Sera Aquarium Guide 2

8/17/2019 Sera Aquarium Guide 2

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Systemic aquarium care

The easy way

to a permanently

clear aquarium


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The new sera system

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

The new aquariumcare system by sera

solves all problems infreshwater aquariumswith just one productper step.

Example

Water care

with improvedactive agent formula

easy and effectiveapplication

scientificallytested

Step 1


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Uncomplicated and safe with sera• for optimal, extensive basic care

• for creating and lastingly maintainingappropriate water conditions• for effective immediate help in case of trouble

Water care

Permanently appropriate water

parameters and a stable biological

equilibrium

page

8 – 9

Soft water care

Appropriate water parameters and

breeding conditions, e.g. for discus

fish and angelfish

page

10 – 11

Optimize water parameters

Uncomplicated and lasting imme-

diate help in case of dangerous

water parameters

page

12 – 13

Cure diseases

Fish friendly disease treatment in

aquariums

page

14 – 15

page

4 – 5


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Water testing

Knowing the relevant water parame-ters is the basic precondition for per-

manently providing the freshwateraquarium inhabitants optimal envi-ronmental conditions. Direct correc-tive measures are possible if the val-ues are outside the recommended

range. Besides regularly monitoringthe standard water parameters, se-

lected parameters for sourcing shouldbe checked immediately in case ofsuspicious observations.

item no. 04002


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© Y

u r i S a m s o n o v – s h u t t e r s t o c k . c o m

Checking the water parameters

pH value, carbonate hardness (KH),ammonium and nitrite

are among the most important waterparameters. Extreme deviation fromthe desired values may immediate-ly lead to life threatening situations.Whenever the appearance or the be-havior of the fish becomes conspic-uous, or other anomalies (such asplants dying suddenly) are observed

in the aquarium, you should firstcheck the basic water parameters.The sera Quick Test strips are par-ticularly easy to use and can be usedfor routine controls. We recommendthe sera pH-Test, sera kH-Test, sera NH4 /NH3-Test and sera NO2-Test for more precise results.

Total hardness (GH), nitrate,phosphate, iron, copper, chlorine,

silicate and oxygenWell-versed aquarists also know theaverage values for these parametersin their aquariums. Checking themevery now and then is usually suf-ficient. In case of a correspondingsuspicion (e.g. intoxications, algaegrowth, gasping for air) the param-

eters in question must be checkedimmediately and in a directed way.

item no. 08920


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Some important water parameters and their desired values

Parameter ImportanceDesiredvalue

pH value

All creatures in aquar iums react sensitively towards pH value changes.Depending on the species kept, the pH value should be in the slightlyacidic or a neutral (7) to slightly alkaline (8) range. Sudden pH valuechanges (such as rapidly sinking pH value) are very dangerous.

6 – 8

Carbonatehardness (KH)

The KH is defined by the hydrogen carbonate ion concentration in thewater. Sufficiently high KH (at least 6°dKH) reliably buffers dangerous pHvalue variations.

6 – 10°dKH

Ammonium/ Ammonia(NH4 /NH3 )

Waste and breakdown product, a component of the nitrogen cycle and atthe same time a dangerous fish poison! Good biological activity provided,it is ideally not detectable.

< 0.5 mg/l(better0 mg/l)

Nitrite (NO2 )Waste and breakdown product, a component of the nitrogen cycle andalso a dangerous fish poison! Good biological activity provided, it is ideallynot detectable.

< 0.5 mg/l(better0 mg/l)

Total hardness(GH)

The GH is formed by the entirety of alkaline earth ions (mainly calcium andmagnesium) and serves as an important mineral source.

5 – 15°dGH

Nitrate (NO3 )Breakdown product and component of the nitrogen cycle. Hardly toxic plantnutrient that, however, supports algae growth in higher concentrations.

< 50 mg/l

Phosphate(PO4 )

Waste and breakdown product. Hardly toxic plant nutrient that, however– especially in higher concentrations –, is the most important support foruncontrolled algae growth.

< 1 mg/l

Copper (Cu)Heavy metal already toxic in low concentrations, but also essential traceelement as well as effective agent in some treatments and biocides.

< 0.1 mg/l

Silicate (SiO3 )Diatoms are characterized by their silicate containing cell walls. Silicatelevels above 2 mg/l in the aquarium water support their growth.

< 2 mg/l

Oxygen level(O2 )

Essential for all aquarium inhabitants for breathing, but it is also importantfor breakdown processes (such as uneaten food, fish waste, plant remain-ders). It is normal that the saturation changes according to the time of daydue to photo synthesis. Good water agitation and not exceedingly warmwater support saturation.

> 4 mg/l(better> 6 mg/l)

A sera tip: Certain fish species (e.g. discus, angelfish or African cichlids) require water parameters that differ from these general desired values, especially for breeding. Your retailer knows about the species specific data concerning the optimal water hardness,the suitable pH value and other conditions (e.g. oxygen requirement).


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Your own measurements:

Desiredvalue

Date andtime

S t a n d a r d m e a s u r e m e n t pH

KH (°dKH)

NH4 (mg/l)

NO2 (mg/l)

T e s t a s

r e q u i r e d

GH (°dGH)

NO3 (mg/l)

PO4 (mg/l)

Fe (mg/l)

Cu (mg/l)

Cl (mg/l)

SiO3 (mg/l)

O2 (mg/l)

Others (e.g. CO2, tem-perature, conductivity)


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Most fish species in community aquariumsprefer slightly harder water (at least 6°dKH).

sera KH/pH-plus gently raises the KH andthe pH value and stabilizes them lastingly.

Under these circumstances, the aquariumturns out particularly durable and easy tomaintain. Dangerous pH variations arebuffered safely.

Step 2 RaiseKH/pH:

sera KH/pH-plus

In case of

carbonate hardness

below 6

In case of new

setups, partial water

changes and otherstress situations

8

Water quality is thecrucial factor for all

aquarium inhabitantsdoing well. The sera care products forfreshwater aquariumsallow obtaining appro-priate water parameters,safety against dangerouspollution and a stable

biological equilibriumeasily and lastingly.The most frequentlyoccurring problems,such as water pollution,disease and algae pests,are prevented in the firstplace.

A p p l i

c a t i

o n :

Water care

Substances toxic for fish, such as chlorineand heavy metals, can get into the aquarium

water with every water change. sera aquatan

immediately removes the pollutants andconverts the aquarium water into healthy

aquarium water for fish, invertebrates, plantsand useful micro organisms.

Step 1 Conditionwater:

sera aquatan


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The dangerous toxic substances ammonium

and nitrite are permanently formed inaquarium water as waste and breakdown

products. The liquid biofilter medium sera bio

nitrivec contains millions of purificationbacteria that help create a stable biologicalequilibrium and thus continuously break downthe arising toxic substances.

Step 4 Create anequilibrium:

sera bio nitrivec

In case of new setups,

partial water changes,

new additions and

filter cleaning

For providing mineralsand trace elements

9 9

Essential minerals and trace elements are

often not sufficiently present in aquariumwater. sera mineral salt directly provides all

important trace elements as well as valuable

calcium, magnesium and potassium. This

closes the supply gap and stabilizes themineral balance.

Step 3 Provideminerals:

sera mineral salt


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Soft water care

Some fish species (e.g.angelfish and discus

fish) are accommodatedto living environmentswith soft water and agenerally acidic pH value.sera has developed theeasy-to-use special“Soft water care” prod-uct range for creating

and lastingly maintainingthe optimal environmentalconditions for them.Keeping the animals un-der conditions as naturalas possible considerablyincreases their liveliness,their good health and,

last not least, their suc-cessful reproduction.In case of too high pHand KH values

In case of new

setups, partial water

changes and other

stress situations

A p p

l i

c a t i

o n :

Some fish species (e.g. discus and angelfish)

are accommodated to soft water and require

these conditions in particular for reproducing.

In case the water is too hard or the pH value

has risen due to natural metabolism process-

es, sera pH/KH-minus allows lowering thepH value and the carbonate hardness (KH)

precisely and thus creating appropriate keep-ing conditions.

Step 2 LowerpH/KH:

sera pH/KH-minus

Substances toxic for fish, such as chlorineand heavy metals, can get into the aquarium

water with every water change. sera aquatan

immediately removes the pollutants andconverts the aquarium water into healthyaquarium water for fish, invertebrates, plants

and useful micro organisms.

Step 1 Condition

water: sera aquatan


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In case of new setups,partial water changes,

new additions and

filter cleaning

For lastingly stable

softwater conditions

After having adjusted the KH and the pH val-

ue with sera pH/KH-minus, sera super peat keeps the water permanently soft and slight-

ly acidic. The functional granulate consisting

of natural black peat releases valuable humic

and fulvic acids for a long period of time. The

blackwater effect achieved this way provides

optimal breeding conditions for many fishspecies.

Step 3 PermanentlypH < 7:

sera super peat


and nitrite are permanently formed inaquarium water as waste and breakdown

products. The liquid biofilter medium sera bio

nitrivec contains millions of purification

bacteria that help create a stable biologicalequilibrium and thus continuously break downthe arising toxic substances.


sera bio nitrivec


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For removing

cloudiness and

phosphate

In case of acute

water pollution

In spite of effectivecare, imbalances may

occasionally occur inan aquarium. Acutelylife threatening waterconditions may resultfrom this. There aremany possible causes– besides the usualstartup difficulties with

new setups, theseinclude largermaintenance andcleaning measures,disease treatmentsand overfeeding.The sera “Optimizewater parameters” care

product range providesthe suitable products forremoving the problemas quickly as possible,in an uncomplicatedway and lastingly, andfor obtaining optimalenvironmental condi-tions again.

Mineral as well as dead organic material may lead

to cloudiness. The latter may additionally increase

the phosphate level in the water and thus supportalgae growth. sera phosvec.clear binds cloudiness,

removes excess phosphate and thus prevents algae

growth.

Step 2 Remove cloudinessand phosphate:

sera phosvec·clear

Destabilizing factors, such as over-

feeding, overstocking or new addi-

tions, may lead to sudden and mas-

sive pollution peaks by ichthyotoxic

pollutants such as ammonia andnitrite in the aquarium water. In such

emergency situations, sera toxivec

immediately removes these toxic

substances, as well as other dan-gerous substances such as chlorine

and heavy metals. This makes emer-gency water changes, which mean

stress for the fish, unnecessary.

Step 1 Removepollutants:sera toxivec


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In case of new setups,

partial water changes,

new additions andfilter cleaning

In case of acute

oxygen deficiency

A p p

l i c a t i o n :

The breath of the inhabitants and other nat-

ural breakdown processes constantly con-sume oxygen in the aquarium. While evenslight under supply already causes stress,extreme oxygen deficiency is quickly fatal.sera O2 plus immediately adds oxygen and

thus improves the living conditions for allaquarium inhabitants.

Step 3 Supplyoxygen:

sera O2 plus

The dangerous toxic substances ammoniumand nitrite are permanently formed inaquarium water as waste and breakdownproducts. The liquid biofilter medium sera bio


bacteria that help create a stable biologicalequilibrium and thus continuously break down

the arising toxic substances.


sera bio nitrivec


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Good keeping conditions are the best disease prevention.In spite of all efforts, however, diseases can not entirely beavoided. Quick and consistent reaction is required, regardlessof having introduced the pathogens by new additions or plants,or other factors being responsible for the disease outbreak. Thesera range of disease treatments “Cure diseases” accompanythe therapy from supporting preparation via the treatment itselfwith specialized, effective sera treatments, up to cleaning andbiologically activating the water after a successful treatment.

Cure diseases

In case of

aquarium

fish diseases

Before diseasetreatments and

in case of stresss

Advice: The guide “Healthy aquarium fish” provides more specific advice for using the sera treatments correctly and safely.

The salt blend sera ectopur releases active oxygen. Breathing is allevi-

ated, and stress is being reduced. The contained salt stimulates the new

formation of mucous membranes and thus supports the removal of path-

ogens on or within the skin. The efficacy of disease treatments is beingsupported, and regeneration is considerably accelerated.

Step 1 Prepare water: sera ectopur

Occurring diseases can be reduced by good care conditions, but un-

fortunately it can never be entirely excluded. Proceeding quickly andconsistently is crucial if ever the fish are ill. sera provides a full rangeof effective treatments for the directed treatment of the most frequently

occurring diseases of fish in freshwater aquariums.

Step 2 Treat diseases:

sera omnipur sera costapursera mycopur sera baktopursera baktopur direct sera bakto Tabssera med Professional range


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In case of partial

water changes,

filter cleaning

and disease

treatments

After diseasetreatments and in case

of intoxications

After a disease treatment, the remainders that

are now not required anymore should be re-moved as quickly and as entirely as possible.

This avoids unnecessary water pollution andfurther stress. The special active carbon sera

super carbon removes not only treatmentremainders but also other dangerous toxic

substances and tints quickly, without sideeffects and without affecting the pH.

Step 3 Remove

pollutants:sera super carbon

A p p l i c a t i o n :


and nitrite are permanently formed in

aquarium water as waste and breakdownproducts. The liquid biofilter medium sera bio


bacteria that help create a stable biological

equilibrium and thus continuously break downthe arising toxic substances.

Step 4 Create an

equilibrium: sera bio nitrivec


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The new aquarium care systemby sera solves all problemsin freshwater aquariumswith just one product per step.

GmbH • D 52518 Heinsberg • Germany

For natural aquariums

4 4 / 0 6 U S

Water parameters alright Water parameters not alright

Water care

Conditionwater

seraaquatan

RaiseKH/pH

seraKH/pH-plus

Provideminerals

seramineral salt

Create anequilibrium

serabio nitrivec

Soft water care

Conditionwater

seraaquatan

LowerpH/KH

serapH/KH-minus

PermanentlypH < 7

serasuper peat


serabio nitrivec


Removepollutants

seratoxivec

Remove cloudinessand phosphate

seraphosvec·clear

Supplyoxygen

seraO2 plus


serabio nitrivec

Cure diseases

Preparewater

seraectopur

Treatdiseases

seratreatments

Removepollutants

serasuper carbon


serabio nitrivec

© D

o b e r m a r a n e r – s h u t t e r s t o c k . c o m

Documents

Sera Aquarium Guide 2