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

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.

The Canary breeding season begins

The breeding of canaries, exotic birds and parakeets is extremely widespread in the Canary Islands, with the period from December to June being the most favourable for this exciting hobby.

First steps

The breeding season is beginning. This is not a precise month, with some breeders preferring to start in December whereas others wait until January. Mating should not, however, take place during the summer months which is when they moult.An initial step involves choosing the parents correctly, considering the variety of canary sought. It is most commonplace to choose canaries that are as similar as possible for breeding, thus getting the best of both of them. Remember that they must be at least 9 months old. 

Create the right conditions

A few weeks beforehand, place the parents in the same cage with a separator between them so that they can adapt to each other.Breeding cages are extremely useful for this, as they are very large and are already fitted with these separators.Breeding cages are the right size and include the necessary accessories

 

Food is important at this time, as well as vitamin supplements such as DF3301 to stimulate singing, which ensures the male canary attracts the female.The female makes the nest, which is why straw (PELOTEG and PELOTEP), nests and straw holders are often provided. 

Crucial moment: mating and breeding

When the separator is lifted, the two birds may not be adapted to each other and breeding might not take place, so pay special attention.Once the eggs have been laid, they are incubated for around 13 days during which time you must pay attention to the males, as they can cause damage to the eggs if they are on heat in their attempt to approach the female.From the time they leave the egg, the chicks do not leave the next for around 20 days and do not eat by themselves for around one month. This is considered the ideal time for the chick to be put with other canaries.And the cycle begins again, so a breeding couple can lay around 4 times a year.  

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

As well as their pretty design, the Tania, Daisy and Romi cage models have a reinforced structure thanks to the thicker wire than in other cages, which has been increased from 1.2 mm to 1.8 mm, 50% thicker than before and, therefore, more resistant.

Improved: 50% thicker 

Each one is available in assorted colours: white, red, blue and purple, and fully equipped with metal clip, perches and swing.