Fish Supplies

What is Carbonate Hardness? The extent of carbonate and bicarbonate contained in a sample of water is the Carbonate Hardness value of that sample. Carbonate Hardness affects all aquaria, both salt and fresh. It is called many names, according to the jargon of an industry or country of origin of the test kit, eg CARBONATE HARDNESS = ALKALINITY = kH (German) = ACID BINDING CAPACITY.   Stability of pH The Carbonate Hardness of water is an important measurement, because the level of Carbonate Hardness is the basis for the value of the pH in a given sample of water. A strong Carbonate Hardness reserve in water can mean a very stable pH and the bonus of an alternative supply of carbon dioxide for plants and algae if supply runs short in an aquarium. This applies equally for marine or freshwater aquaria.   Depletion of the Carbonate Hardness Reserve Acids which form as a result of the breakdown of waste products by bacteria (via biological filtration) is the most common way the carbonate hardness reserve is depleted. In aquariums with little or no carbonate hardness the pH is very unstable and can drop very quickly to acid.   Raising Carbonate Harness Aquasonic Carbonate Hardness Generator Powder is recommended for fresh or salt water applications. 5g will raise the Carbonate Hardness of 100L of water by 20ppm.   Directions for Use: The test kit has a dual range, which measures in steps of 10ppm or 20ppm (ppm = parts per million)   To Test in 10ppm: Rinse the clean test tube several times in the water to be tested. Fill the test tube accurately to the 10mL mark. Add 2 drops REAGENT 1 and swirl to mix. A blue colour forms. Now add REAGENT 2 a drop at a time and swirl to mix. Keep count of the drops. As the end point is reached the test tube colour will change to green. Add 1 more drop to complete the change to yellow. Multiply the number of drops by 10 for the reading in ppm.   To Test in 20ppm: Rinse the clean test tube several times in the water to be tested. Fill the test tube accurately to the 5mL mark. Add 1 drop of REAGENT 1 and swirl to mix. A blue colour forms. Add REAGENT 2 a drop at a time and swirl to mix. Keep count of the drops. When the colour changes to yellow the end point is reached. Multiply the number of drops by 20 for a reading in ppm.   Note: Place the test tube on the white background of the colour chart with the light behind you. The colour in the test tube is best viewed with the natural light.

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In all aquarium systems, biological activity develops in your filter, and on the surface of gravels and decorations etc. These bacteria are essential to achieve a balance in your aquarium and different types of bacteria need to be present in the right proportions to break down waste and deal with ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, which can all be harmful to your fish. Every time you change or add something in your tank, or you clean it, you potentially upset the balance because you are effectively removing some of these bacteria. The replacement of plants and coral or cleaning of filters, gravel or substrate, even in part, can also cause a NITRITE condition to re-occur, even in well-established aquariums. Complete sterilisation during the cleaning of an aquarium will also result in a NITRITE condition because you have removed bacteria in the sterilisation process.NITRITE is toxic to fish, even in quantities as small as 1ppm. If you are starting a new aquarium, it is recommended that you don’t put new fish into the system until a NITRITE reading of less than 1ppm is achieved (ideally zero).   Recurring Nitrite Condition The biological activity in a filter may take as long as three months to develop fully, and in this time, due to increases in the number of fish, the NITRITE condition may re-occur. Evidence has shown, by lowering the pH to 7.5, the toxicity of NITRITE is minimised. If a system does develop nitrite on a continual basis, after it is fully conditioned, it may mean that the surface area of the biological filter is undersized, or the number of fish in the tank is too great.   Assisting Biological Establishment To assist, ensure the temperature is steady, at or above 26 deg C, check the flow of water through the filters is well distributed and sufficient, and oxygen levels are adequate. When cleaning your filter media, use cold or lukewarm water only as hot water will kill the bacteria.   To Break The Ammonia - Nitrite - Nitrate Cycle: Perform a water change Remove anything that can cause ammonia to form (e.g., dead organic matter or excess fish waste) from amongst the substrate (e.g., gravel cleaner) Use Aquasonic AMMO-GONE to neutralise ammonia in the system. The manual addition of live strains of nitrifying bacteria can also aid in kick starting the biological activity in the filter system.   Directions for Use: Rinse the clean test tube and cap several times in the water to be tested. Fill the test tube to the 5ml mark with the water to be tested. Add 3 drops of Nitrite Reagent A. Add 3 drops of Nitrite Reagent B. Cap the test tube and invert twice. Wait a minimum of 2 minutes, but no longer than 3 minutes, to compare the test with the colour chart. After this time the test will continue to colour, but further colouration is irrelevant. Place the test tube on the white background of the colour chart and view vertically down the tube. The colour in the test tube is best viewed with natural light behind you. After completion of the test, wash the test tube carefully as a previous test could influence the next one.

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Most water supplies such as tap water, are chlorinated. Chlorine can be extremely harmful to aquarium fish. Water Purifier is the most important supplement for the aquarist. Water Purifier will effectively neutralise chlorine and chloramines in tap water immediately, making water safe for aquarium use. Following the use of Aquasonic Water Purifier, use Aquasonic Water Conditioning Salts to create an ideal habitat for fish and aquatic plants. For trouble free saltwater, use Aquasonic Ocean Nature Sea Salt, adding the Water Purifier before mixing salt with water.   Directions for Use: 1ml per 10ml of water.Add to new aquarium water or any water to be added to the aquarium. Pre-mix Water Purifier with tap water before adding to aquariums containing fish. To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.

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Use Power Water Conditioner when starting up an aquarium to remove chlorine and chloramines which can be very harmful to aquarium fish. Power also contains elements that will remove heavy metals from the aquarium. Fungal inhibitors have also been added to help guard against infections.   Directions for Use: 1ml per 10L of water. Use Power when starting up a new aquarium or when adding water for a water change. Premix Power with tap water before adding to aquariums containing fish. After using Power in freshwater aquariums always add Aquasonic Water Conditioning Salts to maintain that natural environment for your fish. In marine aquariums, use Power before the addition of Aquasonic Ocean Nature Sea Salt.

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Use Power Water Conditioner when starting up an aquarium to remove chlorine and chloramines which can be very harmful to aquarium fish. Power also contains elements that will remove heavy metals from the aquarium. Fungal inhibitors have also been added to help guard against infections.   Directions for Use: 1ml per 10L of water. Use Power when starting up a new aquarium or when adding water for a water change. Premix Power with tap water before adding to aquariums containing fish. After using Power in freshwater aquariums always add Aquasonic Water Conditioning Salts to maintain that natural environment for your fish. In marine aquariums, use Power before the addition of Aquasonic Ocean Nature Sea Salt.

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Water changes can be very tough on aquarium fish, often resulting in disease or even fatality. Protech has been formulated to effectively assist fish with recovery after a water change, transport or handling. Protech replaces slime coating and makes fish feel well by providing a powerful vitamin mix including: B1, B2, B6, B12, E, and A. This enables the fish to fight off disease and start feeding again quickly. Use during and after transport, after a water change, after any handling of fish or simply as a vitamin supplement. Fungal inhibitors have also been added to help guard against infections.   Directions for Use: 1ml per 20L for general use. For fish in a poor state use treatments as high as 1ml per 5L to assist in faster recovery. For transport use general dose rates. 1ml - approx. 15 drops. To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.

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Water changes can be very tough on aquarium fish, often resulting in disease or even fatality. Protech has been formulated to effectively assist fish with recovery after a water change, transport or handling. Protech replaces slime coating and makes fish feel well by providing a powerful vitamin mix including: B1, B2, B6, B12, E, and A. This enables the fish to fight off disease and start feeding again quickly. Use during and after transport, after a water change, after any handling of fish or simply as a vitamin supplement. Fungal inhibitors have also been added to help guard against infections.   Directions for Use: 1ml per 20L for general use. For fish in a poor state use treatments as high as 1ml per 5L to assist in faster recovery. For transport use general dose rates. 1ml - approx. 15 drops. To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.

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Aquasonic Frystarter has been specially formulated to feed newly hatched fry. It contains shrimp, fish, egg, vitamins and minerals, and has a variety of tiny food particles suitable for both livebearer and egglayer fry. When feeding, Frystarter stays in suspension longer, giving the fry a constant supply of food. Filtration should be maintained as an adequate safe guard against the risk of over feeding.    Directions for Use: Feed the newly hatched fry 3-4 drops, 3 times daily dependant on aquarium size and fry numbers. Careful observation will enable you to achieve the correct dosage for your particular species of fish. To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.

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Fungal diseases are common in freshwater fishes and are recognised by white or grey threads on the skin or fins which may thicken until they resemble tufts of cotton wool (pin head size) on the fished body and fins. Unless prompt action is taken fatalities will occur.   Directions for Use: Do not use on fish intended for human consumption. A partial water change (25% capacity) is recommended before commencing treatment. Ensure aquarium water is well aerated and remove activated carbon from filtration system for the duration of treatment. Activated carbon will remove this product from the aquarium water resulting in ineffective. This product contains a dye product which will stain if spilled.   Dose Rate: Add 5ml per 20 litres of aquarium water. For Tetra species, baby fish and scaleless fish (loaches, etc). Use at the reduced rate of 5ml per 40 litres of aquarium water. Repeat after 3 days. TO GIVE NUMBER OF LITRES: To calculate approximate tank capacity multiple length x width x water level height (all in cms) and divide by 1000 or litres.   Disposal: Dispose of empty container by wrapping with paper and putting in garbage.   Storage: Store below 30C (Room Temperature). Replace lid tightly after use.   First Aid Instructions: For advice, contact the Poisons Information Centre (phone Australia 13 11 26; New Zealand 0800 764 766) or a doctor (at once).

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Aquasonic Bactonex assists in the prevention of bacterial, fungal and protozoal (Velvet, whitespot, chilodonella, Trichodina & Trichodinella) infections in fresh and salt water fish.   When to Use: When water is changed. When new fish are added and in quarantine aquariums. When fish show signs of listlessness or are off feed.   Directions for Use: Not to be used on fish intended for human consumption. Ensure aquarium water is well aerated during treatment. Do not use activated carbon in the filtration system during treatment as this will remove the product from the aquarium water. If sub-gravel filtration is being used, slow down the flow rates during treatment. This product contains a dye which will stain if spilled.   Dose Rate: Add 10mL per 40 litres of aquarium water. Repeat after 5 days if necessary. DO NOT OVERDOSE. If improvement does not occur, consult your veterinarian or aquarium dealer.TO GIVE NUMBER OF LITRES: To calculate approximate tank capacity multiply length x width x water level height (all in cms) and divide by 1000 for litres.   Active constituents: Each mL of solution contains: 1.66mg Aminacrine hydrochloride and 0.025mg Methylene blue.   Storage: Store below 30C (Room Temperature).   Disposal: Dispose of empty container by wrapping in paper and placing in garbage.   Remember: High standards of aquarium management must be maintained to prevent disease, as fish diseases are often management related. Consult your veterinarian or aquarium dealer for accurate diagnosis and advice.

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Aquasonic Bactonex assists in the prevention of bacterial, fungal and protozoal (Velvet, whitespot, chilodonella, Trichodina & Trichodinella) infections in fresh and salt water fish.   When to Use: When water is changed. When new fish are added and in quarantine aquariums. When fish show signs of listlessness or are off feed.   Directions for Use: Not to be used on fish intended for human consumption. Ensure aquarium water is well aerated during treatment. Do not use activated carbon in the filtration system during treatment as this will remove the product from the aquarium water. If sub-gravel filtration is being used, slow down the flow rates during treatment. This product contains a dye which will stain if spilled.   Dose Rate: Add 10mL per 40 litres of aquarium water. Repeat after 5 days if necessary. DO NOT OVERDOSE. If improvement does not occur, consult your veterinarian or aquarium dealer.TO GIVE NUMBER OF LITRES: To calculate approximate tank capacity multiply length x width x water level height (all in cms) and divide by 1000 for litres.   Active constituents: Each mL of solution contains: 1.66mg Aminacrine hydrochloride and 0.025mg Methylene blue.   Storage: Store below 30C (Room Temperature).   Disposal: Dispose of empty container by wrapping in paper and placing in garbage.   Remember: High standards of aquarium management must be maintained to prevent disease, as fish diseases are often management related. Consult your veterinarian or aquarium dealer for accurate diagnosis and advice.

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White spot disease is a common fish parasite that can be introduced via new fish, plants, etc. These parasites appear as distinct small white spots (pin head size) on the fish's body and fins. Unless prompt action is taken fatalities will occur.   Directions for Use: Not to be used on fish intended for human consumption. Ensure aquarium water is well aerated for the duration of the treatment. Activated carbon will remove this product from aquarium water resulting in ineffective treatment. Remove from filtration system for duration of treatment. This product contains a dye product which will stain if spilled.   Dosage rates: Use at the rate of 5mL per 20 litres of aquarium water. Harmful to corals. Do not overdose. Repeat treatment after 3 days if necessary. For tetra species, baby fish and scaleless fish (loaches etc.), use at a reduced rate of 5mL per 40 litres of aquarium water.   Storage: Store below 30C (Room Temperature). Replace lid tightly after use.   Disposal: Dispose of empty container by wrapping with paper and putting in garbage.   Safety Instructions: Will irritate the eyes. May irritate the skin. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. If product on skin, wash immediately with soap and water. If product in eyes, wash it out immediately with water. Wash hands after use.   First Aid Instructions: If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre. Phone Australia (13 1126; New Zealand 0800 764 766). If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Give a glass of water. If skin contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly. Remove from contaminated area. Apply artificial respiration if not breathing. If in eyes, holde yes open. flood with water for at least 15minutes and see a doctor. WARNING - Avoid contact with eyes. Avoid contact with skin. Avoid breathing vapor.

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