During the first three weeks following the construction of the aquarium, use only BRIGHTY K and GREEN BACTER daily. Dosage: BRIGHTY K : 1 ml per 20 l (one sprinkling). GREEN BACTER: 1 drop per 10 l

During this period, partial water changes are essential (30% every 3-4 days). After about three weeks, when nitrites are below 0.2 mg/l, it is essential to add “algae eaters” (Otocinclus affinis, Epalzeorhincus siamensis and Caridina japonica). Reduce the dosage of GREEN BACTER to 1 drop per 10 l every week (when changing water). Once this period is over and if there is no algae begin fertilization with ECA and STEP 1. When considering dosage, carefully inspect the general state of the plants as well as their colouring intensity. Administer STEP 1 until the fourth month, dosing at 1 ml per 20 l three times a week. ECA is to be used three times a week, one drop x 20 l; this dosage can be increased to 1 drop per 10 l should the leaves look particularly faded. After the fourth month, pass from STEP 1 to STEP 2 until the aquarium is one year old and then begin fertilizing with STEP 3. Fertilizing with BRIGHTY K must never be interrupted as potassium is essential to activate photosynthesis. Six months from the aquarium layout day, STEPS can be used together with SPECIAL fertilizers; in aquariums with rapid metabolism plants needing intense lighting (e.g. Glossostigma elatinoides, Riccia fluitans), use SPECIAL LIGHTS with a dosage of 1 ml per 20 l three times a week, while with sciophilous and slow metabolism plants, use SPECIAL SHADE. Never use the two SPECIALS together.

As AQUA SOIL greatly reduces the pH, GH and KH values, it is important to use also tap water during the layout and the above-mentioned partial changes of water (around 30% every week). Hardness of tap water is variable. Advisable values are 3-4 KH and 6-8 GH. For example, we advise using 50% tap water, with KH 8-10 and GH 15-20, with 50% osmosis water. After about ten water changes, maintain a ratio of osmosis to tap water of 4 to 1. Plants should be trimmed every 15-20 days depending on plant species and quantities. When trimming, give GREEN GAIN at 2-3 drops per 10 l for three days. PHYTON GIT is an effective preventive product against algae and phytopathogenic organisms:give 1 drop per 10 l every week (when changing water). If used as a cure, give 10 drops per 10 l all at once five days before changing water.

This element, which is vital for plants’ survival, must be used very carefully. In the first 2-3 weeks, an aquarium rich in vegetation is to be given 1-2 CO2 bubbles a second per 100 l of water, then give 3-4 CO2 bubbles a second. The best way to give out CO2 is to use an ADA CO2 diffuser from the POLLEN GLASS series which effectively atomize carbon dioxide and make it easily taken up by the plants thanks to their microporous plates. We recommend using BUBBLE COUNTER to properly count the quantity of CO2 bubbles being given. CO2 must be given out only when the aquarium lights are on.