The

Fascination of Aquariums

www.tetra.net

Take a dive with us

... Into the fascinating underwater world of aquariums. Every aquarium, be it small or large, has its own special charm. A fantastic wealth of colors and shapes, an exciting variety of forms of life and different behaviors. This modern form of the art of aquariums was made possible by Ulrich Baensch, doctor of natural sciences, the founder of TetraWerke and pioneer of the rst industrially manufactured food for ornamental sh. He succeeded in developing a natural, nourishing and wholesome dry food appreciated by sh. TetraMin marked the decisive breakthrough of aquariums as a favorite hobby. For more than 50 years now Tetra is the hallmark of absolute competence and experience in every aspect relating to aquariums. Today we would like to tap our experience to stand by your side actively with useful tips and tricks. You can nd further suggestions at our website www.tetra.net. So have fun with this brochure.

An original TetraMin package from the 1950s - the rst industrially manufactured sh food. A revolution in aquariums.

Content
Types of Aquariums Equipment Technology Step-by-Step Instructions Water Chemistry Keeping Aquarium Fish Fish Species Nutrition Food Water and Aquarium Care Water Plants No Need to Worry about Algae Preventing and Curing Diseases Product Overview Page Page Page 4 6 8

Page 10 Page 12 Page 16 Page 18 Page 20 Page 22 Page 28 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 34

How Fish Live

requirements, which need to be taken into account when setting up the aquarium. Often the aim is that of reproducing the sh. Biotope Aquarium The term is a bit misleading because every aquarium is a biotope. It means here that sh and plants come from the same natural environment. Breeding Aquarium Mostly for specialists only. These aquariums are often not very appealing and have specic, partially extreme water values, as their only purpose is that of breeding sh. Tetra AquaArt Aquariums Tetra AquaArt Complete Aquarium Sets for the fascination of the underwater world. Not only do all AquaArt aquariums have a modern design in the trendy colour of silver they are also equipped with innovative EasyCrystal lter technology for crystal clear water and simple maintenance. Large, user-friendly openings make it even easier to feed the sh and gain access to the equipment. AquaArt aquariums are available in three sizes: Tetra AquaArt 20L Discover Line, Tetra AquaArt 30L Discover Line and Tetra AquaArt 60L Discover Line. Once you have chosen an aquarium species, you must consider the tank size, the position and the equipment.

Tetra AquaArt Complete Aquarium Sets perfect design, high-grade equipment and easy maintenance.

Cold or warm, freshwater or saltwater. Even sh have their own specic needs. There are saltwater, cold water and freshwater aquariums. And there are even differences between these aquariums: Social Aquarium The classic. The most widespread type of tropical freshwater aquarium is especially recommended for beginners. Various types of plants and different sh species are kept together in the same aquarium. This means that they must not only adapt their social behavior to one another, but also the requirements in terms of the water quality, water temperature and aquarium set-up must be the same. Single-Species Aquarium Just one species is kept. They are often sh with special

A good position is a room corner without direct sunlight.

Important: sockets near the aquarium!

Dark places are more suitable for aquariums - and they even have a more impressive effect.

Make sure that the carrying capacity of the bottom and the oor cabinet is adequate enough.

Once an aquarium is set up and lled, it can no longer be moved - therefore, planning is absolutely necessary when choosing the position. If possible, an aquarium should not be placed near a door, because any bustling may frighten the animals.

Choosing the Position

To make sh feel themselves at home in your aquarium, a number of factors need to be borne in mind when choosing the position: you need a at, shockproof, sturdy and level position with sockets nearby. Never expose an aquarium to direct sunlight. Sunlight can trigger an undesired proliferation of algae and lead to the heating of the water. Consider also the weight: besides the empty weight of the tank there is the equipment plus one kilogram of weight for each liter of water. Even a relatively small 80-liter tank can weigh quite a lot and
Anyone who looks closely at an aquarium is fascinated by the variety of colors and shapes.

can no longer be moved once it is lled. Therefore the oor cabinet must be able to bear the relevant weight. Your local dealer has tanks of all sizes and all types of equipment. A good tip is to place a panel of Styrofoam between the oor cabinet and the aquarium to prevent point loads and to level any unevenness.

1 Tetratec EasyCrystal FilterBox 2 Tetratec HT Heater 3 Tetratec APS Air pump 4 Tetratec AS Airstone 5 Tetratec TH Thermometer 6 Tetratec AL Lighting

6 2 1

5 3
For optical and practical reasons the substrate should be laid so that it rises slightly towards the back.

Setting up an aquarium
There is always a plan behind any construction! How to become an aquarium designer - in this chapter you will nd all of the necessary information on the substrate, equipment, plants, water and, of course, on how to set up your own aquarium. Important: The main focus of your thoughts should never be on the appearance of the aquarium but on the well-being of your sh. Substrate Once you have washed the tank with water and then placed it in the position chosen, it must be lled rst of all with the substrate. On the one hand, it offers support for the plant roots and, on the other, it serves as the habitat for the microorganisms that are essential for an optimal biological balance. Gravel with a grain size of 1 - 3 mm or 3 - 6 mm will do well for social aquariums. Before lling the aquarium with the gravel, it must be washed thoroughly. But it is almost barren and it offers no nutrients to the plant roots. For this purpose Tetra offers a special substrate activator: Tetra CompleteSubstrate. This readyto-use concentrated substrate contains precious minerals, oligo-elements like iron, important micro-nutrients and natural black peat with a high content of humic material. It favors the growth of plants and provides for an adequate long-term nourishment. To avoid the proliferation of algae afterwards, there is Tetra NitrateMinus Pearls: all you

Tetra AquaSafe, Tetra NitrateMinus Pearls and Tetra CompleteSubstrate by Tetra are the basic equipment for any aquarium owner.

View from above Stones, roots and plants can be used by sh as spawning places and they provide hiding places and form also natural territorial limits. Front view Plants can be divided into background, medium range and foreground plants.

Airstones, also known as bubble stones, move the water and enrich it with vital oxygen. If possible, hide the air hose so that it does not ruin the optical effect.

have to do is scatter it on the substrate layer. This way nitrate - an important nutrient for algae - is absorbed for up to 12 months thus improving the water quality and reducing substantially the need for care. Finally scatter the remaining third of gravel in the tank. The substrate should rise slightly towards the back for optical and practical reasons. Decoration Create a real underwater world for your sh! For instance, you can use stones or roots from you local pet shop. Use decorations sparingly so that the sh can have enough space for swimming. When arranging your aquarium, in theory there are no limits to your fantasy as long as you always keep in mind the needs

of your sh. Roots and stones must always be cleaned and, if necessary, boiled. Use only types of stones that do not release any substances into water. Minerals and stones containing metals are not suitable. Make sure that any technical devices have the space they need, as these need to be installed before designing your underwater world.

Technology
It doesnt work without technology. The time has now come to create for your sh the best environmental and habitus conditions according to their natural origin and to the needs typical of their species. Heating Tropical aquarium sh require tropical water temperatures mainly between 24 27 C. Every tropical freshwater aquarium has its own type of heating. We recommend Tetratec HT heaters. They are what we call rod heaters. They are small and discreet, but also extremely performing and safe. Filter To have an aquarium that works in the long run, you need a permanent lter. The lter collects clouding oating particles and keeps the water clear. But its other function is more important: thanks to the lter bacteria residing in the lter substrate, the noxious excretions released by sh are decomposed biologically into harmless compounds. An especially reliable solution is Tetratec IN Inner Filter plus. It is highly performing and easy to use and it is t for aquariums of up to 200 liters. Besides the stepless regulation of the ow-through speed, the output nozzle can be turned by 180 and the incorporated Venturi system provides for an extra supply of oxygen. Alternatively, you can even use the air-operated

Tetratec heaters assure the optimal temperature in aquariums.

The highly performing and easy-to-use Tetratec IN Inner Filter plus is a lasting guarantee for crystalclear aquarium water appropriate for sh life.

Powerful Tetratec EX External Filters in three different sizes for 10 to 1000 litre aquariums.

Brillant Styrofoam lter by Tetra. It is operated by an air pump (e.g. Tetratec APS). It drives the water with the aid of air through the lter sponge in which it undergoes an intense biological scouring. It has an excellent ltering effect in particular in spawning tanks and aquariums with scarce water currents. Tetratec EasyCrystal Filters are a real alternative to conventional aquarium lters. With their intensive physical, biological and chemical ltration, the lters ensure crystal clear, healthy water. Cleaning EasyCrystal Filters is a very easy process: simply change the lter cartridge every four weeks. No need to rinse the lter medium, no more wet hands! Tetratec EasyCrystal Filters are available in two different sizes: Tetratec EasyCrystal Filter 250 for smaller aquariums of up to 40 litres and Tetratec EasyCrystal FilterBox 300 with a heater compartment for aquariums of between 40 and 60 litres. If you prefer to use an external lter, or if you have a very large aquarium, we recommend Tetratec EX External Filters, which are available in three different sizes for aquariums of between 10 and 1000 litres. Not only are they powerful and quiet to run, they are also easy to clean. Their integrated automatic starting function is particularly advantageous. This renders the intake of water during initial installation or after each clean unnecessary. There are ve different lter media, which lter the aquarium both mechanically and biologically.

Lighting The articial lighting of the aquarium is essential. The light determines, for instance, how plants grow. If the wrong light source is used or if it is too weak, the plants do not grow enough. Even algae problems can be caused by incorrect lighting. Plants require 10 to 12 hours of light every day. For instance, pure-white daylight tubes are recommended in particular.

Floating plants Plants oating on the water surface offer sh hiding places and spawning places. They should be thinned out regularly, as they may otherwise deprive the underwater plants of too much light. Fast-growing plants should be used already during the rst set-up so that the aquarium environment can be stabilized faster and better. To make the plants grow with a lush green color, we recommend the regular addition of Tetra PlantaMin. This liquid iron-intensive fertilizer assures lively, lush green colors.

Plants
Aquatic plants have an extremely decorative effect on observers. But aquatic plants are important for the aquarium habitat for completely different reasons. They produce oxygen during the day and favor the elimination of contaminants that may be found, for instance, in sh excrements. Aquatic plants serve also as the spawning ground for some sh, create hiding places and act as natural territorial limits. Background plants All highly vegetative species such as many stemmed plants are suitable for the background. They often grow quickly yet scarcely in width. Medium range plants Lush solitary plants make a nice view for the observer and do well as catchy mounting points. Foreground plants Decorative foreground plants should remain quite small to avoid obstructing the view in the aquarium.

The Tetratec Brillant Filter is especially quiet and performing and it is ideal for aquariums of up to 100 liters.

Water
Water is the vital element of sh. Therefore, optimal water conditions are important both for livability and for a nutrition appropriate for the species. There are many additives in drinking water, e.g. chlorine, which make it hygienically clean. But chlorine is dangerous for sh even in low concentrations. Even heavy metals which are poisonous for sh that breathe through gills often nish in tap water. Tap water must be treated to make it appropriate for sh. This can be done safely and reliably with Tetra AquaSafe. This water treatment agent lastingly binds heavy metals and eliminates chlorine. The organic colloids it contains protects the delicate mucous membrane of sh.

Tetratec EasyCrystal Filter easy maintenance and crystal clear, healthy aquarium water.

To help you choose the right technical equipment you need, Tetra has developed a special color code system. Thanks to this color code you can know immediately which device is the right one for your aquarium.

Lets get started!

After all the theory, nally the practice! Step by step you will now be explained what to do to set up your aquarium. Have you forgotten anything? Are the aquarium, sturdy base, Styrofoam panel, gravel, Tetra CompleteSubstrate, Tetra NitrateMinus Pearls, decorative materials, aquatic plants, Tetra PlantaMin, heater, thermometer, lter, lighting, bucket and Tetra AquaSafe ready? Perfect! Now lets get started! Have fun setting up your own underwater world!

Substrate

Wash the gravel thoroughly under running water. Now ll the tank with our ready-to-use Tetra CompleteSubstrate. Scatter Tetra NitrateMinus Pearls on it and then cover it completely with ne gravel.

Equipment and Decorations

Then place the heater, lter and pump before starting with the decorations. Make sure that the devices are arranged in an inconspicuous manner. Now you can place the stones or roots once you have washed them well.

Water

The tank is to be lled halfway with temperate tap water with buckets. By placing a plate on the gravel, you can avoid that the substrate is scattered. Add Tetra AquaSafe to the water to prepare it for the sh and plants.

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Plants

Before placing the plants, make sure to shorten the roots and remove any damaged leaves. Then press the roots with caution into the substrate up to the root collar. Now you can nish lling the aquarium and start up the equipment. Fertilize your aquatic plants with Tetra Crypto Fertilizer and Tetra PlantaMin for lively and lush green plants.

5 Biological maturation process

Before adding the sh to your aquarium, you must leave it to Rest for two weeks. During this period the aquarium becomes biologically active. The lter bacteria start to settle in and proliferate. Without an adequate number of these microorganisms it is impossible to achieve a biological balance appropriate for sh and plant life. If you want to introduce the rst sh faster into your aquarium just use Tetra SafeStart as SafeStart immediately creates a biologically active environment.

Tetra-Tip

Tetra SafeStart
this means: no set up phase of some weeks necessary in order to develop a suitable environment for the sh in your newly set up aquarium. SafeStart allows a faster introduction of sh. Ammonia and nitrite are effectively reduced. Thanks to this new Tetra innovation the start in the fascinating world of aquaristics is as easy as a childs play.

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No Life Without Water!

Plants, sh, water and light form, together with the decorative elements, a harmonious and exciting view. The aquarium system can work perfectly only if the technical equipment, water, sh and plants are adapted one to the other. Water plays an especially important role. The quality of the water as the vital element of sh is decisive for their health and well-being. But even the thriving of plants and microorganisms depends directly on the water quality. The monitoring of important water values and the regular partial changing of the water are extremely important for a truly professional aquarium. By changing the water regular about 20 to 30 % of it is replaced every two weeks with fresh water. Thanks to Tetra AquaSafe you can make tap water immediately suitable for sh and natural, neutralize any hazardous substances and add colloids with a protective function on the sh mucous membrane. The BioExtract formula also favors the development of useful ltering bacteria and provides healthy, clear water. Instead of frequent water changing, thanks to Tetra EasyBalance, you can maintain a sh and plant-friendly balance of all of the essential water values and hence reduce the number of times you need to change the water. EasyBalance gives your sh the important vital substances they need, stabilizes effectively the pH and CH value of the water and reduces the concentration of phosphate and nitrate. Its regular use keeps the aquarium water biologically healthy for up to 6 months. Important: AquaSafe should be added every time you add tap water to assure the long-term maintenance of your aquarium. Any aquarium owner wants to and should provide the best living conditions for his sh. Besides using AquaSafe, it is necessary to know the quality characteristics of the original waters where tropical ornamental sh live. Tropical freshwater sh from the blackwater regions can be taken care of appropriately as each species requires by adding Tetra ToruMin. It transforms aquarium water into brownish-crystal clear tropical water also known as blackwater. In addition, you can prepare your aquarium water regularly with Tetra TetraVital. Tap water often lacks important oligo-elements like iodine and vitamins that sh absolutely need during particular moments of their life like the spawning season. TetraVital favors their overall well-being and improves their resistance. The vitamin B complex also favors the growth of plants and microorganisms.

Tetra AquaSafe: A must for any aquarium owner. It changes tap water into aquarium water t for sh life.

Tetra SafeStart: Living nitrifying bacteria for a safe aquarium start.

Tetra ToruMin makes aquarium water t for all blackwater sh. Contains natural humus substances.

Tetra TetraVital: Already 5 ml in 10 l of water is enough to provide all of the vital substances that sh need.

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The thriving of sh and plants requires appropriate environmental conditions in the aquarium.

Is the chemistry right?

Only if the water quality is right will your sh feel good. You should know the following water values: Total hardness (TH) The TH value is determined basically by the content of calcium and magnesium. If their content is high the water is hard, while if it is low it is soft. The total hardness inuences signicantly the organic functions of all forms of aquatic life and it is measured in dH = degrees German hardness. Carbonate hardness (CH) Almost every type of water contains hydrogen carbonate whose content in water is indicated by the CH value. Hydrogen carbonates play an important role in the aquarium because they act as a pH buffer and hence prevent an excessively sharp and sudden alteration of the pH value owing for instance to a drop in acidity. The CH value has a direct inuence on the well-being of sh. In freshwater aquariums the CH value should not amount to less than 3dH.

Only if the water values are correct will the sh feel good.

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With Tetra pH/KH Plus and pH/KH Minus you can adjust and modify the pH value and the carbonate hardness.

Acidity (pH value) The pH value of the water is the result of all of the acid and basic substances dissolved in the water. These substances can make the water either acid or alkaline. If the pH value is 7.0, the water is neutral. The more acids are present in the water, the lower the pH value drops; the more alkalines are present, the more it rises. It is recommended to measure the pH value of your aquarium once a week. The pH value depends directly on the carbonate hardness and on the carbon dioxide content (CO2). If the carbonate hardness or CO2 content changes, the pH value changes automatically as well. This is the principle at the base of Tetra pH/KH Minus and pH/ KH Plus, which can help you to adjust easily the pH value and the carbonate hardness of the aquarium water. Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate The excrements of sh as well as the remains of plants and food release nitrogen compounds into the water of any aquarium and these compounds need to be broken down in various steps. First comes toxic ammonia or

non-toxic ammonium. It depends on the pH value. At pH values of more than 7.0 there is a prevalence of ammonia, while at lower pH values non-toxic ammonium is formed. In the case of sensitive sh even a low content of ammonia in the water can have damaging effects in the long run. The lter bacteria of the Nitrosomonas genus break down ammonia or ammonium into nitrite. But nitrite is extremely poisonous and it can be extremely harmful in the long run or even deadly. It is broken down by the lter bacteria of the Nitrobacter genus into nitrate. Nitrate is a plant nutrient which favors however the growth of algae. Just one application of Tetra NitrateMinus can reduce lastingly the nitrate content. Ammonia and nitrite are harmful already in low
Tetra Information Here are some tips to avoid straining water: - Avoid too many sh and plants. - Add food several times a day and just as much as necessary for the sh to eat in a few minutes. - Make sure that the aquarium is adequately ltered and aerated. - Regular partial changes of the water or use of Tetra EasyBalance are important maintenance measures. - Clean the bottom regularly. - Healthy plant growth is extremely important for an aquarium that works properly.

All Tetratest products are available in pet shops either singularly or in sets.

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Algae

Food

NO3
Nitrate Organic wastes Tetra NitrateMinus reduces the nitrate content.

Organic wastes are, among other things, a part of what is called the nitrogen cycle. Compounds containing nitrogen found in sh excrements and in plant remains are transformed by lter bacteria (e.g. Tetra SafeStart) into nitrate during various stages. Plants absorb the nitrate as a nutrient. Tetra NitrateMinus, in liquid form, helps keep the nitrate content at a constantly low level when applied weekly. Even by using TetraMin Crisps less nitrate ends up in the aquarium water.

NO2
Nitrite
+ NH3/NH4

Ammonia Ammonium

concentrations (at least in the long term). If you detect ammonia and nitrite with Tetratests, it means that the biological lter is not working properly and that the situation is already or could be dangerous for your sh. Possible countermeasures for aquariums already with sh include: frequent partial water changes, less food and sh, checking of the oxygen supply.

the optimal biological balance and that the aquarium system is not working properly. Water tests give sure results and help you to identify early on any disturbance and prevent damage. By comparing with a color scale or with the number of drops that it takes to change the color, you can determine precisely the current water conditions. Tetra Water Tests come singularly, as rell packs or in sets.

With the Tetratest AnalySet you can measure 8 different important water values in your aquarium.

Tetratest Laborett: Fast, easy and precise.

Water Tests
Every aquarium owner should test the state of the aquarium water regularly. Poor water values always indicate a disturbance to
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Fish are not all the same!

They can be kingly, loners, roughnecks, adorable buddies or odd birds. Before adding sh to your aquarium you must absolutely make sure that you understand your sh. Some have, for instance, a marked territorial
Tetratec FN FangFix - The professional dip net with practical hanging gear and excellent catching features.

their territory. Another important factor is the number of each type of sh. There are species that get along well only as a couple, while others live in schools.

behavior that can lead to stress and unease among all of the other sh in the aquarium. Fish that tend to mark off their own territory are always irritable and bother the other sh while they are defending
The Flag Dwarf is a sh that has its own territory and it can become aggressive during brood care.

Studying the behavior of sh, succeeding in making them breed or simply enjoying the variety of colors - all this is just a part of the unique fascination of aquariums.

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Choosing sh
In a social aquarium the needs of the sh in terms of water quality, temperature and light must be more or less the same. But this does not mean that your aquarium will be boring: when buying your sh, choose them from different swimming areas. For instance, the Marbled Hatchetsh swims mostly near the water surface,

Adding your sh
When you buy sh, they are put into a special bag. Make sure that the sh is not left too long in this container. The longer the way home is, the more air or oxygen should be available in the bag. Adding your sh is a delicate operation which must be handled with great caution. To avoid stressing or, in the worst of cases, harming your sh owing to sudden and drastic changes, you should put the closed bag for about twenty minutes in the aquarium. In the meantime the difference in temperature is stabilized. Then open the bag and add water little by little water from the aquarium so that the other water values are gradually stabilized. Important: Never add sh without this acclimatization phase! This is the only way to avoid the shock resulting from the change of environment. This way your sh should be able to feel themselves at home right from the beginning. 1

Neon in the mid-water regions, while almost all catsh stay near the bottom. By populating all of these areas, you will not only enliven your whole aquarium, but you will also avoid that too many sh swimming n by n in the same water region. Less is often more. Even if it is difcult, try to avoid too many different sh species. A few, well-chosen species are more interesting than a big variety. Beginners, in particular, should start with just a few sh species. A general rule of thumb for the right relation between the aquarium size and sh density is the following: to make sure that your sh can live peacefully, they should have at least 1 - 2 liters of water per centimeter of length.

This is what to do: 1. Temperature stabilization in the closed bag - the greater the difference, the longer you should wait. 2. - 4. Slow adaptation and acclimatization to the water in the aquarium by adding water gradually. Avoid absolutely sudden and drastic changes. 5. Free the sh from the bag into aquarium.

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Favorite sh species
Fish are what make an aquarium a truly vital place. There are numerous species that you can keep at home - here is an overview of the most common and favorite species:
1 Sunset Gourami They belong to the labyrinth sh. This colorful species prefers the company of smaller and calmer sh and it adapts best to well illuminated, densely vegetated tanks with a dark bottom. For reproduction make a tall, xed foam nest. The male takes care of the brood. 2 Bolivian Ram The Bolivian Ram belongs to the cichlids family. Not only their beautiful colors but also their interesting social and reproduction behavior make cichlids a long-established favorite aquarium fosterling. It is a peaceful species that can get rowdy at times. It is recommended for single-species aquariums; otherwise it should kept only with calmer species like tetras and doradids.

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3 Guppy Guppies are live-bearing poeciliids. They give birth to fully developed sh fry. Thanks to its ease to reproduce it is one of the most favorite sh for beginners. Guppies are social sh and they feel themselves at ease in a small school with several sh.

5 Cardinal tetra This extremely sociable and peaceful sh feels at ease in schools. In order to satisfy this behavior, at least 6 or 7 fellow sh need to be kept. It is one of the most beautiful aquarium sh.

Doradids They come from South America and are social sh that live in groups. Like many catsh they have mustache-like whiskers around the mouth that act as taste and smell organs.
4

6 Tiger barb The Tiger barb is a favorite thanks to its colors and liveliness. Barbs are peaceful sh that live in schools and which prefer plenty of plants and ample swimming space. Attention: Tiger barbs like to nibble at the long ns of other sh.

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Fish are what they eat!

In nature sh nd a wide variety of food from various sources: e.g. algae, plants, gnat larvae, insects, other sh and sometimes even their fellow sh. Their diet in an intact ecosystem is normally varied and contains everything that sh need to be healthy and vital: vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, bers and fats. products contain an optimal balance of digestible nutrients. This way sh excrete less and the water is not polluted by organic wastes. But food must do one thing above all: it must keep sh healthy and active, it must help sh to develop fully their natural behavior and variety of colors. A rich and varied diet with Tetra

Feed your sh several times a day with just as much as they need to nish completely in a few minutes.

Especially for sh fry you will nd TetraMin Baby (up to 1 cm in length) and TetraMin Mini Junior (from 1 cm in length).

An aquarium cannot offer an adequate source of nutrition and there is no possibility of evasion for sh. So they are reliant on food. In principle, the food in the aquarium should be much better than that found in nature. Ornamental sh food should not contain any pathogens. In a closed environment like an aquarium any disease that ends up in it spreads rapidly and all of the aquariums inhabitants can fall ill. Another important factor is that the food must be completely digestible. All of Tetras nutrition

food is hence the best guarantee for healthy, lively and colorful sh.

Food is not just food

In order to satisfy the specic needs of every sh species, Tetra foods come in a wide variety of forms.

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1. Flakes
E.g. TetraMin Flakes are perfect for sh in all water zones, because they can be assimilated both at the water surface and when sinking to the bottom. This unique and ne blend of raw materials by Tetra guarantees an optimal utilization of its nutrients. Tetra akes are durable and they do not cloud the aquarium water.

Both forms of food can reach well even hidden spots - so that even shy sh can eat without being disturbed.

5. Jelly Food
E.g. Tetra FreshDelica A new Tetra invention and an excellent delicacy for sh. This jelly food contains not only natural food like red gnat larvae, daphnia and brine shrimps, but also important oligo-elements, vitamins, proteins and fats. The jelly food does not contain any preservatives and it can last up to 2 years without any need for refrigeration. Tetra jelly food has a nutritional value double that of traditional akes.

2. Crisps
E.g. TetraMin Crisps Crisps are produced with a special Tetra process. They preserve much more energy than traditional akes. If used regularly, they reduce substantially the nitrate content of the water. Suitable for all ornamental sh.

6. Natural Food
E.g. TetraDelica Tetra offers sun or freeze-dried aquatic microorganisms that complete perfectly the diet of your sh. Red gnat larvae, daphnia, brine shrimps and krill are an extraordinary diet supplement. Your sh will be grateful to you for enriching their diet.

3. Granules
E.g. TetraMin Granules Granules oat slowly to the bottom and can be easily assimilated by the sh.

7. Sticks
e.g. TetraCichlid Sticks These high-quality sticks suit are especially recommended for feeding larger sh like cichlids.

4. Tablets and wafers

E.g. Tetra TabiMin For all ornamental sh living near the bottom such as catsh, loach or barbs skimming the bottom. Since tablets and wafers sink immediately to the bottom, the feeding place can be targeted directly.

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Meal Time!
The food whose ingredients satisfy the specic requirements of sh makes an essential contribution to their health.

TetraMin Crisps With TetraMin Crisps Tetra research has succeeded in developing a new generation of foods. It is the result of an absolutely new production process, which, thanks to the unique low-temperature production process, preserves those ingredients that are essential for life. These crisps offer an optimal protein/ fat ratio that makes the food easily digestible and reduces tank waste. The regular use of TetraMin Crisps reduces the content of nitrate in the tank and prevents the growth of algae. TetraMin Granules TetraMin granules offer a fast soaking time and the typical consistency of Tetra granules. TetraMin MiniGranules Staple food in granules designed especially for small ornamental sh like tetra and barbs - for a wholesome and balanced diet and natural growth. TetraMin Baby This staple food for ornamental sh fry up to 1 cm in length is especially rich in precious proteins and favors a healthy growth during the important phase of upbringing. TetraMin Mini Junior A special food for growing fry longer than 1 cm. It suits perfectly the nutritional requirements of fry and favors their healthy growth.
*Europ. Patent No. EP 0848592 B1

All the staple foods of the TetraMin family are now even better and more wholesome thanks to the patented BioActive* formula. This new formula carefully combines balanced immune stimulators and premium energy sources with vitamins precious for life. It is proven that it actively improves their resistance and vital body functions. All TetraMin foods are a guarantee of long and healthy sh life. TetraMin is the rst industrially manufactured food in akes in the world and it is still today the food most given to ornamental sh in the world. And now this original product is even more valuable thanks to the patented BioActive* formula. It contains more than 40 premium raw materials and it boosts the vitality of your sh, actively improves their body functions and it is proven to strengthen their resistance.
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TetraMin Weekend These sticks provide the necessary supply of vital nutrients during the weekend or on holidays. TetraMin Weekend Food Sticks are easy to dose and features a rich content of vital minerals and proteins. TetraMin Holiday Gel-based Holiday food for all tropical ornamental sh. Patented formula contains tasty Daphnia, essential vitamines, trace elements and minerals. The aquarium water does not become cloudy. TetraMin Holiday proviedes healthy nutrition for 14 days.

supply of all of the essential nutrients that your sh need plus high-value fats, special carotenoids or concentrated spirulina algae. Thanks to the concentrated inner core your sh can get a nutrient staple food plus an important extra with every bite. All of our crisps are produced with the unique patented Tetra low-temperature preservation process. This preservation process optimizes the protein/fat ratio of our Multi-Crisps, makes it possible to utilize optimally their energy content and assures an optimal digestibility. If used regularly, it reduces tank waste and the nitrate content and hence improves the water quality as a whole. TetraPro The premium food for healthy and lively sh. The Crisps mix contains an energetic crisp with a concentrated content of nutrients. Precious Omega-3 fatty acids provide extra energy, while the natural proteins build vigorous muscles. The staple food for an extra portion of energy and growth. TetraPro Colour The premium food for enhanced colors. These new Multi-Crisps have a rich content of carotenoids and enliven the natural colors of your sh. Its color-enlivening effects can already be seen after two weeks. TetraPro Vegetable The premium food for extra resistance. These new Multi-Crisps contain concentrated spirulina algae. The healthy vital substances of spirulina algae are very easy to digest and improve the resistance and vitality of your sh.

The Innovative Tetra Premium Food with a High Nutritional Value

These Multi-Crisps are a staple food plus a special supplement for your ornamental sh. This unique combination provides a targeted
These TetraPro foods assure an extra boost to the vitality, colors and resistance of your sh.

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Let your sh have a taste

The various sh species in a social aquarium have special demands when it comes nutrition. Tetra research has developed a variety of foods that suit perfectly the most varied eating habits and nutritional demands of sh. TetraRubin TetraRubin enlivens naturally the colors of your sh. It is a complete food containing natural substances that enliven colors. TetraPhyll TetraPhyll was developed specically for sh that eat plants. This premium complete food contains a wide variety of vegetable raw materials that favor the digestion of plant-eating sh. TetraCichlid The staple food for large cichlids in the form of oating sticks - rich in proteins. Tetra TabiMin Optimum, targeted and varied food for ornamental sh that live near the bottom of the aquarium, e.g. Catsh, Loaches and bottomfeeding Barbs. Thanks to the tablet form, you can determine the exact feeding location, allowing even timid sh to be well fed. TetraDiskus The color, form and recipe of this food was adapted to the specic nutritional requirements of Discus sh.

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Tetra PlecoMin Greenstuff tablets containing spirulina algae. Ideally suited to the requirements of herbivorous Catsh and sucking Loaches. TetraPleco Wafers Stable, wafer-shaped staple food for herbivorous catsh (such as Ancistrus, Plecostomus and L-Catsh), corresponding to the natural eating habits of catsh. TetraWafer Mix This staple food mix, consisting of green (with valuable spirulina algae) and brown wafers, is especially suitable for all carnivorous and herbivorous bottom-feeding sh and crustaceans.

Feed sparingly
Seeing sh as they eat every day is always a marvelous show. Feed sparingly - even if it is difcult - and give just as much as the sh can eat in a few minutes. These portions are easier to digest for your sh and avoid overfeeding. The food in excess decomposes in the water and damages its quality. If you feed your sh every day at the same time and in the same place, they will soon be eating straight from your hand. The daily feeding time is a good opportunity to watch sh. Feeding is very fun if you use TetraTips adhesive food tablets that you can apply to the wall of your aquarium. The sh will immediately ock to the aquarium wall to eat the food. These adhesive food tablets are made of a balanced mix of premium special akes and top-quality freeze-dried raw materials like freshwater shrimp, brine shrimp, water eas and gnat larvae.

Nutzen Sie das vielfltige Angebot an Zusatz- und Ergnzungsfutter, denn so fttern Sie ganz gezielt zustzliche gesunde Leckerbissen und knnen artspezische Ansprche optimal erfllen.

Tetra-Tip Fish quickly become friendly if they are fed regularly. Already after a short period of time the sh swim directly to their feeding spot and wait for the food.

True Delicacies Fish love Tetra FreshDelica. Soon your sh will literally start eating straight from your hands. Our jelly food rich in nutrients available in three different varieties with brine shrimps, red gnat larvae and daphnia is enriched with precious vitamins, oligo-elements, proteins and fats. Tetra FreshDelica has much higher nutritional value compared to akes and it does not contain any preservatives. The jelly is not soluble in water

Irresistible for sh: Tetra FreshDelica and its three varieties.

Treats
and it can be eaten completely by sh. It does not cloud or pollute the aquarium water. While akes may contain bacteria and pathogens, Tetra FreshDelica is absolutely sterile. Thanks to the practical single portions, it is very easy to handle and it is an ideal snack every and now. Your sh will enjoy this special treat!
TetraDelica - For the gourmets among your sh.

Gourmethappen Tetra offers a whole series of treats and special foods for your sh. They are a nice change to your shs menu and provide the extra nutrients that your sh need in a targeted way. TetraDelica is a healthy supplement and a true treat for your sh that offers whole aquatic microorganisms: daphnia, brine shrimps, krill and red gnat larvae. TetraDelica food is delicately sun or freeze-dried so that every treat preserves all of the nutritional value of natural food. TetraDelica is an ideal supplement for Tetras well-tried foods and offers a diversied food suitable for all species. Your sh will be grateful to you by showing a new vitality and health.

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Goldsh food
Of course, TetraAniMin goldsh food with BioActive formula suits not only goldsh, but also for other coldwater sh. TetraAniMin comes in several different varieties: akes that suit perfectly the needs of your sh, oating food sticks for greater vitality and resistance, granules with natural substances capable of enlivening colors to bring out the colors of your sh in all their beauty as well as crisps for improved nutrient exploitation, guaranteeing improved utilization of the food. TetraAniMin Weekend takes care of your goldsh at weekends and when you go on vacation. TetraAniMin makes feeding even more fun.

The careful blend of Tetra foods improves the well-being, vitality and defenses of your sh.

Food for sea sh

Sea sh do not require too much experience and care, but they have different needs compared to freshwater sh when it comes to their diet. For this reason Tetra offers the TetraMarine food series, a range of products that suits specically the needs of sea sh. TetraMarine contains many raw materials of sea origin like algae and small crabs that your sea sh will denitely enjoy. The stabilized vitamin C found in the food strengthens the shs defenses, favors a healthy growth and

prevents nutritional deciencies. Thanks to its capacity to sink slowly TetraMarine Granules or TetraMarine Mini Granules is suitable for all medium and large-sized sea sh like Damselsh, Clownsh, Wrass or Cardinalsh. All other small to large sea sh can enjoy TetraMarine Flakes or XL Flakes.
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Water Care
Innovation
Keeping a professional aquarium means imitating natures processes as closely as possible. The lter cleans the water in the aquarium but provides also for the balance of all of the main water values. Regular maintenance of the water is a must for any aquarium owner! Since the development of Tetra EasyBalance you can now choose
Tetra EasyBalance reduces the number of times you need to change the water of your aquarium and keeps it biologically healthy.

It neutralizes all of the hazardous substances in the water like chlorine and heavy metals. Long-term water care with Tetra EasyBalance Instead of changing the water partially every two weeks, you can reduce the number of times you change the water with Tetra EasyBalance. Thanks to EasyBalance all of the important water values are maintained in a perfect balance appropriate for the sh and plants of your aquarium. It effectively stabilizes the waters pH and CH values - it prevents a dangerous drop in the acidity - eliminates phosphates and nitrates and blocks the growth of algae. Thanks to its regular use you can keep the water of your aquarium biologically healthy for up to 6 months. Attention: The use of AquaSafe is important also for preparing tap water!

from two options: Regular changing of the water Change 20 - 30 % of the water with fresh water every 2 weeks. Add Tetra AquaSafe to the tap water to make it t for your sh.

with Tetra EasyBallance Untreated Aquarium

Nitrate mg/l

Thanks to Tetra EasyBalance you can prevent the proliferation of algae and increase your waters buffering capacity.

Tetra Information
CH (dH)

Phosphate mg/l

When using Tetra EasyBalance, it is important that your aquarium is in a good starting condition. This is the only way to achieve optimal water care with EasyBalance. Make sure that the lter works and the aquarium is well aerated.

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Weeks without changing water

With the Tetratec GS Glass Scraper you can clean the walls of your aquarium in no time at all.

If the aquarium water is muddy

Dead plant parts, food remains and sh excrements are visible signs of water soiling. The decomposition of these organic wastes produces noxious substances in the water that you cannot see. The lter makes sure that these particles are ltered mechanically and eliminated from the aquarium. A good lter substrate offers plenty of space for useful lter bacteria that are dissolved also in the water and which break down biologically contaminants containing nitrogen. The Tetratec Komfort IN Inner Filter plus is a double guarantee for water quality: its mechanical ltering action eliminates the visible particles while the biological ltering breaks down the invisible decomposition products. The lter cartridges capture the contaminant particles in the course of time. Clean the cartridges regularly when you change the water by washing them in the aquarium water removed. This way they can maintain their ltering capacity without harming the vital microorganisms in the lter cartridges. Never use detergents or hot tap water in any case whatsoever. It would kill the bacteria cultures. However, despite the ltering and regular partial change of the water the larger soiling particles - mulm - deposits on the bottom and in the corners of the aquarium. Its absolutely normal and there is no reason to worry. But this mulm makes the aquarium cloudy and blurry in the long run. You should clean the bottom every now and then. Tetra offers a complete range of bottom cleaners specically developed for the purpose and to be used while performing the partial change of the water.
Tetra Bactozym favors the build-up of useful lter bacteria after every change of the water.

Tetra CrystalWater binds oating clouding particles that are removed from the water by ltration.

The all-in-one talent: Partial water change and bottom cleaning in a single step with the Tetratec GC Komfort Gravel Cleaner.

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Plants, too, are living organisms that require specic conditions to thrive and prosper. Only care can create a splendid underwater garden.

Tetra PlantaMin: Leaf fertilizer for lush green aquatic plants - with active iron.

Water Plants
Tetra Crypto: For intensive root formation and a healthy substrate environment.

Water plants are not only beautiful, but they are also important for the aquariums biological balance. Decomposition of contaminants Water plants absorb a part of the substances like nitrates that contaminate the water for their own growth. However, plants can manage to consume only a certain quantity of nitrate as a nutrient. If the nitrate content exceeds certain tolerance values, it can even harm the plants. Oxygen Production Aquatic plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis. If they do not have the adequate amount of

Tetra InitialSticks: For substrate activation - with important plant nutrients.

Tetra CompleteSubstrate: The ready-to-use substrate concentrate plus effective long-term fertilizer.

light, nutrients and carbon dioxide, plants do not grow properly and the waters oxygen content drops. The consequences are an increased contamination of the water, poorer living conditions for sh and plants and a dangerous lack of oxygen for the sh. Taking proper care of plants is essential. Tetra has developed Tetra for this specic purpose: it is a plant care system that suits the specic needs of aquatic plants. Water plants absorb nutrients through their leaves and roots. For this purpose Tetra offers special root and leaf fertilizers that complement each other perfectly.

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When planting and replanting, Tetra PlantaStart helps improve the plants ability to grow roots and strengthens growth with the aid of a valuable plant hormone.

No need to worry about algae

An excessive growth of algae is always a sign that the biological balance in the aquarium has been altered. This is due to various factors. Three areas responsible for this phenomenon can be identied: poor water quality, incorrect lighting conditions and scarce or incorrect fertilization. The best way to ght algae is prevention. Check the number of sh in your aquarium critically. Many or large sh rapidly soil the water. Feed the sh in your aquarium to three times a day at the most one with small portions. The food should be eaten completely by the sh in a few minutes, as food remains are a source of nutrients for algae. A factor which is often underestimated is the quality of

the food you use. Low-quality and cheap foods are often poorly digested and hence lead to an intense contamination of the water. Use only brand products such as, for instance, TetraMin Crisps, because it favors a substantial reduction in the waters contamination with nitrates and phosphates. If algae gain the upper hand, you must take fast and targeted action. Tetra offers a series of effective anti-algae agents.

Tetra AlgiMin* is a liquid anti-algae agent with a delicate biological effect. Tetra Algetten* are perfect for a long-term preventive treatment. Thanks to the slow rise in the concentration of the active agents, it has an extremely mild long-term action. Tetra Algizit* is an effective anti-algae agent with an intense and targeted action. If used as an emergency brake, Algizit puts an immediate stop to algae proliferation. Tetra AlgoStop depot* is a highly active anti-algae agent to combat brush and thread algae.

*Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

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A well-cared aquarium can be recognized from clear water, lively plants and healthy sh.

Fish diseases
In a well-cared aquarium sh diseases fortunately occur very rarely. Should your sh fall ill anyway, it is no catastrophe, because Tetra offers a range of extremely effective medicines for your sh. Well-advised and fast action plus the aid of these medicines can almost always avoid the worst. It is especially important for newcomers to the world of aquariums to know that most sh diseases are the result of poor maintenance conditions. The best way to prevent illnesses is prevention through professional aquarium care. There is no need to be an expert - just follow these easy care instructions for perfect prevention.
Tetra-Tip Fish, too, suffer from stress, which makes them vulnerable to illnesses. Avoid the following stress factors: -poor water quality -over-occupied tanks -poor nutritional variety -temperature variations -combination of incompatible species -stress after being caught and transported

The Tetratec UV Sterilizer reduces the number of pathogenic germs in the aquarium water.

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Preventive Measures
Food Fish need top-quality foods. Only if the food contains all of the necessary nutrients and vitamins in the right quantity and blend can sh be healthy. Low quality foods weaken the overall conditions of the sh in the long run and contaminate the water. Water Water is the vital element of sh. Water ltering, the partial change of water and the proper preparation of the water are measures that are absolutely essential for your aquarium. Without regular care for the water of your aquarium it cannot work. Plants Lush aquatic plants play important functions in the aquarium. Whoever takes care of his plants takes care also of the environment and prevents illnesses. Water Tests Almost every disturbance to the biological balance reects itself in the water values. Thanks to Tetratest Water Tests you can check precisely the quality and stress on your aquarium water at any time. Diagnosis Daily health check-ups are very important. Watch your sh and check that they are behaving normally. Check also for the typical signs of an illness like rubbing, breathing problems, frayed ns or wounds.

Even the secretions from single specimens and signs of lethargy indicate illnesses. Medicines Should your sh fall ill despite your preventive measures, Tetra offers a complete range of effective medicines against the most frequent sh diseases. All TetraMedica medicines are to be added to the aquarium water. Tetratec UV Sterilizer You can obtain a preventive effect against illnesses by using the Tetratec UV 400 Sterilizer. Thanks to the UV C radiations inside the device pathogenic germs are substantially reduced in the water. When administering medicines the UV 400 should be switched off.

TetraMedica GeneralTonic - effective against bacterial and parasitic illnesses.

TetraMedica ContraIck - against ich and ectoparasitic illnesses.

TetraMedica FungiStop - helps against external infections caused by fungi and bacteria.

TetraMedica GyroTox combats gill ukes and skin ukes.

TetraMedica MarinOopharm - wide-spectrum medicament for ornamental seawater sh.

TetraMedica GoldOomed - Wide-spectrum action in treating ill goldsh and coldwater sh.

TetraMedica HexaEx combats Hexamita, Spironucleus (holein-the-head disease) and other agellata in the intestines, particularly in cichlids.

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Arzneimittel

Panzenpege

Futter

AquaArt Aquarien Technik & Zubehr

Wassertest

Wasserpege

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Well matched!

AquaSafe and TetraMin: A strong team for healthy water and sh.

Your specialized dealer:

Tetra GmbH Herrenteich 78 D-49324 Melle Fo F For o or r mo m more ore i information: nf n nfo fo or rma mat ti ion: ww www.tetra.net ww. w te tetr tra. tr a.n net ne www.tetra.net

Mat.-Nr. T063744 ENG 03/2009 M