Sera Marine Guide

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Setup according to nature

Successful maintenance

Marine aquariums


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Contents1. Tropic seas, an extremely

diverse habitat ................................. 41.1 Live rock .......................................... 51.2 Which animals are suitable? ............ 52. Marine water biotope suggestions ... 11

2.1 Biotope: Clownfish, anemone ......... 122.2 Biotope: Reef pool ........................... 152.3 Biotope: Gobies, pistol shrimps........ 183. Technical equipment and filtration... 213.1 Compact aquariums for an easy

start into the marine world ................ 213.2 The optimal light .............................. 223.3 The correct water temperature ........ 233.4 Water purification............................. 244. The correct location......................... 305. Sea salt: The basis for life in a

marine aquarium .............................. 315.1 How to condition tap water ............. 315.2 How to prepare marine water .......... 325.3 How to measure salinity .................. 326. Setup ............................................... 336.1 Bottom gravel .................................. 336.2 Live rock .......................................... 347. Filling in marine water ...................... 357.1 Starting filtration and technical

equipment ....................................... 35

7.2 Topping up water ............................. 358. Watch your aquarium come to life ... 368.1 The first days

The activation phase..................... 368.2 How to introduce and acclimatize

the animals ...................................... 379. Regular maintenance ....................... 389.1 Feeding ............................................ 389.2 Water changes ................................. 419.3 Supplying trace elements,

calcium and macro elements .......... 42

9.4 Monitoring and adjustingpH value, carbonate hardnessand carbon dioxide .......................... 46

9.5 Monitoring ammonium, nitriteand nitrate........................................ 49

9.6 Checking the water .......................... 529.7 Cleaning the filter media .................. 549.8 Removing excess algae ................... 549.9 Removing deposits .......................... 549.10 Testing the lighting........................... 54

10. When you are on a vacation ............ 5511. What to do in casean animal gets ill .............................. 56


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A marine aquarium allows you to leave every-day routine behind. Dive into exotic waterworlds, observe little adventures and dreamof fascinating coral reefs or great beaches inthe South Seas. This is like a holiday athome. Aquariums also support our healthand joy of life. This has been proven by stud-ies. You will simply feel better with an aquar-ium.

Marine aquariums look great and decorative.The light displays by water reflections andthe organisms swaying in the currents are aunique pleasure an optical highlight in everyapartment.

Better life quality with an aquarium


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1. Tropic seas,an extremely diverse habitat

The seacoasts near the equator are not onlyhome to thousands of fish species but alsoto invertebrates whose number is not yeteven known. The species diversity and thenetworks the species form in a tropical coral

reef are as unbelievably complex as tropicalrainforests and their inhabitants, and they arean inspiration for aquarists again and again.

Many of the species living in the shallow wa-ter of coral reefs, seaweed meadows or man-grove zones are excellently suitable foraquariums and can be kept without much ef-fort. Their unbelievable colors and behavior

make the animals, as well as the entireaquarium, a real eye-catcher.

Cushion star Culcita novaeguineae in aseaweed meadow near New Guinea

Ring shaped fringing reefin southeast Indonesia


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If corals, shrimps and other invertebrates areto be kept in the same aquarium, the varietyof suitable fish is reduced. Many fish arepredators that eat smaller fish, shrimps orcoral tentacles.

However, even peaceful fish may cause

problems: Seahorses, for example, have to

be fed very often which may cause waterpollution. Also, they eat very slowly, resultingin other fish eating their food. Furthermore,they require calm water conditions and there-fore cannot be kept in coral reef aquariumswith strong currents.

1.1 Live rock

Live rock means reef rock chunks which are transportedmoist and at an appropriate temperature along with theirentire plant and animal organisms growing on them. Manyuseful small organisms will get into your aquarium this wayand support a natural environment.

1.2 Which animals are suitable?

beforeintroduction

after havingattached corals

55


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e.g. Leather corals (Sarcophyton spp., Lobophyton spp.,Sinularia spp.)

Mushroom anemones (here: Discosoma spp.)

Anemones (e.g. symbiotic anemones for clownfish)

Some corals have algae, so-called zooxanthellae, living intheir tissues. These corals need not be fed since they re-ceive all required nutrients from the zooxanthellae. Othercoral species, that do not get their nutrients from zooxan-thellae, need to be fed.

Good water care provided, the invertebrates listed in thefollowing are robust aquarium inhabitants:

Corals and other invertebrates


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Corals and other invertebrates

7

Colonial anemones (here:Zoanthus spp.)

with some experience, also stony corals (here:AcroporaSeriatopora spp.)

Sea urchins (Echinometra spp.) Brittle stars ( Ophiorachna spp.)


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Marine inhabitants that can be easily

kept at the beginning

8

Suitable fish, shrimps and crayfish that can also be keptin an aquarium with invertebrates include:

Damselfish (Chromis spp.)

Dottybacks (Pseudochromis fridmani)

Gobies (Cryptocentrus cinctus)


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Cardinal fish (Pterapogon sp., Sphaeramia)

Clownfish (Amphiprion spp.)

Wrasses (Macropharyngodon spp.)




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Surgeonfish/Tangs (Zebrasoma spp.)

Pistol shrimps (Alpheus spp.)

Cleaner shrimps (Lysmata spp.)

10




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sera gives you a couple of suggestions formarine biotope aquariums where everythingis in balance. Along with the sera marin food

and care products it is easy to successfullyand easily maintain a marine aquarium evenwithout aquarium experience.

The sera biotope aquariums match theready-to-connect, completely equipped seramarin Biotop Cube 130. You can of coursealso set up other and larger aquariums withthe sera marine biotope suggestions.

Some animals cannot be kept in aquariums,

depending on their size, their nutritionalhabits and their other requirements. Also,you should not combine animals of differentorigins. This may lead to unnatural reactionsand to stress among the species.

Stony corals are among the less suitable an-imals for compact size aquariums. They usu-ally require strong and varying water currentsas well as high intensity lighting. This is hard-

ly possible in small aquariums. We recom-mend soft corals, which are easier to keep.

Of course you should not put large fish intoa compact aquarium. Be sure to always askyour specialized retailer about the final sizeof a fish in question. Predatory fish are alsonot really an ideal choice, but rather friendlyfish. From a design viewpoint, concentratingon one or two small species and setting upa part of a biotope looks best.

2. Marine water biotope suggestions


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Clownfish live together with differentanemones in a symbiosis. The fish find shel-ter between the tentacles of the stinginganemone, they are immune against its ven-om. They also raise their offspring in the di-

rect vicinity of the anemone. In return, theanemone profits from food not eaten by thefish and from their waste. Yellowtail dam-selfish, cleaner shrimps and sea urchins har-monize well with this main component.

Pile up large live rock chunks up to the halfaquarium height in the back. Later on, youcan plant bright green Caulerpa algae (1) onthe uppermost rock chunks. The rapidlygrowing algae remove pollutants such as

ammonium and nitrate from the water. Thealgae must be harvested regularly as to avoidit overgrowing other organisms in the aquar-ium. Please remove at least a third of theshoots each time.

Place flat live rock chunks, which are idealfor growing colonial anemones (2) and smallsoft corals (3) on them, in front of the largelive rock chunks. Add one carpet anemone

(4) in a central foreground position, surround-ed by fine bright sand, as an eye-catcher.

Begin with adding the colonial anemoneswhen you have added the live rock chunks.You should then add the carpet anemone inthe foreground one or two weeks later.Please make sure the animal is not too largewhen choosing the anemone. We recom-mend only smaller animals with a diameterof max. 20 cm (8 in.). It is important that the

anemone did not suffer from an injury duringtransport and that the oral disc of the animalis intact. The anemone requires an even,sandy place with a flat stone for settling incenter position. It is also possible that theanemone attaches itself to the bottom glasspane of the aquarium. The clownfish (5) areadded after the anemone has attached itself.Fish of the speciesAmphiprion ocellaris usu-ally readily accept anemones of the genus

Stichodactylus and retreat into the anemone.

2.1 Biotope: Clownfish, anemone

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3

5

4

1


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Recommended animals for the clownfish and anemone biotope

Clownfish

Amphiprion ocellaris

1 , 1

Yellowtail damselfishChrysiptera spp.

1 , 1

Carpet anemoneStichodactylus spp.

In the foreground

Cleaner shrimp

Lysmata amboinensis

2 specimens

Sea urchinsEchinometra spp. or Colobocentrotus spp.

2 small specimens sized approx. 2 cm (0.8 in.)

Rhizome forming algaeCaulerpa spp.

A few scions


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Soft corals, stony corals

Sinularia spp., Sarcophyton spp., Lobophyton

spp., Capnella spp.,Xenia spp.

Place several small colonies, each sized about

5 cm (2 in.), in front of the colonial anemones

Mushroom anemones

Discosoma spp.

Add 2 to 3 groups in different colors

between the soft corals

Colonial anemones

Zoanthus spp., Protopalythoa spp.,

Parazoanthus spp.

Several small colonies, each sized about 5 cm

(2 in.), for settling the flat live rock chunks

Live rock10 to 14 large and 6 to 8 small chunks,

about 15 kg (33 lb.) in total

Heliopora spp.

Euphyllia spp.


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During low tide, many animals includingbrightly colored small fish and soft corals areisolated in reef pools, some of which are verysmall. This colorful living community consistsof small fish (damselfish, gobies), shrimps,

colonial anemones and soft corals.

First arrange the live rock setup as in theclownfish, anemone biotope, creatingmany small crevices and tiny caves. Thesewill later on allow fixing sessile invertebratesand provide hideaways for small fish.

Start adding the corals. Soft corals (Kenyatree corals) (1), colonial anemones (2) andmushroom anemones (3) are placed in the

crevices.The added fish should be restricted to smallspecies such as yellowtail damselfish (4) andgobies (5). Do not add more than 2 speci-mens of each species. If you have the pos-sibility to distinguish the genders, always adda male and a female of one species. If thereis no possibility to distinguish the genders,always select an adult and a small specimenof one species. The animals will then form a

hierarchy without fighting.2 cleaner shrimps (6) should also not bemissing. As the species Lysmata amboinen-

sis is hermaphroditic, they are always a pair.

2.2 Biotope: Reef pool

3

5

6

1

2

4


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Recommended animals for the reef pool biotope

Yellowtail damselfish

Chrysiptera spp.

1 , 1

Lemon goby

Gobiodon citrinus

1 , 1

Small brittle starsapprox. 5 specimens

Orchid dottyback

Pseudochromis fridmani

1 , 1

Cleaner shrimp

Lysmata amboinensis

2 specimens

Sea urchinsEchinometra spp. or Colobocentrotus spp.



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Mushroom anemonesDiscosoma spp.



Live rock

10 to 14 large and 6 to 8 small chunks,


Soft corals

Capnella spp., Sinularia spp., Sarcophyton spp.,

Xenia spp.Several small colonies, each sized about 5 cm (2 in.)


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Gobies like those of the genera Cryptocen-trus, Valencienna, Flabelligobius or Stonogo-

biops permanently live together with pistolshrimps of the genusAlpheus. The shrimpshave poor eyesight and build caves within

the sediment that also serve as a living placefor the fish. The fish even guard and supplythe shrimps with food in return. These arevery dynamic communities in which twocompletely different animals, fish and shrimp,have developed a way to communicate. Thisis an excellent example for co-evolution.

Set up the live rock chunks in a way thatleaves a sandy area for the animals in thefront part of the aquarium.

You will usually have only a few pistol shrimp(1) species to choose from:Alpheus bellulusandA. randalli.Alpheus bellulus is the muchmore active species that lives together withlarger gobies (2) such as Cryptocentrus cinc-tus. Females have a much broader abdomenthan males. Gobies of the genus Stono -

gobiops usually live together with the red andwhiteAlpheus randalli shrimps.

A small live rock chunk placed in the centerof the sandy area forms a first hideaway forthe gobies and shrimps. Ideally, you can diga little hole underneath the rock chunk withyour finger. Add the animals one by one in aglass. Slowly turn the opening of the glasstowards the bottom and place it upside downprecisely in front of the rock chunk, where thehole is. The shrimp will immediately enter itand start digging. Proceed in the same way

with the second shrimp. You can add the go-bies to the shrimps about one hour later us-ing the glass. By doing so, the gobies will findthe shrimps much faster than if you just putthem somewhere into the aquarium. The fur-ther setup can be done as soon as the centerpart of the symbiosis is established. Pleaseread chapter 8 before adding the aquariuminhabitants. You can put the shrimps and go-bies into the glass with a fish net and then

proceed as described above.

2.3 Biotope: Gobies, pistol shrimps

1

2


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Recommended animals for the goby and pistol shrimp biotope

Gobies

Cryptocentrus cinctus or Stonogobiops spp.

1 , 1

Cleaner shrimp

Lysmata amboinensis

2 specimens

Pistol shrimp

Alpheus spp.

1 , 1

Sea urchins

Echinometra spp. or Colobocentrotus spp.


Rhizome forming algaeCaulerpa racemosa spp.

A few scions

Rhizome forming algaeCaulerpa spp.

A few scions


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Soft corals

Capnella spp., Sinularia spp., Sarcophyton spp.,

Lobophyton spp.Several small colonies, each sized about 5 cm (2 in.)

Mushroom anemones

Discosoma spp.



Live rock

10 to 14 large and 6 to 8 small chunks,



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Aquarium with bow front

Polished glassVolume approx. 130 liters(34 US gal.)Dimensions: W x H x D51 x 66.5 x 57 cm(20 x 26 x 22.5 in.)

Aquarium cover with2 fluorescent tubes for aquari-ums T5 PL-24 Wactinic blue light

neutral daylight2 LED lamps for moonlightsimulation2 fans for cooling electroniccomponentsbuilt-in food flapopenings for connecting acooling system or accessories

4 chamber internal filter with

sera marin Protein SkimmerPS 1302 filter sponges for mechanicalfiltrationsera heater 100 Wsera siporax 2,000 ml (580 g /1.2 lb.) for biological filtration,with 540 m (5,800 sq.ft.) filtersurfacesera flow pump STP 1000sera UV-C clarifier 5 W

100 ml (3.38 fl.oz.) sera aqua-tan water conditioner100 ml (3.38 fl.oz.) sera marinbio reefclear biocultures forimmediate biological pollutantbreakdown

3. Technical equipment and filtration

With its complete plug-in equipment, the sera

marin Biotop Cube 130 is immediately readyfor use and biologically active. It contains alltechnical equipment that you require.

3.1 Compact aquariums for an easy start into the marine world

3

2

2.1

2.2

1

2

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

3

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

2.4

3.5

3.6

1

2.3

3.2

3.4

3.3

3.1

2.5

2.5


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The sera marin Biotop Cube 130 is com-pletely equipped as a 130 liter (34 US gal.)marine aquarium, optionally with a matchingcabinet.

The following advice is for setting up largermarine aquariums:

Fluorescent tubes, metal halide lamps (HQI)or their successors HCI or CDM, or a com-bination of both, are being used for lightingmarine aquariums.

Water depth should not exceed 50 cm (20 in.)when using fluorescent tubes. Using the seraCombi-Reflectors increases light intensityby up to 100%.

In case you use light tubes, you should com-bine different light spectrums as to provideoptimal light conditions. We recommend thesera deep sea as a foreground lamp. It pro-

vides actinic blue marine light and, with itsspecific light spectrum from 380 450 nm,ensures light conditions as in a tropic reef.Growth and coloration of invertebrates arestrongly enhanced by the blue light spec-trum. We recommend the sera blue skyforsupplying the marine tank with tropical day-light.

The sera aquarium lamps are available as T8and T5 tubes. The more intense T5 PL lampsare already included in the sera marinBiotop Cube.

3.2 The optimal light

The sera marin Biotop Cube 130 includesdifferently colored T5 PL lamps (2.1) that areoptimal for a mixed stock of soft corals andfish.The bioactive filter system immediately be-gins breaking down pollutants. This will saveyou a several week activation phase. Fish

and other organisms can be added after ashort time.


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Tip

23

Most aquarium fish are accustomed to watertemperatures about 25C (77F). The aquar-ium water must therefore be heated accord-ingly. The aquarium heater must be attachedin the aquarium in a way that the water al-

ways flows round it, in order to heat the waterevenly. The required wattage is very easy todetermine: Calculate approx. 1.5 Watts perliter (1 US quart) of water in rooms that areonly slightly heated. If the aquarium is placedin a warm room, 1 Watt per liter (1 US quart)of water is sufficient. The heater may withouthesitation be chosen in a stronger version;the power consumption for producing a cer-tain amount of warmth is identical.

The stick-shaped sera aquarium heatersare entirely water-proof and marine wa-ter resistant. Temperature adjustment isparticularly easy due to the adjustmentwheel with temperature scale. sera

aquarium heaters are available in manyappropriately selected wattages from25 Watts to 300 Watts and are fittedwith a protective grid.

How to choose the right heater:

3.3 The correct water temperature

The correct sera aquarium heater for every aquarium size

6 13 20 26 40 53 66 80

25W 50W 50W 75W 100W 150W 200W 250W

25W 50W 75W 100W 150W 200W 250W 300W

75W 100W 150W 200W 300W 2 x200W

2 x250W

2 x300W

T T

T

=

T

25 50 75 100 150 200 250 300

A stronger heater has a higher power re-serve, e.g., if the heating in your homeshould ever break down.

aquarium size

liters

5C9F

10C18F

15C27F

!!US gal.


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The physical and chemical properties of ma-

rine water require additional filtration com-pared to freshwater. Protein dissolved in thewater, e.g. from fish waste, is removed fromthe water by air being blown in. This task isfulfilled by the skimmer.

Skimmer tasks

A skimmer is the heart of marine aquariumfiltration. It removes protein that is perma-

nently released into the water by micro or-ganisms, invertebrates and fish. The skim-mer removes particles such as floatingmatter and aerates the aquarium. Protein notremoved from the water will lead to an in-creasing amount of harmful substances suchas ammonia, nitrite and nitrate (bacterialbreakdown chain beginning with protein).Keeping marine organisms in closed systemswould be considerably more difficult or, de-

pending on the requirements of the speciesin question, even impossible.

Function principle

The dispergator pump of the sera marinProtein Skimmer draws in the water fromthe aquarium or from the filter chamber (1),mixes it with air drawn in by the resulting lowpressure (3) inside the gyro case (2), where it

is scattered into tiny air bubbles by the serapinwheel. The fine air bubbles provide a largesurface where the protein can settle.

This water/air mixture is pumped into the in-ner reaction chamber of the protein skimmer(4). The outlets directed sideways (5) makethe mixture rotate, keeping the air bubblesfloating for a longer time and therefore in-creasing the flotate yield. The protein attach-

es to the bubbles within this chamber. Thebubbles accumulate at the water surface andform a solid foam while floating there. Thenarrowing standpipe of the foam cup directsthis foam into the flotate cup where it is col-

3.4 Water purification

3.4.1 Removal of protein

and other organic substances

3

6

5 2

1

7

lected (6). The purified water flows into the

standpipe at the bottom end of the skimmerand back into the aquarium or filter tankthrough the outlet hose (7) connected to it.

4


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Skimmers reduce water pollution by proteinsand other organic substances. They aeratethe aquarium and provide it with oxygen.Skimmers need to be cleaned regularly, as toprevent skimmed waste matter from gettingback into the aquarium.

sera marin Protein Skimmers are high per-formance, energy saving and flexibly usabledispergator skimmers. The sera marin Pro-tein Skimmer 400 HO is suitable for aquar-iums up to 400 liter. It can be used as a hang-on version as well as a filter underneath theaquarium (sump). It is therefore optimallysuitable for all aquarists that wish to switchover from freshwater aquariums to marineaquariums.The sera marin Protein Skimmer 600 S is

used in a filter underneath the aquarium(sump) for aquariums up to 600 liters.

The sera marin Biotop Cube 130 includesthe small but powerful sera marin ProteinSkimmer PS 130.

sera marin Protein Skimmer 400 HO

sera marin Protein Skimmer 600 S

sera marinProtein Skimmer PS 130


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3.4.2 Mechanical water purification

Large and solid dirt particles (such as uneat-en food or algae particles) are collected inthe mechanical filtration step as to preventthem from clogging biological filter media. Inthe sera marin Biotop Cube 130, filter

sponges retain these coarse particles. This

considerably increases the biological efficacyof the filter.

These filter media must be washed out reg-ularly as to avoid water pollution by waste

products and ensure a high water flow rate.

Useful bacteria clean the marine water by bi-ological waste product breakdown. This in-cludes non-skimmable substances such asammonium, ammonia and nitrite. This purifi-cation process takes place in special filter

media. Depending on the filter, there is a sep-arate filter chamber as in case of the seramarin Biotop Cube 130.

Two components are crucial for the biologicalpurification quality:1. The filter medium2. The purification bacteria

Filter media ensure optimal workingconditions

The sera siporax filter medium has a uniquesurface structure. sera siporax provides ide-al conditions for the different bacteriaspecies in sera marin bio reefclear. Thebacteria can optimally attach to the large,coarse surface. They are sufficiently suppliedwith oxygen and convert ammonium into ni-trite in an aerobic process.

The extremely large amount of open-poredtunnel structures in sera siporax allows forideal supply of anaerobic bacteria with nutri-ents and smallest amounts of fresh water.The bacteria are forced to break up nitrate as

to get enough oxygen. This allows to also re-duce nitrate continuously. Due to the largeinternal diameter of the tubes, the wasteproducts are quickly transported away with-out continuously washing away the bacteria.

Filter media for bacterial settling should be

tube shaped. This allows the water flowingoff at the inside of the tubes. No cloggingwill occur, which would affect the filtrationprocess.

3.4.3 Biological water purification

Important:!!

Thesurface

ofoneliter(o

neUS

quart)ofser

asiporax

hasalmost

asmuch

biologicalbreakd

own

poweras34

liters(9US

gal.)ofceram

icfilter

material


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You can check ammonium/ammonia, nitriteand nitrate with the sera NH4/NH3-Test, thesera NO2-Test and the sera NO3-Test, re-spectively.

Billions of purification bacteria in volcanic

rock for permanent pollutant breakdownin aquariums

sera marin bio reefclear contains bacteriacultures in finely ground volcanic rock. There-fore, they already bring their settling spacewith them and can start water purification notonly in the filter but also within the entireaquarium.

sera marin bio reefclear is simply poured

onto sera siporax and directly into the aqua-rium. Brief mineral cloudiness will occur afteraddition to the aquarium water. It will vanishafter some hours as the cleaning effect takesplace. During this time, the volcanic rockbinds floating matter that cause water cloudi-ness, and will leave the water as clear as nev-er before. sera marin bio reefclear shouldbe added regularly in weekly intervals as toachieve this positive effect permanently.


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The downstream UV-C device, such as theone in the sera marin Biotop Cube 130, en-sures permanently healthy aquarium water.

Pathogens in the water, that may adversely

affect the animals, are reduced. In particu-lar, the number of free swimming stages ofwhite spot disease pathogens can be low-ered with UV-C radiation. The pathogensbecome damaged, and rapid multiplicationof these pathogens is prevented.

All kinds of floating algae are reliably re-moved without using chemicals.

Aquarium inhabitants and filter organisms arenot harmed by using UV-C water clarifiers.

UV-C clarifiers should run 24 hours per dayas to be effective. They will then maintainpermanently biologically healthy water. Theunit is switched off only when performingmaintenance in the water.

The sera UV-C System 5 W for up to 500liters (132 US gal.) of aquarium water is theideal addition for filters without a built-in UV-Cwater clarifier. A powerful but at the sametime very economical UV-C clarifier with mul-

ti-purpose connection for filters and pumps.The sera UV-C System 5 W can be used incombination with a flow pump such as thesera P 1200. The performance of the pumpshould be the volume of the aquarium perhour. The UV-C clarifier cannot be operatedwithout a pump.

3.4.4 Pathogen reduction by UV clarification

sera UV-C System 5 Wfor adding to filters without UV


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3.4.5 Special sera filter media

29

The standard equipment of the sera internalfilters is entirely sufficient for permanentlyclean and crystal clear water. However, usingadditional filter media may become neces-sary due to external influences.

Further filter media can be used within theinternal filter of the sera marin Biotop Cube130 without any problems. You can addition-ally simplify addition and removal with a serafilter media bag.

Removal of toxic substances

sera super carbon (filter carbon) is particu-

larly pure and provides a large surface. It ab-sorbs toxic substances from the aquariumwithin shortest time. Due to its very large sur-face, sera super carbon remains active for6 weeks. Then its uptake capacity is spent,and the filter carbon must in any case be re-moved from the filter. Otherwise, substancesalready taken up can get back into the wateragain. sera super carbon does not affectthe pH value and is free from phosphates

and nitrates.

Removal of diatoms

Silicate supports the formation of diatoms inmarine aquariums. In some areas, silicate isadded to tap water by the water provider asto inhibit corrosion. By doing so, water pro-viders protect the pipes, but indirectly harmevery marine aquarium. sera marin silicate

clear binds silicate permanently and, by do-ing so, withdraws the quickly growing di-atoms their skeleton construction material.

The sera SiO3-Test allows to easily monitorthe levels in tap water or in the marine aquar-ium.


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When choosing the location, bear in mind thatsubsequently moving the aquarium is difficult.

A decorated and filled 100 liter (26 US gal.)aquarium weighs up to 150 kg (331 lb. with-out cabinet)! In older buildings we recom-

mend that you gather information about thestability of the floor first. Take into accountthat the viewers weight adds to the aquariumweight! A small aquarium can add to morethan 300 kg (662 lb.) in a small area of floorspace.

Quiet places in the room which are far fromthe window are best. Sunlight coming inthrough the window promotes algae growth.Furthermore, the fish start to swim in a slant-

ing way as frankly speaking up to themis where the light comes from.

The aquarium optically stands out better in adark corner of the room, and the fish are lessfrequently disturbed by persons rushingalong, opening doors, etc.

The rack

In case you do not want to place the aquar-ium on a cabinet, you will need a suitablerack. It must be stable and stand exactly hor-

izontally. A spirit level is very helpful.The sera marin Biotop Cube 130 is equip-ped with a glued-on safety frame. Place theaquarium with its frame directly onto the cab-inet. Do not use any additional mats.

Aquariums without a safety frame require asafety pad and heat insulation below theaquarium as to avoid tension caused cracks.The sera thermo-safe safety pad reducesthe danger of breaking glass caused by e.g.,single sand grains or tension caused cracks

caused by torsion of the wooden cabinet.

4. The correct location

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Using natural marine water is not possibleand also not advisable. Marine water for

aquariums is prepared with synthetic seasalt, as marine water inhabitants require sta-ble conditions without much variation.

sera marin basic salt is very homogenous.It dissolves to crystal clear marine waterquickly and without residues. The pH valueprecisely and reliably stays within the correctrange due to the natural buffer system in thesea salt. sera marin basic salt provides nat-ural pH and KH values, and it is free from ni-

trates, silicates and phosphates. Marine wa-ter conditioned with sera marin basic salthas biologically correct calcium and magne-sium levels.

sera marin reef salt has the same propertiesas sera marin basic salt. Furthermore it is asea salt similar to nature and provides high-

est quality for splendid reefs. The separatecomponents are blended in a way that en-

sures there are no pollutants included. It isalways possible to obtain reproducible re-sults. Even very sensitive organisms do notreact stressed after water changes. The re-quirements of even most fastidious inverte-brates are fulfilled, and deficiencies are effi-ciently prevented.

5. Sea salt: The basis for life in amarine aquarium

Tap water contains a large number of addi-tives and natural substances that make thewater suitable for human consumption butmay harm the inhabitants of a marine aquar-ium.

A reverse osmosis (R/O) or ion exchangesystem is by all means recommended inareas with tap water rich in nitrates or phos-

phates. This water purification will removeabout 95% of all dissolved pollutants fromthe water.You should condition the water with seraaquatan as to protect the aquarium inhabi-tants and bind present heavy metals andchloramines. These harmful substances canbe present even in water conditioned with re-verse osmosis (R/O) and harm the animals.

sera aquatan with the Bio Protect Formulaprovides many advantages for the marinewater inhabitants:

immediate removal of aggres-sive chlorine

immediate binding of heavymetals

splendid colors and vitality mucous membrane and gill pro-

tection by skin protecting col-loids

less stress and nerve systemsupport due to vitamin B

Fish and invertebrates feel visibly better inhealthy water, and aquarium maintenancecauses less efforts.

5.1 How to condition tap water


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It is best to prepare the marine water in asuitable and sufficiently large container, e.g.a rain barrel made of plastic (as it is corrosionproof). Follow the instructions for the sea saltyou use.

The nitrate level should be below 10 mg/l(ppm), phosphate and silicate should not bedetectible. Check the water with the seraphosphate-Test, the sera silicate-Test andthe sera nitrate-Test for being sure. You canalso ask your local water provider for themeasured values or look them up on the in-ternet.

The salt is now by and by added to the water

while stirring, until you achieve a salinity ofapprox. 35 per mille (i.e. 35 grams per liter ofwater). This corresponds to a density of

1.023 g/cm at approx. 25C (77F). De-pending on the setup, you will require about130 150 liters (34 40 US gal.) of marinewater for a 130 liter (34 US gal.) aquarium.You will need about 5 kg (1.1 lb.) of sea salt.

The marine water should be agitated by apump in the container and aerated for about24 hours. The water will then appear perfect-ly clear.

5.2 How to prepare marine water

The sera marin hydrometer is put into theaquarium or a bigger glass filled with the wa-

ter which should be tested, in a manner thatit can float freely. The hydrometer will be im-mersed the deeper, the less salt there is inthe water. It will display the density of the wa-ter on the integrated scale. The densityshould be 1.022 1.024 g/cm at approx.26C (79F) in aquariums with invertebrates.

If necessary, add more salt or dilute with con-ditioned water. However, the marine water isnot put into the aquarium yet.

5.3 How to measure salinity

Density Salinity Salinity Salinity

at 33 34.5 36

16C 1.025 g/cm3 1.026 g/cm3 1.0265 g/cm3

20C 1.0235 g/cm3 1.025 g/cm3 1.0255 g/cm3

25C 1.022 g/cm3 1.023 g/cm3 1.024 g/cm3

28C 1.0215 g/cm3 1.0225 g/cm3 1.023 g/cm3

30C 1.020 g/cm3 1.0215 g/cm3 1.0225 g/cm3


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Coarse coral sand is excellently suitable for

the marine water aquarium. It is decorativeand contributes to pH value stabilization dueto its lime contents.

However, some fish species (e.g. gobies) byall means require a zone with sandy bottommaterial into which they can retreat duringthe night. A separate zone with fine coralsand must be arranged at the bottom forthese animals.

The remaining bottom area is covered withan approx. 3 cm (1.2 in.) thick layer of coarsecoral sand. It is advisable to separate the dif-ferent kinds of bottom material from eachother with stones as to prevent them mixingup. Coral sand of different grain sizes is avail-able from your local specialized retailer.

Another important bottom ground task is toprovide additional settling space for the bac-

teria that require oxygen (aerobic) in the up-per zones and for the bacteria living withoutoxygen (anaerobic) in the lower zones. Thesepurification bacteria in sera marin bio reef-clear break down pollutants as in the filter.

The dry coral sand must first be washed thor-oughly. Put it into a clean bucket in portions,and pour about 4 5 liters (1 1.3 US gal.)of warm tap water on top of it. Stir the sandwith thorough, circulating hand movements,then pour away the water along with the pol-lution. Repeat this procedure until the sandappears clean. Now fill the sand into the stillempty aquarium.

6.1 Bottom gravel

6. Setup


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You now require the live rock chunks, whichcan easily be transported and stored moistfor a couple of hours. However, the longerthe rock chunks are exposed to air, the moreattached biomass may die.

When purchasing them, see that the rockchunks have good and diverse growth onthem, and that they have different shapes.The more diverse the growth attached to therock chunks and the shorter they were storedat the retailers, the more different animalspecies are attached to them. You will findthese animals in your aquarium later on. Byno means ever wash live rock with freshwa-ter.

The rock chunks should be piled up in a waythat small caves are formed, into which theanimals can retreat later on. Also, such anopen setup allows for good and hardly inhib-ited water agitation. Take your time whenbuilding the setup. The rocks should not castshadows on the ones underneath them, as a

6.2 Live rock

34

shadowy place is not suitable for positioninganimals that require light. The constructionmust be firm and must not totter, becauserocks falling down might damage the bottomor side panes of the aquarium or injureaquarium inhabitants. Allow for crevices be-tween the rock chunks that serve for fixingsessile invertebrates.

Examples of overgrown live rock with additionally added invertebrates in larger marine aquariums


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7. Filling in marine water

35

In aquariums with internal filters pour seramarin bio reefclear over the sera siporaxin the biofilter chamber before filling the

aquarium with marine water. In case of ex-ternal filters, pour sera marin bio reefclearover sera siporax before the filter is filledwith water (please also see page 26). The pu-rification bacteria will then settle immediatelyon and in the porous filter material. They canoptimally multiply there and quickly start theirpurification work. This considerably shortensthe biological activation phase of the aquar-ium.

The aquarium is filled to the upper edge withthe matured marine water. It is best to allowthe water to flow into the aquarium over aplate. Otherwise, all the bottom gravel will bestirred up. You can store possibly remainingwater in the plastic barrel under aeration anduse it for the first water change.

As in every other aquarium, water will evap-orate. Depending on the situation, top upevaporated water every 2 3 days: Use tapwater conditioned with sera aquatan to doso, as the salt dissolved in the marine waterdoes not evaporate. The salinity would slowlyrise if you would not top up water, which is

tolerated by the animals only to a certain ex-tent. There will be no harm as long as thesalinity is between 34 and 36 per mille.However, the more constant you keep thesalinity at 35 per mille, the better for your an-imals.

7.2 Topping up water

Switch on the filter equipment after you havefilled the aquarium. Switch on the units in thefollowing order: submersible pump, UV clar-ifier, skimmer and heater [set the temperatureto 26C (79F)]. You can now watch how the

water flows back to the spray bar attachedto the outlet and circulates. Air from the out-side is blended with water drawn inside theskimmer. From now on, the water is con-stantly purified.

7.1 Starting filtration and technical equipment


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8.1 The first days The activation phase

Many small animals and almost certainlysome beautiful algae species have enteredyour aquarium with the live rock chunks.They will become visible soon. However, it is

possible that some of the animals growingon the rocks (e.g. sponges) do not survive.

If an invertebrate obviously does not survive,remove it as to prevent too strong water pol-lution. You must in any case add bacteria cul-tures from sera marin bio reefclear thatbreak down pollutants.

36

8. Watch your aquarium come to life

Switch on the light for 8 10 hours per day.

If you wish to automatize the light switchingyou should get a timer that you can programaccordingly.

You can feed the small organisms with asmall amount of sera marin coraliquid forthe first time after about 2 weeks. In this ac-tivation phase no other animals should beadded during the first 2 weeks.

You should replace approx. a third of the wa-

ter each week during the first 3 months withmatured marine water (always ensure correctsalinity!). Enhanced algae growth takingplace during the first few weeks is perfectlynormal. Usually, a slight cover of red algaeappearing brown and slimy comes first,which is replaced by green algae after a fewweeks. The green algae indicate that you cannow add the first organisms. You can care-


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8.2 How to introduce and acclimatize the animals

37

Some marine animals must not leave the wa-ter while transferring them to another loca-tion. Even a few seconds of being exposedto air may harm them. Sea urchins, starfishand pufferfish are among these air sensitiveanimals. Do not add all invertebrates and fishat once. Start with the invertebrates and add

the fish afterwards.

Make sure these animals are placed in thetransport bag under water when purchasingthem.

Please ask your retailer how the purchasedanimals must be introduced into the aquari-um. Transfer into another aquarium causes aclimate change for the fish and invertebrates.It is usually advisable to proceed as follows:

At home, transport bags with the newly pur-chased fish and invertebrates are openedand placed side by side in a bucket.

Aquarium water is dripped into the transportbags during the next half hour. An air hosefitted with a clamp are suitable for this pur-pose.By doing so, the animals not only adapt tothe new water temperature but also to theother water parameters (salt content, pH

value, etc.).

sera aquatan accelerates thehealing process of the mucous

membrane if it has been damagedduring transport.

fully remove algae mechanically with a smallbrush (e.g. clean toothbrush). It makes senseto carry out a partial water change after-wards, using a hose or the sera gravelwasher to remove the water from the aquar-ium along with the algae.

When using a magnifier you will be able todiscover small crustaceans such as isopodsor copepods on the aquarium glass. Theseare important for every aquarium and itsmanifold life forms. They have entered theaquarium with the live rock chunks. By andby, further life forms brought in with the liverock will establish. These small organismsmake the activation phase, but also the con-

tinuing operation of the aquarium an excitingexpedition into the world of small creatures.

You can then introducethe animals after 2weeks.


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9. Regular maintenance

Staple diet

Marine fish require much more iodine andother minerals than freshwater fish. Morethan 50 ingredients in sera fish food ensurefeeding the aquarium inhabitants a balanceddiet according to nature. This supports dis-ease resistance and prevents deficiencies.

All sera foods are very low in phosphatesand very easy to digest, thus preventing wa-ter pollution by undigested breakdown prod-ucts.

9.1 Feeding

sera marin coraliquid, aplankton based liquid foodrich in energy, was speciallydeveloped for filtrating inver-tebrates.

sera marin GVG-mix is aflake food with added treatsfor marine fish. This versatilebasic food contains iodineand other minerals from ma-rine algae, krill, plankton andother valuable ingredientssuch as bloodworms, daph-nia and Artemia shrimps.


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sera has developed the innovative crus-tacean foods sera crabs natural and serashrimps natural for the various requirementsof the crustaceans. The valuable ingredientsand the careful processing make these foodsan ideal staple diet for crustaceans. The

unique nutrient composition results from thesole use of aquatic organisms such as ma-rine fish, gammarus, spirulina and marine al-gae as protein and fat suppliers. The proteinsthey contain are therefore characterized byan amino acid composition that can ideallybe utilized by the crustaceans.

sera marin granules is anideal food for fish that searchfor their food between coralbranches, in the middle waterlayers or near to the bottom.It sinks slowly, softens quicklybut keeps its solid consis-

tence. Therefore it preventswater pollution.

sera marin gourmet nori provides an idealdiet for most marine fish, crayfish andshrimps, but also sea urchins. In marine wa-ter, it swells within seconds and then is a nat-ural food like hardly any other.


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Healthy treats

sera Spirulina Tabs can be at-tached to the glass inside theaquarium. This completely ve-getable tablet in premium qual-ity contains more than 20% of

Spirulina algae. sera SpirulinaTabs are indispensable for al-gae-eating animals such assurgeonfishes or blennies.

sera FD Artemia Shrimps con-

sist of tender brine shrimps.They are a healthy treat for allmarine fish.

sera FD Krill is a food ofcarotene rich small crus-taceans that live in theocean and feeds on plank-ton. sera FD Krill is very rich

in protein. It is ideally suitedfor strengthening fish andincreasing the readiness tospawn.


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9.2 Water changes

Regular water changes of 10% per week, be-ginning after the first three month activationphase, are an important contribution to suc-cessful care. It is advisable to clean the bot-tom gravel along with the water change. This

is easy to do with the sera gravel washer.

You can avoid salinity variations with a mark-ing on the outside of the aquarium. Alwaystop up the aquarium with water up to themarking as to replenish the evaporated wa-ter. The water is always conditioned withsera aquatan for pollutant removal.

You will need: A watering can and two clean buckets re-

served only for the aquarium. They mustnever have been in contact with cleaningagents

Two meters of aquarium hose or, evenbetter, a sera gravel washer

A towel or a shallow bowl in case of spillingwater

By all means pull the mains plugs, e.g. thoseof the heater, the filter, and the lighting

First place the two buckets on the towel orin the bowl. Then let the water flow from theaquarium into the buckets. There are differ-ent ways to do so:

Many aquarists hold the hose end into theaquarium and then briefly suck the waterfrom the other end with their mouth.However, this method requires some prac-tice. Sometimes, the water either will notflow, or you may accidentally swallow a big

gulp of aquarium water.

You can siphon the water off more elegantlywith the sera gravel washer. By doing so,you will serve two purposes at once. You willeasily and thoroughly remove sludge fromthe aquarium gravel with the sera gravelwasher, and you will change a part of thewater at the same time.

After you removed the aquariumwater as far as necessary, youcan now also perform smallercleaning activities.

41

An important tip

Mark the outside of the aquar-ium glass with adhesive tape orthe like up to where you wish toempty the tank.

!!


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These substances must be replenished regu-larly for maintaining natural conditions in a ma-rine aquarium, especially after a water change.This is the only way to ensure optimal, healthygrowth of the animals. In particular corals, but

also snails and clams withdraw calcium andtrace elements from the water. Also, bacteriain the sediment can reduce these elements byprecipitation.

9.3 Supplying trace elements,

calcium and macro elements


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++ Calcium hydrogen carbonateAcidic or alkaline influences may strongly alterthe pH value of the aquarium water if the cal-cium hydrogen carbonate concentration be-comes too low. Because of the sensitivity ofthe marine water inhabitants you must by allmeans avoid this.

Regular addition of seramarin COMPONENT 1Calcium and sera marin COMPONENT 2Calcium pH-Buffer allows maintaining aneven concentration in an uncomplicated way.The two component buffer system requirestwo bottles. Both components are present inhigh concentrations, which would not lastwhen combined. The calcium level in nature isapprox. 450 mg/l (ppm), the carbonate hard-ness is approx. 9dKH. It is advisable to raise

the carbonate hardness to 10dKH in anaquarium. You can reliably monitor the calciumlevel and the carbonate hardness with thesera Ca-Test and the sera kH-Test, respec-tively.

Why do these levels sink? Corals and mol-lusks, in particular, precipitate calcium hydro-gen carbonate as calcium carbonate bymeans of their endosymbiontic algae, using itas construction material of coral skeletons andmollusk shells! A growing coral thus withdrawsa part of the buffer system from the water.

Some mollusks are also able to do so. For ex-ample, giant clam species (Tridacnidae), whichbecome more and more popular, withdrawcalcium hydrogen carbonate from the waterfor their shell growth! Bacteria living in the bot-tom gravel can also cause local precipitationsdue to their metabolic products.


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Many metabolic processes in animals andplants require catalysts. They activate reac-tions of single components and lead to theformation of certain substances required

within the organism. These biological cata-lysts are called enzymes. Rare metal ionsplay a key role in some of these enzymes.They originate from the marine water and aretaken up by the animals either from the wateror with the food.

The trace elements are present in the seramarin COMPONENT 3 trace elements

Anionics and sera marin COMPONENT 4trace elements Kationics solutions. Regular

addition is by all means necessary as thesetrace elements are consumed by animalsand plants.

Trace elements are not only important in en-zymes, but they are also present in certaincolor pigments. They can be found in thecoral tissues of stony corals, especially in

parts of the colony that are exposed to directsunlight. It is likely that they reduce the influ-ence of aggressive sunlight. Keepers ofstony corals wish to achieve the same colorintensity of the animals kept in the aquariumas in nature or even enhance it. This is pos-sible, even under aquarium light, which isweak compared to natural sunlight (approx.5,000 Watt/m2). An elevated level was foundto lead to enhanced color intensity of stonycorals under aquarium conditions. Accor-

dingly, some brownAcropora corals turn intoviolet ones within only a few weeks!

Trace elements++


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Regarding their natural concentrations, theso-called macro elements are situated be-tween the common and the trace ions.Strontium and magnesium are among them.

It is known that available strontium ions areutilized in the skeleton of stony corals andtherefore must be replenished. Magnesiumis mainly taken up by coralline algae. Thesesettle on live rock as a violet cover. However,there are also many species whose shape re-semble small trees. Natural magnesium lev-els of 1,250 1,300 mg/l (ppm) provide goodconditions for the growth of these algae.Both metal ions are present in high levels insera marin COMPONENT 5 strontium and

sera marin COMPONENT 6 magnesium,respectively. Be sure to avoid overdosing, asthis would reduce the calcium level. Manymarine aquarists are not aware of this, andthey reduce the amount of available calciumby too high additions, especially of magne-

sium. Calcium, strontium and magnesium areamong the alkaline earth metals. This groupfeatures similarities in its physical character-istics, leading to similar chemical and phys-

ical properties. It is therefore by all meansnecessary to get an overview on the currentvalues by means of water test kits, and tomonitor the increased concentration afteradding the water conditioners. You can reli-ably monitor the magnesium level with thesera Mg-Test.

Strontium and magnesium

Iodine does not remain active in the watervery long. Iodine is precipitated by high con-centrations of other ions. It is thus removedfrom the water and becomes unavailable for

the aquarium inhabitants. A constant iodinelevel is achieved by daily addition of seramarin COMPONENT 7 iodine.

Iodine

++


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The oceans represent the most stable eco-logical system on earth. The ocean inhabi-tants have adapted to the constant physicaland chemical parameters over millions of

years. As these parameters vary only slightlyin nature, most of the ocean inhabitants aremuch less adaptable than freshwater inhab-itants. Because of this, the aquarium watermust provide stable conditions without dras-tic fluctuations.

pH value

The pH value describes whether the waterreacts acidic (pH below 7), neutral (pH = 7)or alkaline (pH above 7). The pH value in nat-ural marine water is slightly alkaline (pH 8 to8.5).

The pH in an aquarium is lower in the morn-ing than in the evening. This is due to the factthat during the day carbon dioxide (CO2) is

consumed by the algae. As a result of theconsumption of carbonic acid, the pH valuewill rise during the day.

The pH value of the aquarium water shouldbe checked regularly. The sera pH-Testallows easy monitoring of the pH value.Use sera KH/pH-plus for increasing the pHvalue.

Due to their high CO2 requirements, the pHvalue may rise over 8.5 if you keep plenty of

macro algae (Caulerpa, Halimeda etc.).

9.4 Monitoring and adjusting

pH value, carbonate hardness and carbon dioxide

pH

acidic neutral alkaline5 6 7 8 9 10 11

7 8 8,5

freshwater marine water

Caulerpa


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Carbonate hardness (KH)

The carbonate hardness (KH) in the waterserves as a buffer. It is able to neutralizeacids and therefore absorbs small fluctua-tions of the pH value. In order to provide abuffering effect that is strong enough for amarine aquarium, the carbonate hardnessmust not fall below 8dKH.

You can quickly and precisely check the car-

bonate hardness with the sera kH-Test.Increasing the KH level is easy and safe withsera KH/pH-plus.

kH

acidic neutral alkaline5 6 7 8 9 10 11

8 8,5

marine water

KHincreas

e


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CO2 is only used in calcium reac-tors in marine aquariums. Thisdevice is usually placed in thesump and provides the aquariumwith calcium hydrogen carbonate.The water inside the calcium reac-tor is acidified by the introduced

CO2 and dissolves the calcium car-bonate inside the device. Solublecalcium hydrogen carbonate getsreleased as a reaction product. Theamount of water taken up by thecalcium reactor in the filter under-neath the aquarium (sump) is thesame as the released amount.

The CO2 supply for the calcium re-actor is best controlled by a pH con-troller such as the seramic pHController. The device interrupts theCO2 supply as soon as the adjustedpH value is reached. A pH value low-ered to at least 6.5 by CO2 is required

for converting calcium carbonateinto calcium hydrogen carbonate, forhigher performance possibly a pHvalue lower than 6.0. This pH valecan be automatically maintained bythe seramic pH Controller, provid-ed the pH measuring probe is locat-ed inside the calcium reactor.


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Ammonium/ammonia

NitrateNitrite

Heterotrophicbacteria

Nitrobacterbacteria

Nitrosomonasbacteria

Fish waste,uneaten food

and dead algae

Immediate pollutant break-down within the filter by

sera marin bio reefclear

Immediate pollutantbreakdown within the

aquarium by

sera marin bio reefclear

49

Organic waste products in the aquarium re-sult in a nitrogen pollution of the water. Thosewaste products include fish waste, uneatenfood and dead algae as well as dead ani-mals.

Nitrogen occurs in the aquarium in differentforms. Excess protein, ammonium resp. am-monia, nitrite and nitrate are nitrogen con-taining waste products in the aquarium.

The useful bacteria in sera marin bio reef-clear convert dead plant parts, uneaten foodand fish waste from ammonium via nitriteinto harmless nitrate. Macro algae such asCaulerpa then considerably lower the nitrate

level.

Organic waste products contain proteins,from which ammonium or ammonia isformed by biological decomposition. The ra-tio between relatively harmless ammoniumand toxic ammonia is determined by the pH

value. The higher the pH value, the more am-monia is formed. Since the pH value in ma-rine water is always above 7, the ammoniumlevel must be monitored very carefully.

The total concentration of ammonium andammonia is checked with the sera ammo-nium/ammonia-Test. In case the measuredlevel is above 0.2 mg/l (ppm), you must carryout a partial water change and add seramarin bio reefclear immediately.

9.5 Monitoring ammonium, nitrite and nitrate


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The biological decomposition ofnitrite by Nitrobacter bacterialeads to nitrate. The bacteria needoxygen also for this step. Nitro-

somonas and Nitrobacterbacteria live in allzones of the aquarium rich in oxygen. This

includes the upper gravel layers, the filter andthe outside of the live rock. Water rich in oxy-gen is therefore important not only for fishand invertebrates.

Biological conversion of nitrite to nitrate

50

The next step in the nitrogen cycleis the biological conversion of am-monium or ammonia to nitrite byNitrosomonas bacteria. The bac-

teria need oxygen to do so. This process is

called aerobic (with oxygen). Nitrite is highlytoxic to fish and invertebrates.

Elevated ammonium, nitrite or nitrate levelsare either due to mistakes or insufficientaquarium maintenance or to insufficient set-tling space for useful bacteria. The nitrite lev-el of the aquarium water is checked with thesera nitrite-Test. A partial water change isnecessary if the value exceeds 0.3 mg/l(ppm).

The ammonium and nitrite levels can be low-ered with sera marin bio reefclear. seramarin bio reefclear contains bacteria thatbreak down ammonium and nitrite and istherefore effective merely biologically. Theliquid product is simply added to the aquar-ium water and to the filter medium (pleasesee page 26).

Biological breakdown of ammonium/ammonia to nitrite

Nitrite

Ammonium/ammonia

Nitrate

Nitrite


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Crystal clear, biologically healthyaquarium water

5151

Nitrate is considerably less toxicthan ammonia and nitrite. Never-theless, concentrations above20 mg/l (ppm) harm sensitive

corals. It also supports the growth of unwant-

ed thread and slime algae. Macro algae suchas Caulerpa withdraw nitrate from the waterand considerably reduce pollution. You cancheck the nitrate level with the sera nitrate-Test.

Bacterial nitrate breakdown can only takeplace in zones low in oxygen, where the bac-teria take oxygen from nitrate. This processis called anaerobic (without air) or anoxic(without oxygen). Harmless nitrogen gas es-

capes into the atmosphere as the final prod-uct. The biological breakdown of nitratetakes place in the bottom ground, but mainlyin filter media such as sera siporax.

Nitrate uptake by macro algae

Nitrate


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9.6 Checking the water

ParameterWhen to check?

Ideal parameter Value too high lower Value too low raise

pHweekly

KHCarbonatehardness

weekly

CaCalcium

weekly

Conductivity

weekly

Density

weekly

NH4/NH3Ammonium/Ammonia

weekly

NO2Nitrite

weekly

8.0 8.5

8 12 dKH

400 450 mg/l (ppm)

50 54 mS/cm

1.022 1.024 g/cm3

at 25C (77F)

ideal: 0.0 mg/l (ppm)

dangerous from 0.02 mg/l (ppm)depending on the pH value

ideal: 0.0 mg/l

0.3 0.9 mg/l (ppm) NO2[equals 0.1 0.3 mg/l (ppm)NO2-N]: water pollution

from 0.9 mg/l (ppm) NO2[equals 0.3 mg/l (ppm) NO2-N]:danger for fish

3.3 mg/l (ppm) NO2 [equals1.0 mg/l (ppm) NO2-N]: acutedanger to fish life

Partial water change with more acidicwater

Add CO2

sera KH/pH-plus

Partial water change

sera KH/pH-plus


Add sera marin COMPONENT 1+2

Calcium Partial water change with water of

little less conductivity

Add sera sea salt in small portionsuntil the correct value is achieved

Add sera marin bio reefclear

Check the filter

Feed sparingly

Check whether a fish or anotheranimal is missing

Partial water change Remove cause


Repeat partial water change after12 24 hours

Partial water change (check pH value)

Avoid still water zones by providingwater currents (use a powerhead)


Check/clean the filter

Reduce number of fish

Feed sparingly


Add sera sea salt in small portionsuntil the correct value is achieved


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ParameterWhen to check?

Ideal parameter Value too high lower Value too low raise

NO3Nitrate

weekly

MgMagnesium

weekly

PO4Phosphate

weekly

CuCopper

Fresh water

Fish feelingunwell

O2Oxygen

every2 weeks

ClChlorine

Water change

New setup

ideal: maximum 20 mg/l (ppm)from 20 mg/l (ppm)

above 100 mg/l (ppm)

about 1300 mg/l

max. 0.1 mg/l (ppm)ideal: below 0.05 mg/l (ppm)

ideal: 0.0 mg/l (ppm) (every de-tectable amount severely harmsinvertebrates or is fatal to them)

above 1.0 mg/l (ppm): fatal for allliving beings in marine aquariums

above 6 mg/l (ppm): sufficientoxygen

below 0.02 mg/l (ppm)

Use 1 liter (1 US quart) sera siporaxper each 100 liters (26 US gal.) of wa-ter in the biofilter. To do so, activate

the filter with sera marin bio reefclear Carry out frequent partial water chan-

ges with water that is low in nitrate

Reduce fish stock if applicable

Feed sparingly

Use a protein skimmer



Add sera marin COMPONENT 6magnesium

Partial water change Add macro algae

Feed sparingly

Reduce number of fish

Add sera aquatan

Generous partial water changes withcopper-free water, prepare fresh wa-ter with a double dose sera aquatan

Rapid increase withsera O2 plus

Aerate water

Find out and remove cause

sera aquatan neutralizes the effectsof chlorine


Aerate water well


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The fluorescent tubesshould be replaced withnew ones after a year at

the latest. The human eye does notdetect the gradual reduction of lightemittance.

9.10 Testing the lighting

Mechanical filter media are washedout once weekly. As coarse parti-cles are collected by the mechanicalfilter media (sponges), it is sufficientto wash out the biological filter medi-

um sera siporax only every 3 to 6months. Be sure to use marine waterfrom a water change for this pur-

pose. The filter media are washed outin the removed marine water until nocloudiness is released any more. Thewater missing now is replenished withfreshly prepared and matured marine

water. Adding sera marin bio reef-clear compensates the loss of nitrify-ing bacteria during the water change.

9.7 Cleaning the filter media

54

If macro algae, such as Caulerpa,grow in your aquarium, you shouldcarefully control their growth. The

rapidly growing Caulerpa algaecan actually overgrow inverte-brates. Be careful when removingsuch algae, and do not removetoo much algae at one time.

The algae leaves are so-calledthalli. They consist of a singlecell that will release its nitrate-containing cell liquid into the

aquarium if it is not removed

properly. We recommend to proceedas follows:

The rhizome (this is the cord fromwhich the single thalli grow) has frag-ile spots beside the thalli where youcan carefully break the algae apart.Immediately remove the unwantedpart of the Caulerpa algae from theaquarium. Be careful not to damagethe algae, as this will lead to cell liq-uid running into the aquarium uncon-trollably.

9.8 Removing excess algae

Waste (e.g. dead algae parts)accumulating between wa-ter changes must be re-moved instantly, e.g. by

means of the sera gravel cleaner.Waste that is not removed will causesevere water pollution.

9.9 Removing deposits


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It depends on the fish species whether thefish need to be fed every day. Small, bottomorientated fish such as gobies tolerate a cou-ple of days without being fed. They will find

enough food between the live rock chunksor in the plant periphyton. However, bigger,freely swimming fish consume more energywhile swimming and therefore must be fedregularly.

We recommend setting up a maintenanceplan for your vacation replacement in caseof a longer vacation. It should include theregular addition of trace elements, calciumand macro elements (from page 42) for the

invertebrates and topping up evaporated wa-ter against strong density variations.

Prepare daily portions for feeding. If you havethe opportunity to use an automatic feeder,the sera feed A plus allows you to feed upto 30 days, depending on the number of fish.sera marin granules is excellently suited forautomatic feeders. The soft granulate keepsits shape and floats in the water long enough

to be entirely eaten by the fish. The valuableingredients are optimally digested, thusavoiding unnecessary water pollution.

10. When you are on a vacation

Give your fish an extra portion sera fish-tamin before your holiday. By doing so, yourfish will remain fit, healthy and lively.


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Invertebrates

Good maintenance provided, invertebratediseases rarely occur. You should neverthe-

less consider certain precautions.

The skeleton formation of stony corals is af-fected if the water temperature exceeds30C (86F). Furthermore, the symbiotic al-gae living in the coral tissues (zooxanthellae)die, and consequently also the coral itself willdie.

Crustaceans shed their skin regularly. Thewater must contain approximately 400

450 mg/l (ppm) calcium for them to build upa new exoskeleton; the carbonate hardnessmust be between 8 10dKH.

If an invertebrate becomes stunted despitebest possible maintenance conditions, theanimal must be examined for external para-sites. Those parasites may be very small andpossibly only come out at night. The animalsshould be fed sera crabs natural and sera

shrimps natural as to prevent deformationswhile shedding their skin.

Planarians are flat white or red worms sizedapproximately 5 mm. They can harm ane-mones, corals, etc., with their excreted slime.The worms can be siphoned out of theaquarium by means of a flexible hose. Some-times it is useful to place a strong torchabove the aquarium at night, since many pla-narians assemble in the light and then are

easier to remove. Check invertebrates thor-oughly before buying them! Small, brownish-red, oval spots are usually planarians.

Although bristle worms (Polychaetes) areactually debris eaters, they eventually nibbleon mushroom anemones and stony corals.Furthermore, they tear at their prey and injurethe animal with their sharp jaws. It is possibleto attract them with fish meat, then catch and

remove them. As they are mainly active atnight, this procedure should be carried out inthe dark. Be careful: Do not touch these

worms. The bristles break off and may causeskin inflammations!

Small bristle worms hide in the gravel duringdaytime and can be removed by siphoningoff a large quantity of the substrate (approx-imately 30 50%) and washing it with fresh-water. Usually, this is sufficient to removebristle worms from time to time.

11. What to do in case an animal gets ill

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Many snails nibble on sea anemones, corals,

etc. In a reef aquarium, every snail should becarefully removed by means of a pair oftweezers. Some snails exclusively feed onsessile invertebrates.


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Fish

Diseases affecting ornamental fish are reli-ably treated with sera treatments. The dan-ger of a disease outbreak is reduced byproper maintenance and regular vitamin sup-ply with sera fishtamin. We recommenddripping sera fishtamin onto the food andthen allowing it to soak in for a minute imme-

diately before feeding.

The most frequent and disturbing diseasethat affect marine fish and the recommend-ed care for your fish while ill, are describedbelow.

Cryptocaryon is treated with sera costapuror sera med Professional Protazol. sera

costapur is harmful for some invertebrates(e.g. stony corals, snails, shrimps) and mustonly be used in a quarantine tank for safetyreasons.

Predatory shrimp species, such as marbledshrimps (different Saron species), can liter-ally cut up anemones. When interested inthese nocturnal animals, they must be keptseparate.

Parasitic diseases caused by micro organ-isms (bacteria, single celled parasites) virtu-

ally only occur after preliminary damagecaused by chemicals (e.g., ozone, hydrogenperoxide, phosphate) and are almost neverobserved in well maintained aquariums.

Combating the mentioned parasites withremedies is only possible in a quarantine tankbecause remedies cannot differentiate be-tween desired and undesired inverte-brates.

An Oodinium ocellatum (velvet disease) in-fection is effectively treated with sera medProfessional Protazol. Please read the in-structions for use carefully.

The ciliate Cryptocaryon irritans resemblesthe freshwater parasites Ichthyophthirius and

is therefore also called Marine water Ich.Its symptoms are white spots of up to 1 mil-limeter in diameter and strong scrubbingmovements of the fish.


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sera med Professional treatments

High effective and well tolerated

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In close cooperation with the working group

of the well known parasitologist, Prof. Dr.Heinz Mehlhorn (Heinrich-Heine-UniversittDsseldorf/Germany),sera succeeded in mar-keting a range of unique, highly effective overthe counter treatments. The products mainlyappeal to versed, experienced users wholook for quick and specific support fromhighly effective treatments after having diag-nosed a specific disease.

sera med Professional Tremazol contains

the reliably and directly effective Prazi-quantel, which has been successfully usedagainst flatworm infections in human andveterinarian medicine for a long time. Thepatented, highly effective agent dissolvingcomplex ensures even distribution of the oth-erwise poorly soluble substance in water,making the active agent get to the pathogenvery quickly.

The effect spectrum of the treatment ranges

from gill and skin flukes (Dactylogyrus sp.,Gyrodactylus sp.) to tapeworms (e.g. Bothrio-cephalus sp.). Besides its excellent efficacyit is also very well tolerated and is suited fortreating marine fish in a quarantine tank.

Bacterial diseases cause various symptoms.The most important symptoms include skinslime and fin rot. Bacterial diseases are treat-ed in a quarantine tank with sera baktopurand sera baktopur direct according to theinstructions.


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You should always carry out treatments in a quarantinetank since many invertebrates do not tolerate treatments.

Fish are considerably weakened by a disease. A vitamintreatment with sera fishtamin should be carried out for

strengthening the fish after a disease treatment. We rec-ommend dripping sera fishtamin onto the food and thenallowing it to soak in for a minute immediately before feed-ing.

Using treatments may also affect useful bacteria. seramarin bio reefclear should therefore, be used accordingto the information for use after every treatment. serasuper carbon will remove treatment remainders from thewater after the treatment.

Cleaner wrasses and cleaner shrimps help remove ec-toparasites. Some stinging coral species (e.g., gorgonians)also help protect fish against some diseases.

You will find detailed information about recognizing andtreating fish diseases in the sera guide Healthy aquariumfish.

Good, constant water conditions and a varied nutrition aswell as an appropriate vitamin supply are the most impor-

tant prevention against fish diseases.

After the treatment


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1US

Documents

Sera Marine Guide