
Hygrophila
polysperma
(Hygro):
Extremely hardy,
recommended for
new aquariums.
Ceratophyllum
demersum
(Hornwort):
Rapid growing,
typically a
floating plant,
good choice for
bowls.
Anubias barteri
(nana):
Suggested for
foreground and
attaching to
driftwood (slow
growth).
Echinodorus bleheri
(Amazon Sword):
Excellent feature
plant, needs room,
responds well to
regular pruning.
Cryptocoryne
walkeri:
Plant in groups
in the foreground,
grows rapidly
once established.
Cryptocoryne
wendtii:
Plant in groups,
mid-ground
placement,
grows rapidly,
provides
brownish leaves.
30
INTRODUCING FISH
31
1"
3"
1"
1 Gallon
3"
2"
10 Gallon
32
FISH CARE
Examples of Species
Requiring
Extra Precautions
Discus
Discus are extremely sensitive to pH
differences. During acclimation, it is
suggested to adjust pH values
accordingly and take twice the
regular time to introduce new
specimens.
African Cichlids
These cichlids are often very territorial.
Rearranging the rock structure can
reduce aggression towards newly
introduced specimens. Certain species
of Lake Tanganyika cichlids (especially
fry) are sensitive to changes in water
chemistry. Slowly dripping water into the
bag for 30 to 40 minutes is
recommended.
33
Disease Prevention
Most living organisms can suffer illness at
one time or another. The most effective
way to deal with this reality is to prevent,
rather than wait for a possible problem.
The consequences of having to treat a
stocked aquarium with a medication can
be stressful and damaging in itself. Many
plants, fish and helpful bacteria can suffer
as a result of using medication.
The following list provides general points
that support disease prevention:
1) Choose only healthy fish, avoid
purchases from aquariums
containing sick fish.
2) Purchase fish in limited groups,
slowly build fish populations.
3) Consider a quarantine aquarium.
This will allow observation and
preventative treatments before
exposing new fish to established
aquarium inhabitants.
34
4) Follow proper acclimation of new
specimens (see pg. 32).
5) Always condition new water
properly. Chlorine, chloramine, and
metals are damaging to aquarium
inhabitants. Use Aqua Plus.
6) If plumbing repairs or changes
occur, that involve copper pipe,
exercise caution (see pg. 26).
7) Perform basic water tests and
maintenance on a regular basis.
8) After power failures, ensure that all
equipment is working properly.
Observe fish carefully, temperature
variations will stress them.
9) Use timers for lighting. Regular
illumination periods are important
for fish and plants.
10) If a medication has been used,
after the treatment is complete,
perform additional water changes
and use carbon to remove residual
traces. Test water and dose with
Cycle and Aqua Plus.
11) Supply regular feedings of various
quality foods. Nutrafin Max provides
complete nutrition.
35
FEEDING
Feeding Tips
Less Algae
Excess phosphorus in food can
contribute to unsightly algae growth
and pollution. Nutrafin Max is carefully
formulated to reduce the amount of
phosphorus yet ensures optimum
amounts for skeletal growth and
proper nutrition.
Less Waste
Nutrafin Max creates less waste
because the food is more digestible and
contains less ash. It minimizes ash
levels by using only the highest quality
ingredients. High ash content can
contribute to water pollution.
36
AQUARIUM
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Tips
1) Never change more than 40% of
aquarium water at a time.
2) Never empty the entire aquarium to
clean it. This causes undue stress on
fish and will disturb the biological
balance of your aquarium.
3) Only change half of your filter media
at a time, to retain the established
biological balance.
4) NEVER use soap or any detergent on
your aquarium or any products used
in or around your aquarium.
5) When cleaning the inside glass of
your aquarium, avoid picking up
pieces of gravel, as this will scratch
the glass.
6) Limit the amount of times you put your
hands in the water. Oils and films
may cause stress in fish. It is
preferable to use the Multi-Tool.
Weekly
Monthly
37
Daily
Fish net
Algae Magnet
Test Kits
Multi-Tool, to trim plants,
move decor
For all product-related concerns, please use the consumer contact form on our website.
You can learn more about aquariums by browsing our website at www.hagen.com
6
7
Distributed by:
Canada: Rolf C. Hagen Inc.,
Montreal, QC H4R 1E8
U.S.A.: Rolf C. Hagen (U.S.A.) Corp.,
Mansfield, Ma 02048
U.K.: Rolf C. Hagen (U.K.) Ltd.,
Castleford, W. Yorkshire, WF10 5QH
www.hagen.com
www.persianfish.com
Printed in Canada