The art of miniature aquatic landscaping

The tendency of fresh and salt water fishkeeping is to reduce the size of aquariums, due to their lower cost, easier maintenance, less space required for their location and partly thanks to the new technical advances that allow for space to be smaller without jeopardising performance, as in the case of much thinner LED lights. 

Aquatic landscaping or “aquascaping”

This is the art of placing plants, rocks, stones, gravel and other decorative items in an attractive way inside the aquarium.  Among the different styles of decoration, the Nature style is increasingly popular due to the beauty of its landscapes.  Introduced in Japan by the aquarist Takashi Amano, this style tries to reproduce natural landscapes in miniature, simulating trees or mountains and achieving wonderfully spectacular results. 

Flora and fauna of nano aquariums

Nano aquariums are generally inhabited by shrimp. The reason for this is that they will keep the aquarium clean, eliminating remains of dead plants and any fine algae generated.  The most famous shrimp are the Crystal Red (Caridina cf. Cantonensis) due to their red and white colour, which stand out very well against dark substrates.  These shrimp are a genetic mutation of the black Bumblebee Shrimp (Caridina cf. Breviata). There are, however, many other types of shrimp, such as the Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda), the Tiger Shrimp (Caridina cf. Cantonensis Tiger) or the Amano Shrimp (Caridina japonica), which have a less attractive colour but are great algae eaters.  Keeping shrimp is relatively simple. They need very stable water parameters and no harmful nitrogenated compounds (ammonia and nitrites), with an acidic pH (between 6.2 and 6.9) and an ideal temperature of between 22 and 24ºC. It is worth noting that shrimp are particularly sensitive to heavy metals (copper and iron) and low concentrations will cause imminent death.  They basically feed off remains of plants and algae, but must be supplemented with special food for shrimp and crustaceans that contains an extra dose of calcium to assist them during exoskeleton shedding.It is also possible to include some fish in this type of aquarium, although they must be small, compatible with shrimp and very calm.  Neons (Paracheirodon innesi), Cardenals (Paracheirodon Axelrodi), Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus) or Endler’s Guppies (Poecilia wingei) are good options.  It is also possible to include some snails and non-aggressive crabs.The plants often used are assorted moss such as Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana), Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei) or Flame Moss (Taxiphyllum sp.). The moss can be tied to trunks with yard to simulate miniature tree leaves, like small aquatic bonsais.  Moss care is very simple. It needs a temperature of between 18º and 30ºC, neutral or acidic water, effective filtration with a moderate current and, despite not needing particularly intense light, good lighting will encourage its growth, enabling you to trim the moss whenever you like to achieve surprising decorations. 

The Temperamatic Pro Mini thermo-heater

This 25W thermo-heater is ideal for Nano aquariums thanks to its small size (15.2cm in length), easy temperature setting, precision and reliability.  The thermo-heater must be fitted in a place with a good water current for balanced results.      

The AQUA GRO substrate

This is the ideal substrate for Nano aquariums, as it promotes plant growth and will automatically give the water a slightly acidic pH (around 6.5) that is ideal for fish such as cardenals, neons, rasboras and shrimp.  The Aqua Gro substrate eliminates all carbonates and bicarbonates from the water, which means that the carbonic anhydride that fish expel when their breathe remains dissolved in the water and can be used by plants.  This is why plants flourish in aquariums using Aqua Gro as their substrate. An additional advantage is that it reduces the pH of the water to a value below 7.0. This means that all of the toxic ammonia NH3 is converted into the ammonium ion (NH4+), which is liquid and non-toxic. Therefore, shrimp, cardinals, neons, discus and, in general, most fish feel much better in aquarium water of the characteristics produced by Aqua Gro substrates.  Its grains are of the ideal size and do not float, making the water crystal-clear.  They are dark brown in colour, which is ideal for creating natural landscapes against which shrimp and moss will stand out. 

Nano Gran

Special food for crystal shrimp. Especially formulated with added calcium for correct shedding and generation of the new exoskeleton. This is a complete diet that contains all of the necessary nutrients to keep your shrimp healthy.

Nano Start

This is a special conditioner for Nano Aquariums.  It reduces chlorine, controls heavy metals, protects and promotes the regeneration of body mucus.  It is also beneficial for the digestive system and is anti-inflammatory.  It contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin B1. 

Nano Aqualed Crystal

These are the new Nano Aquariums made of glass. Their pure white design has a zen feel to give a relaxing, different space wherever they are located.  With a longer-lasting, safer LED lighting system that consumes less than conventional lighting systems. A perfect habitat for your small animals and plants. Available in 3 sizes: The smallest holding 10 litres (20.7×20.7×26cm), the medium holding 20 litres (26.7×26.7×32cm) and the large holding 30 litres (29.7×29.7×35cm).

Terrariums are real windows of natural beauty and exoticism, easy to recreate and keep with a few basic notions that we can offer our customers and get them hooked!

Types of habitats

Desert or arid

This is the most suitable for beginners for several reasons:

1. Most desert species are more resistant and are more able to withstand any “mistakes” involving temperature control.
2. It is a habitat where the humidity in the room is often more than sufficient.
3. This dry environment avoids problems due to mites or fungi, and any excrements and remains of food tend to dry up, which is not the case in tropical habitats where they quickly rot and become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Although the image we have of the desert habitat is of suffocating heat, it is important to know the temperature gradient required by each animal, as many desert herptiles do not withstand excessively high temperatures. This is the case of many nocturnal and crepuscular species that survive the intense heat of the day in dens or under stones.Included among the appropriate species for this type of habitat are: 

• Herptiles like many species of geckos, such as the Eublepharis macularius.
• Agamidae such as the Pogona and Uromastyx.
• Iguanidae such as those of the Crotaphytus genus.
• Also, several species of tortoises and some colubridae.

 

Forest

The forest habitat includes many typical biotypes similar to our Mediterranean forests, some warmer and others colder, but with the same common characteristic of a cool winter in which many herptiles hibernate and summers that almost never reach the extremes of desert heat.   

The forest habitat is not overly difficult to maintain in a terrarium

 Thanks to the fact that, like the desert habitat, there are no excessively high humidity values like those found in a tropical habitat, it is relatively easy to maintain this type of terrarium. However, a distinction must be made because herptiles are found here that live near pools and watercourses, for which a contain must be prepared depending on the needs of the animal that will eventually want a soak, like it would do in nature.This includes many species of treefrogs, toads, salamandras, green snakes such as those of the Opheodrys genus and many others that will, however, prefer a drier but not a desert environment.

Tropical

This is a problematic habitat to recreate and maintain for beginners: a lot more problems with bacteria, a greater likelihood of infection when wounds are healing and the need to maintain a warm temperature and more or less constant humidity throughout the year.Tropical herptiles never suffer significant variations. Very few are able to survive periods of excessive heat, low humidity or cold. 

The tropical habitat requires permanent humidity and temperature control

 This habitat also includes vivariums that contain no animals whatsoever, real windows of natural beauty, those used to house dart frogs (dendrobatidae, phyllobates and similar) or gekkonidae such as those of the Phelsuma genus.Half-way between are the species that require a land part and an aquatic part in equal proportions, such as most water turtles, water dragons (Physignathus) and many species of iguanidae, including the basiliscus and the huge green iguana, which require a larger terrarium. 

Animal maintenance in the terrarium

Terrarium animals could show high stress levels, which affect their behaviour, feeding, lifespan, etc.  If the food is correct and the parameters (lighting, humidity, heating, etc.) in the terrarium are suitable, this stress could be due to other matters that we have forgotten about. For example, providing a place where the animal feels safe and relaxed inside the terrarium.  Certain shelter elements have been developed where you will not lose sight of your animal even when it is inside and will not bother it.Reptiles are extremely territorial, particularly males. Therefore, housing them in pairs is often a source of stress for the weakest of the animals, which will be permanently overpowered by the strongest.To regulate the heat of the terrarium, we have a wide variety of accessories such as the thermal blankets or heat rocks that emulate those of their natural environment.  However, as indicated above, the heat to be provided will depend on the temperature gradient of each species and the humidity and temperature of the terrarium must be controlled, particularly in the case of delicate tropical habitats.Light is equally important for their health.  Whereas UV-A rays stimulate their appetite and encourage digestion, UV-B rays help absorb calcium.

   

Surface items

Surface items are important so that the animal can move as if it were in its habitat.  For example, terrarium backgrounds especially designed for different species and the way they act in their natural environment will allow your animal to move and climb.  A tarantula does not need the same terrarium background as a gecko, which spends a large amount of time stuck to walls and rocks.In short, the concept of environmental enhancement also applies to a terrarium and you can choose different plants, lianas and other ornaments with which to interact.With a bit of care and considering certain details like the ones mentioned, you can make sure your pet feels at home.

The cat is an animal that spends several hours a day cleaning itself, removing any dirt held in its fur by licking itself. Even so, it still requires certain essential hygiene to ensure it remains in good health. 

Basic care

The cat is a clean animal in itself and does not need significant daily care to ensure its hygiene. In general, however, many cat lovers are unaware of certain essential hygiene that is very important to avoid long-term health problems.

Correct hygiene will avoid health problems

 This “basic care” can be summarised by good brushing, occasional baths, care for its teeth and gums and cleaning of eyes and ears, as well as suitable nail clipping. Each of these hygiene processes is explained below. 

Brushing

A good brush is the best way of keeping your cat in perfect condition, as any dead hair loosened when it grooms itself will not form as many hairballs in its stomach.If you get them used to being brushed from an early age, they will consider it another habit and, in general, they like it because it is like being stroked.Short-haired cats should be brushed once a week, whereas long-haired cats must be brushed every day, particularly during moulting because this is when they lose the most amount of hair.Brush first against the direction of the hair growth before completing the process in the direction of the hair growth.  This untangles the cat’s hair, cutting out any hairballs or knots that are found.  

 

Bathing

We all know how little they like water. In fact, most cats do not need to be bathed and an adequate brushing routine will suffice.However, white cats and those that are often outdoors need a bath every two or three months but no more, so as not to eliminate the animal’s protective oil from its fur.It is best to get them used to it from an early age and introduce them to it progressively. A good way of doing this is by using a bath filled with warm water and a shampoo for cats, making sure the room temperature is not very low so that they do not catch a cold and drying them afterwards because, unlike dogs, they do not shake themselves to get rid of the water. 

Be careful with any noise, especially from the shower or hair dryer, because they do not like them and they could put up a fight and become traumatised if they are not used to them.

 

Cleaning eyes and ears

Eyes and ears are frequent sources of infection in cats.  Any sleep and dirt around the eyes should be removed by soaking a cloth or cotton disk with a few drops of eye cleaner, one for each eye to make sure any infection is not transferred from one to the other.  Cleansing wipes, which contain an anti-inflammatory compound, can also be used.

Ears and eyes are frequent sources of infection

To keep ears clean, you can use the ear cleaner that dissolves any dirt and wax to alleviate any irritation.  Wipes specifically for the ears can also be used.

Malt and cat grass

One of the most common problems in cats is the accumulation of hairballs in their intestine, which could lead to discomfort and serious blockages. To prevent this, as well as frequent brushing, we can give them malt and cat grass, which helps with purging to expel any hairballs.Cat malt is a brown paste that adheres to any fur accumulated in the intestine, encouraging it to pass and stopping it from accumulating.Some cats like malt, but others do not.  In this case, a small amount of malt can be placed on the cat’s front paw and it will lick it off when grooming.Short-haired cats should be given malt at least twice a week, increasing the dose for long-haired cats.  Cat grass has a similar effect to malt, and cat grass spray is useful for attracting the cat to a toy or scratcher by spraying it on the item in question. 

 

Tooth care

Like with any animal, brushing their teeth is not an easy task although it is extremely necessary, as the formation of tar damages the gums and favours infection, which could even mean that they will stop eating due to the pain.The best way of getting them used to it is by brushing from the age of 3 to 4 weeks. They can also get used to it as an adult, but the process is more complicated.A great deal of patience is required. The first step involves getting them used to the massages to open their mouth gradually and massaging around it.  If the cat is relaxed, while stroking it use your index finger of your other hand to massage the outside of its gums.  If it becomes nervous, you’re better of leaving it for another day.When brushing teeth, start carefully on one side and then the other. If you see any part is inflamed, stop and see your vet.Over time, the next step involves placing gauze on your index finger and continue massaging its gums and then its teeth.When it has got used to the gauze, you can replace it with a toothbrush.  Then, and only then, will you start using toothpaste for cats.

 

Nail clipping

Clipping nails will depend on each individual cat. If it is very jumpy and you cannot gain its trust, it’s best to see your vet.If it is receptive, place the cat somewhere with good lighting and hold onto the cat’s paw firmly.  It is important never to cut right back, as this would cause great pain and significant bleeding because the root runs inside the nails.   

High-intensity diodes

The Aqualed Garden aquariums are fitted with Eco Sirius lights, with LED technology to guarantee durability and low electricity consumption.

LED technology and attractive design

The Eco Sirius LED lights emit a perfect, powerful light of a very high quality, although they have the advantages of a low price and low electricity consumption. With an elegant, extra-flat aluminium design, they are equipped with “Dual Light” – white LEDs and blue LEDs – and with independent switches.Their plastic hangers included adapt easily to almost any aquarium, as they are available in a wide range of sizes from 40cm to 150cm. Their hinges are also folding for easier access to the inside of the aquarium.These lights are especially recommended for Garden aquariums with fresh plants, but are also ideal for Standard and Reef marine aquariums.

Discover how we work to ensure the fish reach your shop in perfect condition

We work hard every day to ensure the quality of our fish and to offer the latest products in the market  

When we started to sell fish Tropical Center was a true challenge, as this company was started due to the enthusiasm for fishkeeping of its founder and current CEO, Gaspar Cabrera Roca. Yes, we were expert fish keepers, but not to such a great extent! So, in 1990 when Tropical Center was founded, we had just 70 varieties of fish. From there we started to grow and evolve, seeking new improvements and innovating… All of these headaches and experience have led us to become one of the largest fish facilities in Europe, currently with 10 lines of aquariums with 200 tanks holding 350 litres per line, plus 350,000 litres in the 10 water cisterns, which means that our fish are swimming in over one million litres of water.

Latest innovations 



One of our latest innovations was the incorporation onto 
the sides of the cisterns of heating cables to control the
 temperature of the water in each line of aquariums by 
computer. Hence, the line of coldwater aquariums is 
at 18ºC, the tropical lines at 24ºC and the discus 
line at 28ºC. 

All aquariums have direct sunlight, the amount of which 
is controlled by thermal blankets on the ceiling 
that open and close automatically depending on the 
light and temperature at any given time.

Why our fish are a guarantee of quality for your shop

All fish are fed with granulated Tropifish food, the immune-stimulants of which increase the defences of the fish and provides them with great vigour and colour. In addition to their food, they are also given frozen ICA food.

All of our fish go through a strict quarantine of at least 7 days  

We guarantee that all of our fish are given a quarantine of at least 7 days and that the tanks in quarantine or holding sick fish are blocked by the computer so that we never sell sick fish.      

The collection and transportation process

When fish are sent to shops, they are put under considerable stress – first by being chased and caught by a net in the aquariums, which causes them to panic considerably, and then by being crammed into transport bags with other fish of the same species, which sometimes attack each other. Often subjected to sudden movements during transportation and affected by the large amount of ammonia that fish excrete through their gills and that accumulates in the small bags. To avoid all this, we add a special fish sedative to the water in the bags that calms them and eliminates any stress. We also add Amquel Plus that totally neutralises all of their ammonia. All of this means that the fish reach the shops in perfect condition.   Of the 2,000 350-litre aquariums in the 10 lines of 200 aquariums each, 200 aquariums are for coldwater fish (carassius and kois) and 1,800 for tropical fish. Furthermore, in an independent facility we have over 300 saltwater aquariums holding between 500 and 10 litres that are for marine fish and invertebrates and are equipped with the most advanced and powerful urea skimmers, UV lamps and ozonisers to guarantee optimum water quality and 50 terrariums for reptiles and amphibians. We also have a large area devoted to aquatic plants with a capacity to store over 150 different species.  

Our varieties of fish

At Tropical Center we pay special attention to selecting suppliers that sell fish of the appropriate size, colour and characteristics for the species. Our stock includes:

• Over 480 varieties of tropical fish.
• Over 220 varieties of saltwater fish.
• Invertebrates and brackish water fish.
• Over 150 varieties of aquatic plants.
• You can consult the actual stock of fish and plants available at any given time on our dynamic website.

We have just launched our new line of mixes and feed VIT and VIT PRO onto the market and, due to their great popularity, we can say that they are a great success. They have become one of the most complete lines in the market, with new formulas, in a much more modern format, packed in compliance with the highest standards of hygiene and world-class quality.

Reasons for success of the VIT and VIT Pro lines

1. – All of the innovations in technology and automation in our facilities enable us to produce an end product with the best quality, cleanness (cleaned up to 6 times!) and presentation and, given that all of these processes are completed in our facilities, we are able to offer the best PRICE-QUALITY ratio in the market.

We have obtained mixes and seeds with the best PRICE-QUALITY ratio in the market.  

2. The seeds and feed are unloaded into an external silo and travel in elevators and along conveyor belts to reach the first cleaning machine where they are cleaned three times before going to the storage tanks. They are then weighed, mixed and recleaned up to another 3 times in another fines cleaning machine to remove any final impurities that they may contain. 3. Lastly, the end product is packed in a machine with a capacity of 10,000,000 kg/year and with the latest packing technology, “Controlled Atmosphere” and, in the case of the VIT Pro line, with zipper closure on each bag (can be resealed once opened).