OBTAIN CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER, CONTROLLING THE BIOLOGICAL CYCLE,

WITH CONCENTRATED PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM Labo-Fish^®

INTRODUCTION:

A visible aquarium, with healthy plants and fish, requires the best water conditions. This can be obtained using concentrated products available from Labo-Fish^®, and an adequate control of filtration, light and temperature.

THE BIOLOGICAL CYCLE:

Fish constantly excrete urea and ammonia therefore the nitrifying bacteria with good oxygenation transform these into NO2, and then later into nitrate (NO3) less toxic than NO2 and fertilizer for the plants.

To maintain acceptable concentrations of these elements, renew a third of the aquarium's water every 15-20 days, previously conditioned with SUPER-AQUA.

WATER CLARITY:

Fertilize with NITRO-CICLO for better growth of bacteria and quick clarification of the water.

Equally, you must clean the filters and sand, however not completely, to conserve the stocks of bacteria. Finish by adding AQUA-PUR, to reduce the majority of mud and nitrates, therefore renewing the flora of bacteria.

PLANTS & NUTRIENTS:

As the biological cycle already produces nitrates and phosphates, GREEN-LIFE provides other nutrients (iron and trace elements) in soluble form, which optimizes the development of plants. Can be used each week or when changing the water in the aquarium or tank.

THE PH & GH:

Each fish in its own natural environment is adapted to its own PH (degree of acidity) and GH (Calcium and Magnesium content). Adjust these parameters initially and check that the levels are maintained within tolerance. Biological activity decreases the PH thus use PH+ to adjust PH after changing the water, or use the PH- if the water is alkaline.

FUNGI, SKIN PARASITES, ALGAE:

Fish contract a variety of illnesses that dirty the skin with stains or white dots due to bacteria, fungi or protozoan, sometimes combined. To prevent this, especially when introducing new fish to the aquarium, use ANTI-HONGOS Y ALGAS in simple doses. These products also slow down the growth of algae and are well tolerated for plants. Nevertheless, don't forget that fighting the algae is better achieved biologically by of sucking algae fish, such as plecostomus.

OTHER QUESTIONS:

You can review the pages about "PH & GH" and "illnesses" to obtain further related information.

PRODUCT DOSES, PRECAUTIONS:

Are concentrated, with identical doses used with liquids. 1 ml for each 10 l of water, for example :

- A capful per 50 l (125 ml container)

- A capful per 30 l (50 ml container)

- 2 drops per 1 l (both containers)

The risk of accidental consumption is minimal as the products taste awful and are not caustic. Note: Keep out of the reach of small children, especially the ANTI-HONGOS Y ALGAS (with red caps) which contain Copper.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:

ANTI-CLORO (liquid)

Neutralize the chlorine, and provides electrolytes. Use: Calculate and add the dose of 2 drops per liter of new water.

SUPER-AQUA (liquid)

Neutralize the chlorine, contains anti-stress minerals, vitamins, mucus protector and electrolytes. Use: Calculate the doses depending on the amount of new water (to use the product as anti-chloride), or depending on the total volume of water in the aquarium (to use the product as a conditioner).

NITRO-CICLO (liquid)

Clarifies the water (favoring the establishment of the biological cycle) because of its contribution of nutrients for bacteria. Use: When assembling the aquarium, when changing the water, or when better transparency needs to be obtained.

AQUA-PUR (granulated)

Reduces fungi and nitrates in the aquarium or pond. Use: Applied to the filter or the sand, after cleaning.

GREEN-LIFE (liquid)

Provides nutrients, iron and trace elements to develop equilibrium and leafy plants. Also beneficial for the fish. Use: Once a week, or when changing the water each 15-20 days.

ANTI-HONGAS Y ALGAS (liquid)

Combats (effectively) the fungi and skin parasites and slows down the growth of algae. Use: Respect the recommended doses and duration of treatment indicated on the label. Use one dose for prevention purposes. As for curing purposes, use two doses initially followed by one dose after 48 hours. Siphon and change a third of the water at the end of the curing treatment.

PH+, PH-, GH+, GH-

Use and dosage are specific, and are indicated on each label. More detailed information is available on our "PH & GH" page.

HEXA-PULL, BACTO-STOP, VITA-LIFE, DESINFECT-GEL.

Consult our "Medications" page where you will also find information about vitamins and disinfectant gel.

PRECISELY CONTROL THE PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PARAMETERS

OF THE WATER, PH, GH -KH,

WITH THE CONCENTRATED PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM Labo-Fish^®.

l) INTRODUCTION:

Those who are keen on fish keeping hobbies know that the PH, GH and KH are very important for the fish and tropical plants. However, there are only a few products that can adjust these levels with exact parameters. The concentrated Labo-Fish^® products, with excellent parameter measurements, can achieve this.

II) ADJUST GH :

The GH indicates the content of calcium and magnesium ions in the water, with a growing scale. When attending to the hardness, the water should be:

· Soft: < 8 GH German º        (A French degree of hardness is equivalent to O'57 German degrees)

· Semi-Hard: < 8º GH < 16ºGH

· Hard:            <16º  GH

The GH can be measured easily with a measuring device based on a scale of colors, available on the market. Equatorial forest fish require soft water. To soften semi-hard water, we can use directly the RESINA GH- product. With hard water, it's more suitable to firstly mix deionized water, until the water becomes semi-hard, and then use the RESINA GH- product. On the other hand, Ciclidae fish from African lakes require hard water. Therefore decorate the aquarium with limestone that increase the GH, and then apply GH+. An intimate relation exists between the GH and PH. In most cases, a high GH implicates a high PH therefore it is recommended to adjust firstly the GH, followed by the PH.

III) ADJUSTMENT OF THE PH:

The PH indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the water in the scale of 0 to 14, with the neutral point at 7, the maximum acidity at 0, and the maximum alkalinity at 14. To find this out, we can use a digital or color measurement available on the market. The relationship of the PH to Aquatic Biology is enormous. As pure water or rain water doesn't contain a bath salt solution, it has a PH of 7 and a GH of 0. Most rivers or lakes have their own PH and GH levels, according to the land, and can vary during dry seasons. For this, each type of fish, according to its' biotope of origin, will have a distinct tolerance to the changes of PH and GH. When installing the aquarium, adjust the PH after the GH, with PH + or PH -. As the PH tends to lower, by the effect of the biological activity, correct once a week or every 15 days by using PH + without varying more than 1º every 24h. Also carry out the corresponding adjustments when renewing water.

lV) THE KH:

Inside the GH, the KH is the part of Calcium and Magnesium ions, compensated with carbonate ions. Many aquatic plants require a high GH, at the least, of 5º and a KH of 2º or 3º. To increase the KH, without varying the GH, add C02 to the water, or increase the PH nearer to 7 with PH +, contributing C03 ions.

V) PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:

As these products are very concentrated, do not ingest, or keep in the reach of children. The dosage and use of these products are indicated on the labels.

PH+ (white powder):

Increase the PH and KH without varying the GH. Provides carbonate ions, bicarbonate, and lightly increases the conductivity of the water. Use: Measure the PH before applying and add approximately half a teaspoon (2, 5 ml) per each 100 liters, to increase the PH by 1º. It's very possible that the dosage may need to be adjusted, according to kind of water. Increment, at the most, the PH by 1º each 24 hours.

PH- (white powder):

Formulated with a base of organic acids. Use: Identical to the method used for PH+, with opposite effects. Provides organic acids.

GH+ (transparent liquid):

Increases the GH, contributing Calcium and Magnesium. Use: Measure the GH and add the required quantity of liquid necessary to increase the GH. The dosage must be very exact, a capful for each 50 liters to increase the GH by 1º (that is, 10 ml per every 100 liters of water). Calculate the dosage according to the number of degrees that you wish to increase the water by, and the volume of water in the aquarium using a simple proportional rule.

RESINA GH- (amber colored granules):

Useful for obtaining soft-water from semi-hard water. If the water is very hard, it is convenient to firstly reduce the hardness by using deionized water. The absorption capacity of 40 ml of resin is between 6-8º, in 40 liters of water. Use: Introduce in the medium, or in the fine mesh and deposit in the filter or in a ventilated zone of the aquarium. The required results are obtained within 24-48 hours.

MAINTAINING A POND IN OPTIMAL CONDITIONS IS SIMPLE

WITH PRODUCTS FROM Labo-Fish^®.

I) INTRODUCTION:

With products from Labo-Fish^® and a good installation, you will find it easy to decorate your garden with a beautiful looking pond.

II) LOCATION OF POND:

Select a sheltered location between the sun and shade especially if the pond is not very deep (do not place in strong direct sunlight). If the sunshine during summer is excessive, compensate for the growth of algae by using stream or aquatic plants.

III) THE INSTALLATION:

Maintain the water flow by means of a fountain or waterfall, and if possible, incorporate a filter. You can do without these elements only when dealing with large volumes with a lower density of fish (calculate 1 centimeter of fish per each 10 liters of water, as a maximum) and abundant plants.

IV) FISH AND PLANTS:

Select fish and plants from our region as they have better resistance. The following beautiful fish or plants are available: Red Fish, Koi Carpae, Nenúfar, Elodea etc. To avoid problems, establish the balance of PH to a light alkaline, using compact sized limestone. On the other hand, if you introduce tropical fish to the pond, avoid using limestone during summer; however control the acidity of the water by using the PH + product.

V) THE BIOLOGICAL CYCLE:

With well oxygenated water, the toxic produced by fish (urea, ammonia) transform into nitrate which acts a fertilizer for the plants. With a well-established density of plants (aquatic or stream plants) a lower level nitrate concentration is maintained, therefore avoiding the build up of algae.

To prevent the over excess of nitrates and phosphates in the pond, you can also renew part of the water now and again by conditioning with SUPER-AQUA, and applying  AQUA-PUR for the moments where better biological activity is required (spring and autumn) so introducing a complete flora of bacteria, that removes the mud and nitrates.

GREEN-LIFE is used every 15-20 days (also in spring and autumn) to provide specific nutrients for the optimal growing and rooting of plants (floating, submerged or stream plants).

VI) THE ALGAE:

Algae is produced when there are excessive nutrients (in particular nitrates and phosphates) combined with excessive sunlight. This problem can be avoided by attacking the causes with abundant stream or submerged plants which absorb the nutrients.

You can also use ANTI-HONGOS Y ALGAS as a temporary solution, which slows the growth of algae. We recommend that you refer to the technical product page for more information about this product. Note that, as this product contains copper and it may result accumulative, do not administer more than three doses (0.45 mg/l) without cleaning or siphoning the bottom of the pond (above all if there's a risk that the PH lowers to 6º or less), provoking the Copper mud to be dissolved.

Another option is to install a filter with mass filtration (fiber or sand) and improve the action of retaining algae with the use of specific load filter product - MICRO-FILTRO.

VII) PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:

Keep in a fresh and dry place away from the reach of small children. Do not inhale the powder based products such as AQUA-PUR or MICRO-FILTRO.

SUPER-AQUA (blue liquid)

Eliminates chlorine from tap water, provides vitamins, fish mucus protector, electrolytes and anti-stress. Use: a good part of the water needs to be renewed as it can become very dirty, principally in small ponds or in ponds that have a higher volume of fish. Apply the product directly into the pond after removing the old water. The dosage is 10 ml per each 100 liters of water.

GREEN-LIFE (dark green liquid)

Contains specific nutrients (iron and trace elements), favors the growing of plants and brings out the color in plants. Does not contain nitrates or phosphates. Healthy plants provide a better guarantee of pond stability. Use: Every 15-20 days, spring and autumn. Dosage: 10 ml per each 100 liters of water.

AQUA-PUR (granulated)

Implants a flora of micro-organisms to degrade organic waste and nitrates.  Use: Principally applied as a unique dosage, mostly in Spring or Autumn (50-100 ml per cubic meter of water, or per meter squared of the area). It's possible to repeat the dosage if the water becomes very dirty, regularly.

MICRO-FILTRO (mixed of diatomite and granulated AQUA-PUR)

Cleaner, clarifier and filter. Use: After cleaning the filters, sprinkle on the load filter (sponge, sand bed). As you will see, the capacity of retention will have increased, including the retention of suspending microscopic green algae. Very useful when used in small ponds (size: up to 1.000-2.000 liters), since 100 ml per every 1000 liters is enough for cleaning each filter.

ANTI-Hongos y Algas

Dose precisely, to slow the growth of algae or eliminate algae and fish parasites. The contained Copper is beneficial for the superior organisms in small dosages, although excessive dosages may result toxic.  Use: We recommend that you consult the technical product page. The summary for dosage is as follows: as a preventive and to slow down the growth of algae, a dosage of 10 ml per each 100 liters of water (that is, 0.15 mg/l of Copper) is required. As a curative and anti-algae, 2-3 doses are required. Siphon the bottom of the pond if applying higher dosages (above all, if there's a possibility that the PH lowers to 6º or less). Used in a short 8 hour bath away from the pond or in the fountains would result as a good disinfection for the fish after winter. Apply up to 6 doses for greater effectiveness when using a short bath.

PH+ (white powder)

Increase the PH without varying the GH. Use: Add a part of the product to the surface of the pond. Check the PH after 24h and correct if necessary. The use of this product in fact, is restricted to those ponds that contain tropical fish during summer, the reason being that the PH cannot be stabilized using limestone with tropical fish. The dosage is half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) per each 100 liters to increase the PH by 1º, although the necessary quantity can be varied according to the condition of the water.

YOUR FISH MUST NOT BE ILL. IF THEY GET ILL,

TREAT THEM WITH MEDICATIONS FROM Labo-Fish^®,

FOLLOWING THE PRESCRIPTIONS EXACTLY.

I) INTRODUCTION:

It's practically impossible for the fish to become ill when the water is maintained in good conditions, nevertheless sometimes it’s possible to occur with the arrival of new specimens that introduce infectious elements, for external circumstances that weaken the fish (e.g. cold blow), or the degradation of water in exceptional circumstances.

II) FIRST PRECAUTIONS:

Before dealing with ill fish, the first step is to check the water to see if it is in perfect condition (PH, NITRATES, AMMONIA, and TEMPERATURE etc.). If this is not the case, then you need to reestablish the natural equilibrium of the medium. By doing this, most of the time, the fish can be cured quickly.

Don't forget that fish are living organisms and also die with age. Before this happens, the unique thing that we can do is to improve the fish's diet with something that provides extra vitamins such as VITA-LIFE, live nourishment, or frozen food.

Keep an eye out, especially when introducing new specimens, especially if it's not possible to have them in quarantine, as they can introduce authentic infections that can affect the rest of the specimens.

III) INTRODUCTION OF NEW FISH IN THE AQUARIUM:

A good measure, when introducing new specimens is to check the water is in perfect conditions. Use a simple dosage of the tonic and preventive (ANTI-HONGOS Y ALGAS). With this only, it is possible (in most cases), to stop the transmission of diseases and assure that the new tenants acclimatize to the aquarium, well.

IV) THE FUNGUS:

A variety of funguses exist, which attack fish, like the Saprolegnia. In the majority of cases, the funguses grow on the skin. The funguses can be recognized almost always, treated as cotton or filament masses, roughly on the extensive parts of the body. The Mollies for example, are very prone to contracting funguses related to the mouth, especially in non-salty waters. The ANTI-HONGOS Y ALGAS product can be used to combat the funguses as a curative dosage.

V) THE BACTERIA:

Principally, there are two distinguished types of bacteria infections that are very prone to fish. The first, putrefaction of the fins by flexibacter which manifests itself to frayed fins (e.g. rotten), and secondly the septicemias bacterial that produces the sudden death of a great number of fish, many times with a bloated abdomen (The Carasius Auratus or Red Fish are very prone to this). Both diseases can be treated using the BACTO-STOP product.

VI) THE INTERNAL PARASITES:

There are various types e.g. intestinal worms and also Hexamita (affects Discus), that grow in the tender parts (muscles) and perforate the head with holes. Treated by using the HEXA-PULL product.

VII) THE WHITE SPOT:

In general, can be diagnosed easily as small dots with clean cut perimeters, instead of roughly cottony masses, such as in the case of fungus. The White Spot (also called Ichtyo) is a protozoan. To fight White Spot and other protozoan (Oodinum, Costia); if the infestation is not very virulent then utilize ANTI-HONGOS Y ALGAS, taking the precaution of raising the aquarium's temperature to 28º C during a period of more than three days, if the infestation is virulent, treat the ill fish in a bucket with a mixture of the BACTO-STOP and HEXA-PULL products.

VIII) DOSAGES OF PRODUCTS, PRECAUTIONS:

Instructions are shown on each product label. For further detailed information, consult the other associated web pages. Do not consume or leave the product in the reach of children.

DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCTS:

Product features and use are briefly described below:

ANTIHONGOS Y ALGAS (blue liquid)

The product is mainly composed of Copper Quelate, with an excipient of other salts. Simple dosages can be used as a preventative, in a prolonged bath within the aquarium, or as a short bath with a separate bucket. The product is effective against various types of external fish parasites, including fungi, White Spot (Ichtyo), Oodinum, or Costia.   Use: Consult the technical product page for distinct dosage methods.

BACTO-STOP (red capsules)

Ox tetracycline capsules stop the growth of a wide spectrum of static bacteria, such as those that produce the putrefaction of fins, septicemia, exophthalmia etc. Use: Consult the technical product page for distinct dosage methods. Must be applied in a bath using a separate bucket (away from the aquarium) during two to six days with the contents of one capsule per each twenty liters of water, or via oral with a dosage of 20-60 mg per day and kilo of weight.

HEXA-PULL (yellow capsules)

Metronidazole capsules, active against internal parasites.  Use: Consult the technical product page for distinct dosage methods. Must be applied in a bath using a separate bucket (away from the aquarium) during two to six days with the contents of one capsule per each thirty liters of water, or via oral with a dosage of 7 mg per day and kilo of weight.

DESINFECT-GEL (red liquid)

Used as a disinfectant gel. Liquid form, so is easy to rinse. Can be used to disinfect treatment buckets, clean sand or stones when made dirty by algae etc.  Use: Utilized the same way as ordinary soap, nevertheless rinse well after cleaning. Any leftovers from the soap are completely harmless to the fish.

VITA-LIFE (yellow liquid)

Concentrated vitamins to help the recovery of ill fish. It is a good idea to wait until the fish is cured before administering the vitamins.  Use: Apply to water (two drops per liter of water), or in the fish food (two drops per each 100 grams of the animal's weight - once a week, or two drops per kilo of weight - once a day). Refer to the technical product page.