The art of miniature aquatic landscaping

The tendency of fresh and salt water fishkeeping is to reduce the size of aquariums, due to their lower cost, easier maintenance, less space required for their location and partly thanks to the new technical advances that allow for space to be smaller without jeopardising performance, as in the case of much thinner LED lights. 

Aquatic landscaping or “aquascaping”

This is the art of placing plants, rocks, stones, gravel and other decorative items in an attractive way inside the aquarium.  Among the different styles of decoration, the Nature style is increasingly popular due to the beauty of its landscapes.  Introduced in Japan by the aquarist Takashi Amano, this style tries to reproduce natural landscapes in miniature, simulating trees or mountains and achieving wonderfully spectacular results. 

Flora and fauna of nano aquariums

Nano aquariums are generally inhabited by shrimp. The reason for this is that they will keep the aquarium clean, eliminating remains of dead plants and any fine algae generated.  The most famous shrimp are the Crystal Red (Caridina cf. Cantonensis) due to their red and white colour, which stand out very well against dark substrates.  These shrimp are a genetic mutation of the black Bumblebee Shrimp (Caridina cf. Breviata). There are, however, many other types of shrimp, such as the Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda), the Tiger Shrimp (Caridina cf. Cantonensis Tiger) or the Amano Shrimp (Caridina japonica), which have a less attractive colour but are great algae eaters.  Keeping shrimp is relatively simple. They need very stable water parameters and no harmful nitrogenated compounds (ammonia and nitrites), with an acidic pH (between 6.2 and 6.9) and an ideal temperature of between 22 and 24ºC. It is worth noting that shrimp are particularly sensitive to heavy metals (copper and iron) and low concentrations will cause imminent death.  They basically feed off remains of plants and algae, but must be supplemented with special food for shrimp and crustaceans that contains an extra dose of calcium to assist them during exoskeleton shedding.It is also possible to include some fish in this type of aquarium, although they must be small, compatible with shrimp and very calm.  Neons (Paracheirodon innesi), Cardenals (Paracheirodon Axelrodi), Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus) or Endler’s Guppies (Poecilia wingei) are good options.  It is also possible to include some snails and non-aggressive crabs.The plants often used are assorted moss such as Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana), Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei) or Flame Moss (Taxiphyllum sp.). The moss can be tied to trunks with yard to simulate miniature tree leaves, like small aquatic bonsais.  Moss care is very simple. It needs a temperature of between 18º and 30ºC, neutral or acidic water, effective filtration with a moderate current and, despite not needing particularly intense light, good lighting will encourage its growth, enabling you to trim the moss whenever you like to achieve surprising decorations. 

The Temperamatic Pro Mini thermo-heater

This 25W thermo-heater is ideal for Nano aquariums thanks to its small size (15.2cm in length), easy temperature setting, precision and reliability.  The thermo-heater must be fitted in a place with a good water current for balanced results.      

The AQUA GRO substrate

This is the ideal substrate for Nano aquariums, as it promotes plant growth and will automatically give the water a slightly acidic pH (around 6.5) that is ideal for fish such as cardenals, neons, rasboras and shrimp.  The Aqua Gro substrate eliminates all carbonates and bicarbonates from the water, which means that the carbonic anhydride that fish expel when their breathe remains dissolved in the water and can be used by plants.  This is why plants flourish in aquariums using Aqua Gro as their substrate. An additional advantage is that it reduces the pH of the water to a value below 7.0. This means that all of the toxic ammonia NH3 is converted into the ammonium ion (NH4+), which is liquid and non-toxic. Therefore, shrimp, cardinals, neons, discus and, in general, most fish feel much better in aquarium water of the characteristics produced by Aqua Gro substrates.  Its grains are of the ideal size and do not float, making the water crystal-clear.  They are dark brown in colour, which is ideal for creating natural landscapes against which shrimp and moss will stand out. 

Nano Gran

Special food for crystal shrimp. Especially formulated with added calcium for correct shedding and generation of the new exoskeleton. This is a complete diet that contains all of the necessary nutrients to keep your shrimp healthy.

Nano Start

This is a special conditioner for Nano Aquariums.  It reduces chlorine, controls heavy metals, protects and promotes the regeneration of body mucus.  It is also beneficial for the digestive system and is anti-inflammatory.  It contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin B1. 

Nano Aqualed Crystal

These are the new Nano Aquariums made of glass. Their pure white design has a zen feel to give a relaxing, different space wherever they are located.  With a longer-lasting, safer LED lighting system that consumes less than conventional lighting systems. A perfect habitat for your small animals and plants. Available in 3 sizes: The smallest holding 10 litres (20.7×20.7×26cm), the medium holding 20 litres (26.7×26.7×32cm) and the large holding 30 litres (29.7×29.7×35cm).

The greatest technological revolution

The only effective filter from day 1 against ammonia NH₃, nitrite NO₂ and nitrate NO₃, which are transformed into nitrogen ions, oxygen and other harmless compounds for fish. Try it!

 

Innovative and revolutionary for tropical and marine aquariums

A new concept in aquariums

At ICA we continue to innovate, this time with the manufacture of a new concept in aquariums: the new, small and minimalistic Nano Aqualed Crystal.This is a decorative aquarium thanks to its pure white design with a zen feel to give a relaxing, different space wherever it is located.

Made of glass

During the design stage, our engineers and designers considered everything down to the finest detail:

1. It had to be made of glass for greater quality.
2. With an LED lighting system because it is longer lasting, safer and consumes less than conventional lighting systems.
3. There is a hole in the top for fish feeding.

Available in 3 sizes: The smallest holding 10 litres (20.7×20.7×26cm), the medium holding 20 litres (26.7×26.7×32cm) and the large holding 30 litres (29.7×29.7×35cm).  

There is a salt for each type of aquarium

At ICA we have three types of sea salt with a specific composition to properly treat the water in each type of marine aquarium, depending on its use:

HW REEFER

For reef aquariums

1. Optimal components to create perfect natural sea water
2. With natural amino acids and organic iodine
3. Free of nitrates, phosphates and silicates

 

HW PROFESSIONAL

For all marine aquariums, even those containing delicate fish

1. Made based on the latest experiments and analyses in marine biology
2. Free of nitrates, phosphates and silicates

 

MARINE SALT

For coastal fish, crustaceans, molluscs, bivalvia, etc.

1. Free of contaminant agents such as pesticides, oils, etc.
2. Contains extra zinc, manganese, iron, etc.

  

Enchanting beauty: Damselfish, butterflyfish, corals, invertebrates… Give life to an explosion of colour and beauty and will enthral you right from the word go.You no longer have to be an expert or have a large aquarium to keep a marine aquarium.  Thanks to the major advances over recent years, there has been a significant increase in the marine aquarium sector in the market, which is becoming increasingly important.

Marine aquariums… are no longer just for experts!

Another major advance is the breeding of marine fish in captivity, which has meant that prices have dropped considerably and that they are more acclimatised to surroundings different to their natural habitat, making them more resistant and free of parasites.Below is a brief summary of the key points required to ensure the success of any enthusiast when keeping marine aquariums. 

The biological cycle of the marine aquarium

The biological cycle of a marine aquarium is similar to that of a fresh water aquarium.In the process known as ammonification, fish excrements are converted into ammonium (NH4+) and ammonia (NH3) and, through aerobic bacteria oxygen consumers, are transformed into nitrites (NO2-) and, in turn, into nitrates (NO3-) in the process known as nitrification.Finally, the nitrates are converted into nitrogen gas that rises to the surface (N2), eliminating all of the harmful nitrate from the water. This process is known as denitrification and is the major problem in marine aquariums.Both ammonia and nitrites are very toxic to fish.  Although less toxic, nitrate is also harmful to corals and invertebrates and they must all be monitored using analysis tests.The classic filters are very effective in keeping ammonia and nitrites under control following an initial period of filter maturing of around 4 weeks.  Fish must not be placed in the aquarium during the period, except in the case of the Hydra filter, which is the only one that does not require this waiting period.The presence of anaerobic heterotrophic bacteria is required (i.e. those requiring almost no oxygen) to lower nitrates (NO3-). These bacteria are produced in places where water flows very slowly, such as inside live rock. Not having these bacteria in the aquarium will greatly affect the success of keeping a marine aquarium, as the water would have to be continuously replaced to decrease nitrate levels. 

What a skimmer is for

This is an absolutely essential accessory for marine aquariums because it acts as a pre-filter.  It extracts the proteins from the aquarium before they become toxic nitrogenated compounds in a process in which the skimmer uses the high density of the salt water to generate a large amount of tiny bubbles that drag the waste towards an external dry foam chamber.

Water proteins are eliminated thanks to tiny bubbles

 ICA has launched a new multi-function skimmer, the Dophin PS1, which combines the effectiveness of a skimmer with a simple canister filter. Highly recommended for small and medium-sized marine aquariums.   

Tips and recommendations

To improve the effectiveness of skimmers, the aquarium should remain in permanent movement and “dead spots” must be avoided where there is no water current.  To do so, water circulation pumps such as the Wavemakers should be installed.   UV lights clarify the water, reducing algae, bacteria, fungi and protozoa.Another fundamental element of a marine aquarium is a UV light to eliminate waterborne pathogens (germicide effect) and suspended algae (anti-algae effect).  We recommend the simple AAUV3W-9W and 24W model lights. Intense lighting is very important and, therefore, we recommend you use at least 2 strips of LED lighting, one of which should be blue because it encourages coral and invertebrate growth.

Dry Live Rock.

Live rock are exoskeletons of coral reef, with a very porous structure that is colonised by different beneficial bacteria.  A type of heterotrophic bacteria is generated inside it, where there is a greater presence of oxygen and a very slow flow of water, that is capable of consuming the nitrate (NO3-). The use of live rock in aquariums has become popular thanks to the Berlin system in which 1/3 of the volume of the aquarium in live rock is recommended, giving excellent filtration results and exceptional decoration.  The problem is the extremely high price of this live rock, given its maintenance and expensive transportation.  ICA has “dry coral rock” that will soon be converted into live rock in your aquariums and perform the same function.

ICA fluorescent tubes are characterised by their great penetrability, irradiating very intense colours that can be seen at a glance. Buy them now with this unbeatable offer: 30% discount plus this spectacular free display.Attractive and useful for your shop. Ask to your nearest comercial agent.

Designed for everyone

ICA fluorescent tubes meet any of your customers’ needs, from specific fluorescent tubes for freshwater to others for salt-water aquariums.As shown below, the full range of ICA fluorescent tubes includes two tube sizes: t5 and t8, each in three models of different lengths:

Pro T5 (Ø 16mm)  Length: 57, 87, 117 y 147 cm

 

Pro T8 (Ø 26mm)  Length: 33, 37, 44, 59, 74, 90, 104.7, 120 cm