The world of aquariums

with sera Biotop Cubes

42/11US

Like a dream

For natural aquariums

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06.11.2012 13:16:07

sera Biotop Nano Cube 60 (No. 1)

Small aquariums can also benet very much from a beautifully
designed articial background. The aquarium will resemble a
natural environment if you repeat the background design elements, roots in this case, in other places inside the aquarium.
A setup with many plants that remain small provides plenty of

Fish

No.

Espes Rasbora
(Trigonostigma espei)

15

High Fin Variatus Platy

(Xiphophorus variatus)

10

swimming space for the sh and allows for unique insights in

the shoaling behavior of the Espes Rasboras kept here. The
wonderful coloration of the Variatus Platies becomes particularly well visible in this aquarium.

Plants, Decoration
1 Stone with Spiky moss
2 Rorippa aquatica

No.
3
2

Aponogeton
longiplumulosus

Echinodorus horemanii
Red

3
4

1
1

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sera Biotop Nano Cube 60 (No. 2)

A miniature garden in the aquarium? Why not! You can easily create a small path in the aquarium with a rock boundary or
with different bottom materials. A root will make an excellent
tree, and small leaved plants provide a beautiful plant thicket.

Fish

No.

Ember Tetra
(Hyphessobrycon amandae)

10

Panda Cory
(Corydoras panda)

Endlers Guppy
(Poecilia wingei)

15

You can provide the sh a mixture of hideaways and free areas

this way. The natural behavior of the sh can be excellently observed. This little underwater garden will delight you over and
over again.

Plants
1 Microsorium pteropus

No.
1

2 Alternanthera reineckii

3 Cryptocoryne nevillii

4 Bacopa caroliniana

5 Lilaeopsis novae zealandiae

Cryptocoryne sp.
Green Gecko

8 Rotala indica

2
4

Echinodorus x
7
Red October

5
5

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sera Biotop Nano Cube 60 (No. 3)

Due to its most prominent inhabitants, two Shell Dwelling Cichlid pairs, this tank is set up like a habitat from Lake Tanganyika
in Africa. If you wish to watch the special behavior of the Shell
Dwelling Cichlids you should by all means put some empty
snail shells into the aquarium. The sh immediately move into

Fish
Shell Dwelling Cichlid
(Neolamprologus ocellatus)

No.
2
2

Golden Tuxedo Comet Platy

(Xiphophorus maculatus)

Red Diamond Molly

(Poecilia latipinna)

10

suitable snail shells, and with a little luck you can even watch
them raising fry. The colorful Platies and Mollies provide some
color in the aquarium and live together with the Shell Dwelling
Cichlids peacefully.

Plants, Decoration
1 Bolbitis heudelotii

No.
1

Stone with
Anubias barteri var. nana

Stone with
Taxiphyllum spec.

4 Cryptocoryne wendtii

1
3

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sera Biotop Nano Cube 60 (No. 4)

Very densely planted aquariums, so-called Dutch style planted
aquariums, are excellently suitable for people with a green
thumb. Different plant colors and leaf shapes provide contrast.

Fish

No.

Serpae Tetra
(Hyphessobrycon eques)

10

Neon Rainbowsh
(Melanotaenia praecox)

Midget Sucker Catsh

(Otocinclus afnis)
Dwarf Gourami, cobalt blue
(Colisa lalia)

5
1
1

The selection of calm and sociable sh such as Serpae Tetras,

Rainbowsh and Dwarf Gouramis support the natural calm
appearance of this aquarium.

Plants

No.

1 Microsorium pteropus

Ludwigia spec.
2
Burgundy Red

3 Hygrophila difformis

4 Cryptocoryne lucens

5 Lobelia cardinalis

6 Nymphaea lotus Red

7 Lilaeopsis novae zealandiae

1
7

7
6

4
5

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sera Biotop Nano Cube 60 (No. 5)

A beautifully structured aquarium such as this one provides the
correct living environment for every inhabitant. While Guppies
mainly dwell in the upper tank regions and require sufcient
space there, Silver-Tipped Tetras prefer planted edges they

can retreat into if they wish to. The Dainty Corydoras can be
observed particularly well while searching for food in free
bottom areas, e.g. on the chipped shale zone in this case. All
species kept in this tank prefer clean water rich in oxygen.

Fish

No.

Leopard Redtail Guppy

(Poecilia reticulata)

Plants, Decoration
1 Bacopa caroliniana

10

Dainty Corydoras
(Corydoras habrosus)

Silver-Tipped Tetra
(Hasemania nana)

10

4 Hemianthus callitrichoides

No.
1

2 Echinodorus latifolius

Root with
Vesicularia dubyana

2
2

4
4

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sera Biotop Nano Cube 60 (No. 6)

The livebearing Guppies are among the most popular ornamental sh due to their active swimming behavior and their
splendid colors. Their special trait of giving birth to live babies

Fish

No.

Celebes Rainbowsh
(Telmatherina ladigesi)

10

Amano Shrimp
(Caridina japonica)

makes this aquarium very exciting also for children. The added
Amano shrimps are grateful scavengers and also take care of
undesirable algae.

Plants
1 Lobelia cardinalis

No.
2

Cabomba spec.
Silver Green

Neon Blue Guppy

(Poecilia reticulata)

Metallic Flame Guppy

(Poecilia reticulata)

3 Lilaeopsis novae zealandiae

4 Cryptocoryne lucens

5 Eleocharis parva

2
1
3

3
1

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sera Biotop Nano Cube 60 (No. 7)

This small aquarium also prots very much from a beautifully
designed background. Using background design elements
such as, in this case, stones and roots also in the remaining
tank setup will make the tank appear as if cut out of nature.
South American Buttery Cichlids and African Killish live together in this aquarium. Although these sh originate from difFish

No.

Buttery Cichlid
(Microgeophagus ramirezi)

Cape Lopez Lyretail/Killish

(Aphyosemion australe)

ferent regions they have the same requirements concerning

their environment. Both species prefer an aquarium set up with
stones, roots and plants that allow hiding. Both species also
require free space for swimming. The water should be rather
soft (total hardness lower than 10dH) for keeping these two
species.
Plants, Decoration
1 Vallisneria spiralis
2

Root with
Vesicularia dubyana

No.
2

3 Stone with Riccia uitans

4 Echinodorus ozelot

5 Cryptocoryne parva

5
5

5
4

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sera Biotop Nano Cube 60 (No. 8)

A terraced setup is easy to create in an aquarium and provides it with an impression of depth. Therefore, plants should
be arranged in a way that small species are planted in the foreground and tall ones in the background. Rocks and/or roots
can ideally be added to this plant arrangement. Fish with

Fish

No.

Dwarf Gourami
(Colisa lalia)

1
1

Golden Tuxedo Platy

(Xiphophorus maculatus)

Blue Emperor Tetra

(Inpaichthys kerri)

10

Red Mickey Mouse Platy

(Xiphophorus maculatus)

intense colors, such as the Platies in this case, make an attractive contrast in aquariums exclusively planted with green
plants. Dark bottom gravel as well as a black background ideally enhance the colors of the bluish, shimmering Blue Emperor
Tetras.

Plants
1 Ceratophyllum demersum

No.
1

2 Lilaeopsis novae zealandiae

3 Echinodorus bolivianus

2
1

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sera Biotop Nano Cube 60 (No. 9)

The orange bottom gravel is in this case a color highlight. Less
colorful sh such as Dawn Tetras from Paraguay, which shimmer with many facets, have been selected for enhancing the

color effects. This sh is particularly impressive when kept in a

beautiful shoal. Dawn Tetras may even breed in an aquarium,
proper maintenance provided.

Fish

No.

Agassizs Dwarf Cichlid

(Apistogramma agassizii)

1
1

1 Rotala indica

Plants, Decoration

No.
1

2 Root with Spiky moss

Dawn Tetra
(Aphyocharax paraguayensis)

15

3 Hemianthus callitrichoides

Neon Rainbowsh
(Melanotaenia praecox)

2
2

4 Crinum calamistratum

5 Cryptocoryne wendtii

6 Eleocharis parva

4
6

2
5
3

10

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sera Biotop Cube 130 XXL (No. 1)

You will have great, unobstructed view at your sh. This can be
achieved by mainly doing without tall growing plants. Structural
elements such as a beautiful root provide optical balance. This
root will have a very lively and enlivening appearance if it is
planted. Watching the sh and their splendid coloration is now

particularly enjoyable. Livebearing orange Platies, colorful

Rainbowfish, a shoal of bright red Serpae Tetras and the
Gouramis with their individual character will provide you new
experiences again and again.

Fish

No.

Fish

No.

Agassizs Dwarf Cichlid

(Apistogramma agassizii)

2
2

Lake Ajamaru Rainbowsh

(Melanotaenia boesemani)

2
2

Plants, Decoration
1 Ceratophyllum demersum

No.
1

2 Micranthemum umbrosum

Midget Sucker Catsh

(Otocinclus afnis)

10

Blue Gourami
(Trichogaster trichopterus)

1
1

Root with
3
Anubias barteri Bonsai

Serpae Tetra
(Hyphessobrycon eques)

15

4 Lilaeopsis brasiliensis

11

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sera Biotop Cube 130 XXL (No. 2)

Correct plant selection allows you to create unbelievable depth
effect with the sera Biotop Cube 130 XXL, which will lead to
new discoveries again and again. When choosing the animals
we made sure that a sh or shrimp species is added for every
water zone (surface, middle layers, bottom). The tank will be
evenly inhabited this way, and there will be no ghting among
Fish

No.

Bleeding Heart Tetra

15
(Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)

the animals. This aquarium setup will provide you with an

impressing, fascinating underwater world.
Plants, Decoration

No.

Root with
1
Microsorium pteropus

2 Heteranthera zosterifolia

3 Limnophila aquatica

No.
1
Red Lyra Molly
(Poecilia sphenops Lyra Red) 2

4 Echinodorus x Red Devil

Echinodorus x
5
Regine Hildebrandt

6 Rorippa aquatica

7 Echinodorus latifolius

8 Eleocharis acicularis

9 Micranthemum umbrosum

10 Pogostemon helferi

11 Eleocharis parva

Fish

Silver Molly
(Poecilia sphenops)

1
2

Amano Shrimp
(Caridina japonica)

15

Yellow Tuxedo Helleri

(Xiphophorus helleri)

1
2

Buttery Cichlid
(Microgeophagus ramirezi)

1
4

7
8

8
11

11

11
11 11

10
10

12

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sera Biotop Cube 130 XXL (No. 3)

Goldsh aquariums have a special appeal due to the large,
beautiful and actively swimming goldsh. Unfortunately, these
aquariums got a bad reputation due to inappropriate keeping
conditions in so-called Goldsh bowls. The sera Biotop Cube
130 XXL now nally allows keeping these interesting and fast
companion according to their requirements. Goldsh develop
Fish
Fancy Goldsh that remain
small (e.g. Ryukin, Red Cap)

their own personality like no other sh species, convincing

everybody with their charming personality. Different breeding
forms ensure a large selection of very beautiful sh. Goldsh
are considered very easy-to-keep pets and belong to the
coldwater sh. They therefore do not require a heater in their
aquarium.

No.

Plants, Decoration

No.

Root with
1
Vesicularia dubyana

2 Lilaeopsis brasiliensis

3 Rotala indica

4 Sagittaria pusilla

5 Nymphaea lotus

6 Cryptocoryne nevillii

7 Alternanthera reineckii

7
2

7
6

2
2

3
4

5
4

13

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sera siporax for crystal clear water

in freshwater and marine aquariums
as well as in pond filters
sera siporax Professional is the highly effective fully biological lter
medium for all internal, external and trickle lters in freshwater and
marine aquariums as well as for pond lters.
The structure of sera siporax Professional is open pored, three dimensional and functional. This structure allows the formation of very
powerful biolms that grow into the pores and cover their walls. The
pores provide the ideal size for ensuring water currents and bacteria
being supplied in the long run. The biolm even breaks down nitrate
(denitrication) in the deep zones of the pore structure where oxygen
levels are lower.

sera siporax mini

Professional
130 g (4.5 oz.)
270 g (9.5 oz.)

Not only nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria grow within the biolm of
sera siporax Professional, but also those that break down organic
matter. Dying bacteria therefore do not clog the pores but are broken down biologically. The biolm grows and shrinks according to
water pollution, and so adapts to the requirements. sera siporax
Professional is therefore the only lter material that cleans itself
biologically.

sera siporax
Professional

Due to the special pore structure, sera siporax Professional develops its own ideal water current. This allows using it in fast ow, slow
ow and trickle lters.

500 ml (145 g/5.1 oz.),

1,000 ml (290 g/10.2 oz.),
10 l (2.9 kg/6.4 lb.),
50 l (14.5 kg/32 lb.)

NO3-

Pore structure on the surface

Pore structure on the inside

Inner surface settled by bacteria

lms

Three dimensional
tunnel structure

NH+4
NH 3

NO2-

sera filter biostart

sera lter biostart immediately accelerates the biological lter performance. Sludge
and unpleasant odors will no
longer occur. The enzymes
break down organic material
(uneaten food, sh waste) into
smaller fragments. These are
then broken down further by
the highly active micro organisms in the lter.

14

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Best water quality

with sera

Advantages:
Immediately added sh are protected
Less algae growth
Less water changes
sera aquatan: Fish friendly, crystal clear water in
freshwater and marine aquariums
sera aquatan with the new sera Bio-Protect Formula immediately conditions tap water to sh friendly fresh and marine
water. The sh feel visibly better in the healthy, clear water
according to their natural requirements. Aquarium maintenance
thus requires less efforts, and the hobby is more enjoyable.

chlorine level (mg/l)

sera toxivec: Less water changes

sera toxivec immediately eliminates chlorine, chloramines,
ammonium, ammonia, nitrite, and it prevents nitrate formation.
Treatment remainders are broken down. sera toxivec with the
innovative QuickClean Formula thus removes all dangerous
pollutants from the aquarium water.

zero chlorine
with sera toxivec
6

40

80

120

time (min.)

160

200

160

200

quick ammonium binding

with sera toxivec
ammonium level (mg/l)

It is essential for sh that an efcient lter system keeps the

water in the aquarium clean and balanced. The water conditioner maintains water parameters in the aquarium suitable for
sh, and an effective protectant removes chlorine, nitrite and
ammonia.

2
1

40

80

120

time (min.)

sera toxivec
competitor 1
competitor 2

sera toxivec

50 ml (1.7 .oz.), 100 ml (3.38 .oz.),

250 ml (8.45 .oz.), 500 ml (16.9 .oz.),
2,500 ml (2.5 US qt.), 5,000 ml (1.3 US gal.)

sera aquatan

50 ml (1.7 .oz.), 100 ml (3.38 .oz.),

250 ml (8.45 .oz.), 500 ml (16.9 .oz.),
2,500 ml (2.5 US qt.), 5,000 ml (1.3 US gal.)

Advantages:
Trouble-free sh transport due to the pH neutral sera Formula
Splendid colors and liveliness due to iodine
Mucous membrane and gill protection due to skin protecting colloids
Enzyme activation by magnesium for healthy
sh growth
Less stress and nerve system support due
to vitamin B
Does not change the pH value, even in
case of overdosing
Heavy metals are immediately bound
Immediate removal of aggressive chlorine

pH value neutrality at KH 0
6,8
6,6
6,4
6,2
6,0
5,8
5,6

normal
dosage

double
dosage

5-fold
dosage

Copper removal
1,0
0,8
0,6

sera bio nitrivec: Biologically healthy

aquarium water
sera bio nitrivec, a sera biotechnology
product, breaks down ammonium and nitrite
due to the included purication bacteria.
The added mineral volcanic rock removes
pollutants, effectively binds cloudiness and
provides settling space for the purication
bacteria. Calcium, potassium and magnesium are deposited in the volcanic rock
indispensable minerals that are constantly
consumed in an aquarium. For healthy, clear
and biologically active water.

0,4
0,2
0

after 5 minutes
sera aquatan
competitor 1
competitor 2

sera bio nitrivec

50 ml (1.7 .oz.), 100 ml (3.38 .oz.),

250 ml (8.45 .oz.), 500 ml (16.9 .oz.),
2,500 ml (2.5 US qt.), 5,000 ml (1.3 US gal.)

15

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Relax with

7 Biotope aquarium!
Dive into an exotic underwater world! Enjoy a little
adventure at home and forget the dull routine of everyday life!
sera makes it as convenient as possible for you: The
integrated technology and good advice make
everything very easy: it never before required such
little effort to maintain an aquarium.
Aquariums have to perform from the beginning!
This is one of our guiding principles, and we have
indeed worked intensely on this concept. Not only
on our Cube aquariums be it with newest LED
illumination technology or with uorescent tubes!
Our Nano Cube aquarium is bigger because it exceeds the requirements outlined in an animal protection
expertise of the German Federal Ministry of Food,
Agriculture and Consumer Protection.
Be it 60 liters (16 US gal.) or 130 liters (34 US gal.): The
sera Cubes provide more space for real small biotopes.
In cooperation with ornamental fish wholesaler and
breeder Peter Merz from Heinsberg/Germany, the sera
research department has developed 12 different biotopes: recommended animals were chosen according to
the aquarium sizes. There will be no stress, since not all
species harmonize with each other! The quantities the
selection of sh and plant species is well balanced. This
supports a natural equilibrium and stable conditions in
the aquarium.

Low-maintenance shkeeping is fun!

Biotope Aquariums by sera.

42/11US

Printed in Germany

7 GmbH D 52518 Heinsberg Germany

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06.11.2012 13:16:02