Rules for an Optimum Aquarium
Man can twist and turn how he likes, but the biological, physical and chemical conditions in an Aquarium are controlled by Natural laws. It was the study of these laws and their influence in an aquarium that brought about the development of the ' 10 Golden Rules for an Optimum Aquarium'. Application of these rules, will ensure a properly functioning aquarium, in which Fish and Plants are able to enjoy a healthy and vigorous life.
The 10 Golden Rules
1. Tropical Warmth in Substrate and in Water
Utilisation of a substrate heating cable is a very important prerequisite for an optimum aquarium. With a heating cable installed in the gravel, by means of convection currents the entire substrate is integrated into the physical and chemical cycle of the aquarium. Alternatively, if the aquarium is heated by an immersion heater, only the water is heated, with the gravel remaining at room temperature. This lack of circulation in the substrate, induces anaerobic conditions, with the gravel turning black and foul, and the aquarium plants suffering from the notorious 'cold feet' syndrome. An under-gravel heating system helps to simulate the natural ground-water current found in natural waters.
A well composed aquarium substrate consists of a layer of 2-3mm sized quartz gravel, the lower 1/3 being mixed with Duplarit. Duplarit is a carefully selected and processed tropical laterite with a particularly high available iron content. With this type of substrate, nutritional material is being continually activated, to be taken up by the roots and the leaves of the plants. Oxygen is also being brought into the substrate, keeping it functional for an extended period of time. Another benefit is that the extra low voltage (24V) heating cable offers absolute safety for people and fish, even if the cable is damaged.
2. Correct Lighting
The light in an aquarium has a dual function. The first requirement is for the correct quality and intensity of light for realistic observation of the fish and plants. The second function is biological and chemical - to supply the necessary energy for plant growth. This second function is a very important aspect within the complete biological and chemical process in the aquarium. Light supplies energy - and this is what plants need for optimum metabolism. If the light is not correct, the energy is deficient and the entire health of the aquarium is compromised. Not just the quantity, but also the quality of the light is what counts. Therefore lighting must be adapted to the size of the aquarium and also to the water, and living conditions in it.
3. Stable Water Conditions
By this we mean a neutral pH value and a stable carbonate hardness of minimum 3-4° dH. In a community aquarium, fish from geographically and chemically differing waters are often cared for. Some fishes come from more acidic, others from slightly alkaline waters. Therefore a neutral pH value is recommended as a happy medium for 'every fish'.
A neutral pH value can be set and controlled by properly delivered CO2 fertilisation. At the same time, this provides an optimum supply of the essential element carbon, for submerse water plants. The Dupla CO2 fertilisation devices with semi and fully automatic regulation, were the first high quality devices offered by the industry.
4. Nature-like Plant Nutrition
The most important pre-condition for healthy growth of aquarium plants, is that at all times all nutrients - including trace elements - are available for the plants.
In comparison to natural tropical waters, tap water has large nutrient deficiencies, with many important nutrients and trace elements either missing or removed from the water during treatment at the waterworks. In addition to this problem, once in the aquarium many nutrients - especially important trace elements - are completely consumed by the light or exhausted by the aquarium plants. However, if just one nutrient is missing the plant growth is stunted or the plants even perish (Liebigs's law of minimums).
The Dupla solution to this problem, is a clever three-part fertilisation system.
5. Biological Filtration
'Biological' means filtration through a medium where bacteria are able to colonise, in order to remove harmful substances, thus purifying the aquarium water. Special bacteria are even able to remove remains from chelators and over-fertilised chelates. The industrial sewage industry also makes use of this filtration technique on a grand scale. In this way the it is possible to regenerate sewage water up to the level of drinking water quality. The Dupla water treatment system is centred around the unique 'Biokaskade' and 'Minikaskade' filter media.
6. Good Water Movement
Good water movement is essential for the following reasons:
1. to assure even an temperature in all water zones of the aquarium.2. to carry away organic waste materials from the plant leaves.
3. to allow fresh nutrients to reach the leaves' surfaces.
4. to provide a strong current for fish originating from rapid flowing streams.
7. Dense Planting
An optimum aquarium also requires dense and well growing plants. A well planted aquarium has the following advantages:
1. Plants release oxygen to the water and the substrate, thus preventing the substrate from turning black.2. Plants remove organic waste materials.
3. Special aquarium plants are able to destroy disease causing germs and even remove toxic substances from the water.
4. Dense and well growing aquarium plants are the best protection against algae of all kinds, while providing good hiding and spawning places for aquarium fish.
8. Balanced Fish Population
A balanced fish population goes hand in hand with the concept of providing both fish and plants with an ideal environment. In the optimum aquarium, fish and plants should be a harmonious combination. Here are some basic rules:
1: Do not mix fish that attack each other continuously2: Avoid plant eating fish.
3: Algae eating fish should be introduced as an algae preventative right from the start.
4: Make sure that the fish all have the same water requirements, especially with regard to temperature, water hardness and pH value.
5: Choose fish that occupy all areas of the aquarium, i.e. bottom, mid and surface zones.
6: Do not introduce 'picky' eaters if you are not sure that you will be able to provide them with the food they need.
9. Natural Fish Care
Healthy and vital fish, in the long run depend on good vitamin-rich and easily digestible food. As most tropical fish come from waters with very low salt levels, it is important to ensure that they receive very low salt food - otherwise intestinal diseases are almost inevitable.
DuplaRin is a modern food concept for aquarium fish. It was developed after many years of research and trial work, together with leading scientists and diet physiologists. Fish are 'bit eaters' It was therefore decided to offer DuplaRin in granulate form and in sizes and formulations to provide a suitable food type for any fish and mouth size.
10. Control of all Variables
The regular control of important water parameters will prevent aquarium conditions from getting out of control unnoticed. This means in particular, the regular testing of temperature, pH value, nitrite and nitrate content, carbonate hardness, iron and phosphate levels.
Compared to natural waters, an aquarium is a very small mass of water where water parameters can go from one extreme to another within a short period of time. However, the enclosed environment of the aquarium also provides the means to enable a high degree of stability and control. For this reason the Dupla analysis system has been developed to fulfil both a diagnostic and therapeutic function.