Nano Marinus Brochure GB

7/25/2019 Nano Marinus Brochure GB

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Experience nature

Easy-care mini-reefs for the home

Nano MarinusNano-style sea water aquaria

Simplyfascinating

-fascinatinglysimple


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Nano sea water aquaria

Discover the fascinating new world of nano sea water aquaria bringing themagic of tropical coral reefs into your living room!

An aquarium with coral reef dwellers need not be a big, complicated and

expensive affair. If you just observe a few basic principles regarding set-up,

stocking and care and keep to the Dennerle Nano Marinus system, every-

thing is very simple.

The following pages explain what you need to know in order to get your

aquarium off to a successful start. In next to no time, you will be able to sit

back and enjoy your very own little piece of marine paradise.

FascinationFascination


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An old rule states that the larger a sea water aquarium is, the greater its abilityto cope with stress and to maintain biological stability.This does not mean that small aquaria are necessarily unstable, however. Onthe contrary with the right equipment and a well balanced stock of creatu-res, nano aquaria with a water volume of 30 to 60 litres can be run with long-term biological stability today.

While many creatures only feel at home in a large sea water aquarium, sometiny reef dwellers will thrive substantially better in a small aquarium. Most ofthese nano reef dwellers are fascinating in appearance and behaviour. Innature they lead extremely stationary lives, e.g. in or on a tiny den, andremain within a highly restricted terrain. In large aquaria they are barely visibleand may well be eaten quickly by the fish. A Nano Cube is ideal for suchcreatures!

Nano opens up a totally new world - even for experienced sea water aquariumenthusiasts.

What do I need for a nano sea water aquarium?

Basic requirements Nano Marinus Cube Base support Flow pump

Heater Lighting Bed material Thermometer

Sea salt Densimeter Trace elements Feed for the various reef dwellers

The Dennerle Nano Cube Complete Plus set provides a perfectly coordi-

nated system covering all these basic requirements.

Accessories Time switch Long tweezers (preferably made of plastic) Glass cleaner (magnetic or blade-type cleaner)

1-2 litre measuring beaker with scale Clean bucket Starter bacteria


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What is special about the new

Dennerle Nano Marinus system?

To date, sea water aquaria have been regarded with marked scepticism. Theyhave been considered too complex and expensive, requiring complicated

equipment and stocked with over-sensitive creatures.

Dennerle has developed a whole new approach to the topic of nano-scale

seascapes. It now offers a simple, perfectly coordinated system combining reliable operation

minimal care needs and

a low entry-level price.

Dennerle has consistently followed nature's model in developing this new

system.

What do sea water organisms need?

An ideal flow of water

Suitable light for photosynthesis

Limy settlement substrate

Stable water values in a range corresponding to the natural maritimehabitat

Vital minerals and trace elements

Fellow Cube dwellers which will integrate well Appropriate nutrition for moving creatures and filter feeders


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The Dennerle Easy Care systemfor effectively functioning nano sea water

aquaria consists of seven modules designed for optimum combination on

the basis of extensive practical trials.

1

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3

4

5

6

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Nano Marinus Reef Sand

Natural, limy bed mixture with an ideal grain size of 0.7 1.2 mm.

A perfect habitat for filtering bacteria and all creatures from the

sand zone.

Nano Marinus Reef Salt

Special sea salt for nano sea water aquaria with a precise balance

of trace elements for healthy growth and magnificent colours.

Nano Marinus Bio-Circulator 4in1

The core element of the Easy Care system: Water flow, surfaceextraction, filtration and 24-hour feed unit for filter feeders.

Nano Marinus Reef Light

Sunshine for the nano reef in your home: Powerful light and an

ideal colour spectrum for light-loving corals.

Nano ThermoConstant 25

The electronically controlled fully automatic mini-heater for anideal feel-good temperature of 25 C.

Regular water care

Replacing 10-15% of the water each week removes undesired

waste substances and adds fresh minerals. Depleted trace elements

are replenished with Nano Marinus Reef Elements.

Living rocks and a carefully chosen stock of marine creatures

Healthy living rocks from the sea and a stock of creatures tailored

to nano aquaria provide long-term stability for a biosystem in

which corals are able to flourish.

Just keep to these rules, and it's sure to work!


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Set-up and start-up -

This is all there is to it!

The quick-start method just 60 minutes!

This method enables immediate, complete set-up of the Nano Cube.

Experience shows that biological stability is ensured from the outset.

You need the following from an up-and-running coral reef aquarium: Biologically mature aquarium water and bed material Living rocks: approx. 4 kg (Cube 30) / 8 kg (Cube 60)

The right location

Choose a relatively dark spot in a corner, for example. Direct sunlight

should be avoided as it may lead to algae formation and overheating.

Before you begin, rinse the aquarium with warm tap water (withoutcleaning agents). The black decorative foil provided can be stuck onto

the back of the Nano Cube.

Place the aquarium with the safety underlay on a smooth, horizontal

surface of adequate load-bearing capacity. Total weight of the filled

aquarium:

approx. 40 kg (Cube 30) / 75 kg (Cube 60).

Fit base support.

Fill aquarium with matured, uncleaned bed

material up to a height of 2-3 cm.

Pour the mature sea water into the aquarium

carefully over a plate, so as to avoid swirling up the

bed.


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The living bed, which is permeated with filtering bacteria and sediments and

contains countless small marine creatures such as crabs and worms, will en-

sure that the desired biological balance is swiftly attained.

In order to avoid removing these important small organisms, the bed mix

should be rinsed only very carefully (if at all) in a little aquarium water before

pouring it into the aquarium.

Sediments may cloud the aquarium water slightly at first. The water will clear

in a matter of days, however.

After a week, place the first small and robust soft corals in the aquarium.

After the second weekyou can add other sea creatures, such as hermit

crabs or shrimps.

Install heater and flow pump.

Place living rocks and macro-algae in the

aquarium.

Install lamp and cover panel and start up the sy-

stem. Lighting time: 1st week 8 h/day

From 2nd week 10 h/day

That's it. In the following days you will be

able to observe which small creatures have al-

ready found their way into your Nano Cube

aquarium with the rocks.


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The running-in method

Biological running-in of the Nano Cube takes place in several stages.

More sensitive sea creatures can be added after 8-10 weeks.

1Day

7

Day

42Day

56Day

Fit base support.

Wash Marinus Reef Sand and pour in to a height

of 2-3 cm. Add the prepared sea water from a

separate container.

After a week, add approx. 4 kg (Cube 30) / 8 kg

(Cube 60) of living rocks and, if possible, a handful

of living bed material from an up-and-running reef

aquarium.

You should now also add a bundle of macro-algae,ideally the green wire algae Chaetomorpha linum.

Switch on the lighting as follows:

1st2nd week 6 h/day

3rd4th week 8 h/day

From 5th week 10 h/day

Install and start up flow pump and heater.

As freshly mixed salt water is initially too chemicallyaggressive for many small organisms, a little

patience is now required.

Robust soft corals can be added after the

six-week running-in phase, when the water and

bed are biologically active and the brown diatomswith oxygen bubbles have disappeared.

Other sea creatures such as shrimps or hermit

crabs can be added after 8-10 weeks. Nano fish

which remain small and are to spend all their lives

in the nano environment should be introduced

into the aquarium after 14 - 16 weeks at the

earliest, with no more than two such fish to bekept in a Cube 30.


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The running-in phase

In the running-in phase, numerous algae will fight for predominance in your

aquarium, spreading abundantly. As a result, the aquarium will acquire a

quite unsightly appearance during this period. This is a normal process and

no cause for concern.

Diatoms, which produce slimy brown coverings, generally become establis-

hed particularly quickly. A brown covering to which tiny oxygen bubbles are

attached appears over the bed and living rocks. During this phase, the pre-

vailing conditions are highly unfavourable for corals and other invertebrates.

They would fail to acclimatise, and would actually perish for the most part.

These algae need a great deal of silicic acid in order to grow, however. As

soon as the supply of this substance is exhausted, they will diminish of their

own accord. The macro-algae which you have added are of assistance here,

competing with the undesired micro-algae. If the algae coverings become

too extreme, they should be extracted with a thin hose during the weeklywater change or removed by mechanical means.

Diatoms are normal in the running-in phase.

A little patience is required until a biological balance isestablished.

TIP:

For a more reliable running-in phase, you can use Nano Marinus

FB7 BactoClean ClearWater filtering bacteria.


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A few tips

Preparing sea waterThe starting water which you use when preparing the sea water should be

as pure as possible. Water from a reverse osmosis system or distilled water

are best. You should use tap water only if it is guaranteed free of harmful

substances (copper, nitrate, phosphate, etc.).

The water should not be too cold when mixing. Around room temperature

is ideal, in order to prevent subsequent lime deposits on the inside of the

bucket.

40 g =1 slightly heaped dosagespoon of Nano Marinus Reef Salt per litre

produce sea water with a density of 1.023 (at 25 C). The water can be usedas soon as all salt constituents have dissolved and it is clear. The density

should always be checked with the densimeter beforehand, however. If the

density is too low, add a little salt. If the density is too high, add a little star-

ting water.

Never pour sea salt directly into the aquarium!

Nano Marinus Reef Salt

Special sea salt for small sea water aquaria

Natural mix of all the main and trace elements contained in tropical sea

water Premium quality, pharmaceutically pure salts

Ideal basis for coral fish, rock and soft corals, shrimps and all other

creatures which inhabit coral reefs Tailored to the sensitive nutrient situation in nano aquaria

Measurement procedure:

Grip the tip of the dry and clean densimeter with dry fingers and

submerge in the water until it floats on its own.

The densimeter must float freely.

There must be no air bubbles on the densimeter, as these will

falsify the reading.

Read the value from the scale at the level of the water surface

(not at the level of the water which is "climbing" up the densi-

meter above the surface level).

Measuring the density of the sea water

The density is a measure of the correct salt content and is thus the

most important water value in the sea water. Marine creatures

react highly sensitively to lower or higher salt levels and brieffluctuations in density.

1.023

1.024

1.022

The right way to

read the density:

Recommended density:

1.022 to 1.024 (at 25 C)

Ideal value: 1.023 (at 25 C)


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Wash and pour in bed compoundRinse the Nano Marinus bed compound thoroughly in a bucket under flo-

wing tap water to remove fine waste.

Any initial slight clouding of the aquarium water will quickly disappear.

Do not build up the bed to a height of more than 2 3 cm, in order to avoid

subsequent oxygen deficiencies in the lower area.

Nano Marinus Reef Sand

Special bed mix for small sea water aquaria Natural high-purity calcium/magnesium carbonate

Ideal grain size of 0.5 - 1.2 mm Ideal for shrimps, crabs, gobies, tube worms, sea anemones, snails and

diverse microfauna Free of harmful substances. No release of nitrate or phosphate

Stabilises the pH value, supplies valuable carbonate hardness

What are living rocks?Rocks themselves are not alive. But in a coral reef rock-like lime substance is

continually produced from the skeletons of dead rock corals and the shellsof mussels and other creatures which are bound together by sponges and

calcareous algae. This soft, porous rock is inhabited by countless marine

creatures and contains the most diverse range of useful bacteria.

Every piece of living rock is a veritable microcosmos in its own right.

After placing such a rock in an aquarium without epibacteria-eating fish

i.e. in a Nano Cube, it will soon be possible to observe how the most diverse

organisms develop on the rock. These may take the form of corals, sea squirts

or magnificent decorative algae and no-one knows beforehand what will

grow there. As such, a piece of living rock from a coral reef is a never-ending

source of unique surprises.

It is important for the rock to have been stored in healthy sea water for several

weeks at the retail outlet, so as to ensure that there are no dying organisms

such as sponges on its surface. Choose attractively shaped and porous pieces

of rock.

Good reef rock does not look grey and "dead", but is covered in diverse or-

ganisms, e.g. pink-coloured lime red algae, green or red macro-algae, tubeworms or small corals.

Always place the rocks in the aquarium with the side covered in such organ-

isms facing upwards.


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The Bio-Circulator

The Nano Marinus Bio-Circulator 4in1 is the core element of the Nano Ma-

rinus system. This world first has been developed especially for the Nano

Cubes. Its combination of four functions provides for a biologically stable ha-

bitat and simple care of healthy and fascinating acquascapes featuring active,

colourful corals, fish, crabs and shrimps.

The powerful, quiet pump ensures ideal

flow conditions. The flow direction can

be controlled with the aid of the flow

diffusor.

With small bio foam

for 30 l

The skimmer provides for a crystal-clear

water surface (a greasy-looking layer of

bacteria, algae and other micro-organ-

isms which impairs gas exchange will

otherwise form on the surface of the

water).

A fine bio foam ensures

swift clarification of the

water after cleaning the

glass, for example.

Continuously distributes

micro-organisms extracted

from the surface as naturalplankton food in the

aquarium, providing a

source of basic nutrition for

all filter-feeding reef

dwellers.

With large bio foam

for 60 l

Without bio foam

With angled bio

foam for compact

fitting in corners

TIP:

We recommend

running aquaria with

large numbers of filter-feeding reef dwellers

(corals, mussels,

sponges, tube worms,

etc.) without a bio

foam, so that these

creatures benefit from

the available plankton

in full, without filtering

out any of this source of

nutrition.

A natural reef: The water flow

is one of the most vital factors


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Reef Light

Lighting is required for your Nano Cube not solely to enable you to observe

the creatures in the aquarium, but also and above all to ensure proper nutri-

tion of the corals. Almost all corals incorporate single-cell algae in their body

tissue which cover the major portion of their nutrition needs.

These so-called symbiotic algae (zooxanthelles) require ten (recommended)

to twelve hours of light of a suitable strength and in an appropriate spectral

composition each day for the purposes of photosynthesis.

Daily illumination with the attachable Nano Marinus Reef Light is thus of vital

importance to corals. We recommend fitting the light with a timer to switch

it on and off on a regular basis.

The Nano Marinus Reef Light creates light conditions akin to those in a na-

tural coral reef. With the specially developed Nano Marinus Blue/White 1:3

compact fluorescent tube it guarantees

fresh, vivid 10,000 kelvin light plus actinic blue light brilliant, fluorescent colours for corals and other sea creatures outstanding growing light for corals

The Nano Marinus

Reef Light bathes

your aquarium in

glorious sunshine

The deeper one ventures into the sea, red gives way increasingly to the blue range of the spectrum.

All the organisms are adapted to this light.

Many corals are inhabited by symbiotic algae.

These live entirely or predominantly from light.

This is what the generally brown-coloured symbiotic algae

(zooxanthelles) look like under the microscope.


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Ricordea florida

Discosoma sp.

Rhodactis indosinensis

What creatures are suitable for the

Nano Cube?

A small Nano Cube should only be home to creatures for which such anaquarium offers a viable long-term habitat.

A small coral requires little space, for example - and the same goes for a living

sponge, a colony of mushroom polyps or tube worms.

Other suitable creatures include 2.5 cm long gobies, which have a reduced

air bladder and are not very active swimmers, tiny shrimps and other crusta-

ceans, small snails or echinoderms such as serpent stars or starfish.

Recommendable creatures for a Nano Cube

Sessile invertebratese

e.g. mushroom polyps, soft corals, tube corals, cabbage corals and sea

fans, tube worms

Moving invertebrates

e.g. shrimps and hermit crabs, tiny starfish and serpent stars, snails

Tiny nano fish

e.g. of the Gobiodon, Elacatinus, Trimmaor Eviotavarieties, which lead very

stationary lives in their natural habitat and are not active swimmers

Rock corals are relatively demanding in terms of care and are thus not

recommendable for inexperienced sea water aquarium owners.

Mushroom polyps

Mushroom polyps are among the least demanding creatures suitable for the

Nano Cube habitat. Due to their symbiotic algae, they require nothing but

light and gentle water movement. Suitable varieties include the beautifully

coloured Ricordea floridaas well as Discosomaand Rhodactis.Some varieties have adapted to life with little light and thus also colonise dar-

ker areas of the reef.

Protect marine creatures!

Dennerle would urge you to buy marine creatures responsibly.

Please only stock your Nano Cube with creatures which are suitable for

such a habitat because they require only minimal space in their naturalenvironment, too. Wherever possible, buy specially bred creatures!


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Button polyps

Button polyps form extensive colonies. They often occur in two different co-

lours and look like a colourful "carpet of flowers" as illustrated by the par-

ticularly recommendable example from the Zoanthus variety.

Thanks to their symbiotic algae they are not reliant on any additional feed,although many varieties will accept feed and will grow more quickly as a re-

sult.

Button polyps are highly robust and undemanding creatures which are fond

of a somewhat stronger water flow.

Soft corals

Soft corals of the Xeniavariety are very popular, particularly the types whose

polyps "pump", i.e. whose tentacles perform a rhythmic closing motion.

Flower corals of the Litophyton, Nephtheaand Capnellavarieties are among

the most interesting corals for the Nano Cube

. They possess symbiotic algaeand are easy to breed. Soft corals are always eye-catchers, swaying gracefully

in the water flow.

Cabbage corals

The umbrella-shaped toadstool corals of the Sarcophyton variety are very

robust and undemanding, as is the Sinulariavariety. They have been firmlyestablished as standard stock for sea water aquaria for many decades. When

disturbed, they are able to retract their polyps entirely.

Sarcophyton sp. Sinularia sp. Sinularia dura

Xenia sp.

Litophyton arboreum

Capnella imbricata

Zoanthus sociatus Caution:

Button polyps should always be handled with the greatest of care.

Some varieties contain a highly toxic bodily secretion palytoxin (first

and foremost the Palythoaand Protopalythoavarieties). Handling thesevarieties without adequate protection may result in serious injury.


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Tube corals

Tube corals take their name from the tube-like latticework from which the

flower-like polyps spring up.

The daisy polyp of the Knopiavariety, named after the German aquarium ex-

pert and author Daniel Knop, is one of the prettiest corals at home in a NanoCube by dint of its flower-like appearance. Similarly to the tube corals of the

Clavulariavariety, they are ideal for all sizes of Nano Cube.

Sea fans

Sea fans are also known as sea whips or Gorgonians. They grow upright and

with thin branches, as illustrated by Pseudopterogorgia americanum, for

example.

Some Gorgonians, which possess symbiotic algae, are ideal for Nano Cubes.

They are also simple to breed.

Close relatives of the sea fans, the star polyps (variety Briareum) embellish

the rock substrate with a pretty cushion covering. They are extremely hardy

and undemanding. Their flower-like appearance makes them a must in every

Nano Cube.

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Caution: "Trojan horse"!

Despite their attractive appearance, Aiptasiashould be kept out of

aquaria, as they can spread so abundantly that they may cause harm to

other invertebrates.

Knopia octocontacanalis

Pseudopterogorgia americanum

Briareum asbestinum


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Tube worms

Tiny feather duster worms such as Bispira viola(approx. 35 mm) often find

their way into Nano Cubes unnoticed, together with the living rock. They

reproduce asexually there, sometimes forming dense groups. They filter

plankton out of the water with their garland of feeding tentacles, which lendsthem a flower-like appearance.

Calcareous tube worms such as this Microprotula ovicellata(approx. 30-

50 mm) may also enter the Nano Cube together with living rock, on which

they breed abundantly.

Bristle worms

Bristle worms are related to earthworms. While their appearance may not be

to everyone's taste, they are extremely useful in aquaria as they eat feed re-

sidues and other waste. Some varieties also clean up algae from the glass

sides. Caution: Do not touch with your bare hands the bristles can cause

"burns".

Starfish

The Asterina burtoni starfish measuring 10-20 mm in size are interesting can-

didates for the Nano Cube. As grazers they eat epibacteria from rocks and

the glass sides of aquaria.

Asterina burtoni starfish reproduce by division. Missing arms subsequently

grow on the next generation - a fascinating spectacle. They should be kept

in check to prevent them from breeding too abundantly, however.

Serpent stars

Little serpent stars also easily find their way into Nano Cubes together with

living rock. They reproduce by division. The Amphipholis squamatameasuring

only around 10 mm in diameter actually reproduce sexually.

Serpent stars are omnivores, also devouring residual feed and waste. They

are fond of sitting in narrow gaps, from which just 1 or 2 arms stretch out in

search of food.

Sponges

Sponges come in a great variety of shapes and colours. They live by filteringfine suspended matter out of the water. The photograph shows a blue

sponge of the Haliclonavariety.

Bispira viola

Mikroprotula ovicellata

Bristle worms

Asterina burtoni

Serpent star

Haliclona sp.


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Snails

Algae-eating snails are an absolute must in every Nano Cube. They help to

limit algae growth and are self-sufficient.

Some varieties may even reproduce in the aquarium, but this never becomesa problem.

It is fascinating to watch baby dove snails (Euplicasp.) grow in the spawn

on the glass sides of the aquarium.

Nerita snails (variety Nerita) grow to around 25 mm in size and are among

the best algae-eaters. Their shells often feature pretty markings.

Turban snails of the Turbo and Astraeavarieties (Turbo petholatis is shown

here) are also excellent algae-eaters. The adult snails measure around 40 mm

in length.

Algae are also the preferred source of nourishment fortrochus snailsof the

Trochus (picture shows Trochus conus) and Tectus varieties. They also grow

to a length of up to 40 mm.

Worm snails of the Vermetidae family spend all their lives in a stationary

position inside a tubular shell which they produce themselves. The tubular

shell is closed by a lid, with just 2 small antennae protruding out. They

capture their food with the aid of a sticky, slimy net which they producethemselves and duly devour together with the suspended matter which

forms their catch a fascinating spectacle to behold.

TIP:

For some varieties of snail it is helpful to refrain from cleaning the rear

pane or areas of the side panes on a regular basis, allowing the snails to

"graze" over these surfaces.

Nerita sp.

Turbo petholatus

Trochus conus

Worm snail

Euplica versicolor Euplica with spawn Young Euplicasnails


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Crabs & shrimps

Hermit crabs (Paguristes and Clibanarius)

Small hermit crabs help to keep the Nano Cube free of

algae. It is delightful to watch them climbing around

the decorative rocks.

The Cube should only contain one variety, however.

Fiery red Paguristes cadenatior blue-legged

Clibanarius tricolorare an ideal choice.

Ensure that there are always a few larger snail shells

Nano Marinus Reef Shells in the Cube, so that they

can move into a new home the next time they moult.

Boxer crab (Lybia tessellata)

The boxer crab holds two tiny sea anemones in its pincers. In case of danger

it uses these to defend itself like a boxer using his fists.

The sea anemones derive food from this symbiotic relationship, as the crab

drags the anemones through nutritious bed sediments, eating some of the

particles which become attached to the anemones itself.

Thor amboinensis

Thor amboinensis(20 mm) is a comical character it wiggles its rear when-

ever it is excited, earning it the alternative name "sexy shrimp".

It lives in small groups on a coral, a sea anemone or a mushroom polyp.

Northern cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)

This is probably the best-known type of shrimp in sea water aquaria. Cleaner

shrimps are agile, peaceful creatures which integrate very well into existing

habitats. They are not discerning eaters, and will even take food directly fromyour hand. They should be kept in pairs.

Related varieties include the pretty peppermint shrimp, Lysmata wurdemanni,

and L. boggessi.

Commensal shrimps (Periclimenes, Urocaridella)

Commensal shrimps are sometimes transparent and have a fairy-like air. Crea-

tures belonging to the Periclimenesand Urocaridellagenuses live together

with a sessile invertebrate, e.g. a coral or a mushroom polyp. A Nano Cube

is the perfect aquarium for these shrimps.

Lybia tessellata

Thor amboinensis

Lysmata amboinensis

Lysmata boggessi

Urocaridella antonbruunii

Einsie

dle

rkreb

s


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Fish

The overwhelming majority of coral fish, including those that remain small,

are active swimmers and thus not suitable for keeping in a Nano Cube.

The popular clownfish, which rose to prominence in the film "Find Nemo" is

a typical example. It requires more space than a small aquarium is able to

offer at least 100 litres.

Gobies are a different story. They swim only extremely short stretches, spen-

ding most of their time observing their surroundings from a coral or rock.

The smallest gobies measure barely more than 20 mm in length. The radius

within which they move in their natural environment is also smaller than the

base area of a Nano Cube with a volume of 30 l.

These little fish feel at home in such an aquarium and do not feel constrained

within the bounds of this habitat. On the contrary they suffer from the hec-

tic pace of life in a conventionally sized reef aquaria with numerous large,

highly active fish darting around and hide themselves away with barely a

chance of survival. A 30 or 60 l Nano Cube is much more suitable for them.

The Nano Cubes have not been developed primarily as a habitat for fish,

however, but rather for corals and other invertebrates - creatures which re-

quire little care and technical support. The aim is to bring a small cross-sec-

tion of life from a natural reef into your living room in the form of a

small-scale habitat which will retain its biological stability in the long term

with a minimum of care.

Fish with a high metabolic rate require larger amounts of feed. This means

that a more extensive range of technical equipment, such as a skimmer, is

necessary in order to maintain the water quality.

As a rule, an invertebrate aquarium containing corals and shrimps is biologi-

cally much less complicated than an aquarium with fish but no less fasci-

nating.

With this in mind, you should run your Nano Cube for the first few

months without any fish. Wait until it has become biologically stable

before adding fish two members of a nano fish variety with the Cube

30, for example.


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Who's taboo?

No creatures which are unable to survive in the long term under the prevai-

ling conditions in a Nano Cube should ever be kept in such an aquarium.

It is important to heed the needs of the creatures in your Cube at all times.

This means that the Nano Cube is not suitable for particularly active swim-mers or for young fish which will be too large for these aquaria when they

reach adulthood.

Species with specialised nutritional needs or which require extremely con-

stant conditions will also fail to thrive in nano aquaria in the long term.

All the creatures in the aquarium, such as shrimps or crabs, should be as pea-

ceable as possible to ensure their easy integration.

Fish for the Nano Cube

The white-lined coral goby (Gobiodon albofasciatus) grows to a length of

only 25 mm and requires little space. It spends most of its time sitting on a

coral or a mushroom polyp. Numerous other Gobiodon varieties are ideal for

keeping in a Nano Cube.

The Trimmagenus comprises a wealth of magnificently coloured tiny fishes,

none of which are very active swimmers. The photograph opposite shows the

pretty red-stripped goby (Trimma cana), which grows to just 30 mm in length.

Gobies of the genus Eviotausually grow to between 25 and 30 mm in length

and enjoy sitting on a coral, observing their surroundings. The photograph

opposite shows Eviota bifasciata.

The genus Elacatinus (formerly Gobiosoma) comprises numerous varieties

which attain a maximum length of just 40 mm, making them suitable for a

Nano Cube. The photograph shows Elacatinus multifasciatus.

The spikefin goby (Discordipinna griessingeri) is surely one of the most

attractive gobies imaginable. It only attains a length of around 30 mm and

is much too small for a normal-sized aquarium. In a Nano Cube it is in its

element. Always keep this variety in pairs.

TIP: Keep fish in pairs!

While you should not keep more than two nano fish in a 30 l Nano

Cube

, the two fish you choose should ideally be a pair. These fish willnot feel at home if they are forced to live on their own, without a

partner.


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Nano Marinus Cube 30 Example 1

Here is an example of a well

balanced, biologically stablenano sea water aquarium.

The stock is dominated by

various types of soft corals and a

group of 12 Thor amboinensis.

These pretty shrimps do not like

to be alone and only feel at

home in a group.

The aquarium had been running

without any problems for a year

at Dennerle's research laboratory

when this photograph was taken.

Only very minimal care is

required.

Toadstool leather (Sarcophyton sp.)

Mushroom polyp (Discosama

Daisy polyp(tube coral, Knopiaoctocontacanalis)

"Sexy shrimp"(Thor amboinensis)

Button polyp (Zoanthus sp.)

Mushr

Seaweed(Caulerpa prolifera)


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)

Toadstool leather coral (Sarcophyton sp.)

Mushroom polyp (Discosoma sp.)


m polyp (Discosoma sp.)

Finger leather coral(Sinularia sp.)

Wire algae(Chaetomorpha sp.)


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Nano Marinus Cube 30 Example 2

The stars of this beautiful nano

reef aquarium are two northerncleaner shrimps (Lysmata

amboinensis).

These highly attractive and

agile shrimps are very tame and

will even eat their feed

CrustaGran Marinus directly

out of your hand.

This aquarium had also been run-

ning with full biological stability

for over a year at the Dennerle

research laboratory when the

photograph was taken.

24

Fan coral(Gorgonie,Pinnigorgia sp.)

Daisy polyp(tube coral, Koctocontacana

Wire algae(Chaetomorpha sp.)

Floridamushroom polyp(Riccordea florida)


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Seaweed(Caulerpa racemosa)

Mushroom polyp(Discosoma sp.)

ia

Cactus algae(Halimeda opuntia)

Toadstool leather coral (Sarcophyton sp.)

Seaweed (Caulerpa prolifera)

Northern cleanershrimp

(Lysmata amboinensis)



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Continual change

As soon as your Nano Cube is set up and illuminated, numerous varieties of

marine algae begin to fight for predominance. Each variety reproduces up

to the limits of its "ecological niche", in order to exploit nutrients, minerals

and light for maximum growth. In nature, the algae behave in this way in

order to counter the ravages of frenzied feeding by the creatures to which

they are exposed.

While algae are essentially always unwelcome in fresh water aquaria, in sea

water aquaria apart from the troublesome micro-algae there are also very

pretty and useful leaf algae, which are referred to as macro-algae or decora-

tive algae. These macro-algae are also able to check the growth of trouble-

some micro-algae by providing them with competition for nutrients.

This is particularly important during the

running-in phase. The green wire algae

Chaetomorpha is most effective here, be-

cause it grows very fast without becoming

firmly attached and is easily removable

from the aquarium at a later juncture.

If you would like to have macro-algae inyour aquarium after this phase, attractive decorative algae such as red algae

of the genus Halymeniaor green calcareous algae such as Halimedaare avai-

lable from your specialist outlet for sea water aquaria.

These help to suppress micro-algae while also producing vital oxygen. The

same goes for the highly desirable lime red algae, which cover rock surfaces

to produce a lichen-like appearance.

Red algae Halymenia sp. Cactus algae Halimeda sp. Lime red algaeMesophyllum sp.


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The creatures in your Nano Cube also influ-

ence each others' behaviour. These behaviour

patterns are readily recognisable if you take a

close look at your Nano Cube, also observing

the micro-organisms.

Every species of creature will reproduce up to

the limits of its "ecological niche", thereby af-

fecting other species either by competing for

nutrients or through predatory activity.

If several different species of creature eat the

same micro-algae, for example, they will each

attempt to expand their population more

quickly than the others, and one of them soon

wins out as a rule.

In this way, each individual Nano Cube deve-

lops its very own fauna population. As such,

each Nano Cube is quite unique no two

Cubes in the world are the same. And the spec-

trum of species and the population continue to

change - day-in, day-out. That's what makes a

Nano Cube so exciting! Take a close look atyour Cube and try to discover and follow these

changes for yourself.

Gammaridea are only

around 5 mm long and

normally enter the aqua-

rium together with living

rock. Would you have

imagined that such small

creatures could be such

assiduous cleaners? They

immediately form sludge

which drops into the

tubes in which they live

into small balls which

they subsequentlydispose of outside of the

tubes.

The beauty is in the tiny details!


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Feeding

The diets of the creatures which inhabit reefs are as varied as their anatomy

and behaviour. Some are predators which hunt other creatures, while plank-

ton eaters such as sessile coral polyps or tube worms wait for their food to

be washed their way by the flow of the water. The Dennerle Nano Marinus

system covers three diet categories.

Basic rules for feeding:

Shrimps and other crustaceans Basic feeding with CrustaGran Marinus: 1-2 feed pearls per day per crea-

ture, depending on the size and activity of the creatures

Frozen feed, e.g. Mysis (suspended shrimps) or Artemia (brine shrimps)should be used in place of CrustaGran as a feed supplement at least once

or twice a week.

Filter feeders and small creatures(corals, tube worms, mussels, sponges, etc.) Basic feeding with Nano Marinus CoralActiv: 1/2 1 flat measuring spoon

to 30 l of aquarium water every 3-4 days, according to density of stock in

aquarium

Freshly hatched Artemia nauplien as a feed supplement once a week

Stir CoralActiv briefly with sea water in a small container until all constituents

have "dissolved", then pour into aquarium (do not pour powder directly into

the aquarium).Remove the bio foam of the Bio-Circulator or raise by several cm as appro-

priate in order to prevent the feed from being filtered out.


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Fish Basic feeding with NanoGran Marinus (pro-

vided that the fish accept dry feed):

One pinch once or twice a day, according to

the size and activity of the fish Frozen feed (e.g. Mysis, Artemia) as a feed

supplement in place of NanoGran at least

once or twice a week

If the variety of fish in your aquarium does

not accept dry feed: A tiny amount of

frozen feed (Mysis, Artemia, etc.) twice a day

Do not overfeed!

Too much feed imposes an unnecessary

strain on the water and may lead to poor

water quality and excessive algae forma-tion. Overfeeding is the most common

cause of problems with sea water aquaria.

Remember that in an established aquarium

the creatures will also find a fair amount of

natural food.

Creatures which do not go directly to the

food can be fed using tweezers or a

pipette.

Feed moderately, but regularly. In case ofexcessive algae formation, temporarily

reduce the amount of feed.

TIP:

A break for food

Use an adapter with

a switch for theBio-Circulator. You

can then simply

switch off the water

flow while feeding

your creatures.

But don't forget to

switch the Bio-

Circulator on again!


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Aquarium care

A few simple measures are all it takes to ensure the well-being of the creatures

in your Nano Marinus Cube.

Daily

Carry out a visual check of the technical equipment (pump, skimmer,

lamp, heater, timer)

Is the temperature correct? (25 C)

Replenish evaporated water up to the marking on the water level indicator

(reverse osmosis water, distilled water or pollutant-free tap water) Take a look at the creatures in your Cube: Do they look normal? Are they

behaving normally?

Feed the creatures in your aquarium

Weekly

Replace 10-15 % of the water with sea water at the appropriate tempera-

ture. Important: Use special Nano Marinus Reef Salt! Clean the panes of the Cube, ideally with a blade-type cleaner. The "round

corners" can be cleaned using Dennerle Filter Wool, for example. If a sub-

stantial amount of biomass is scraped off the surfaces, remove it from the

aquarium by manual means (e.g. by drawing it off with a pipette) or filter

it out with the Bio-Circulator. Clean Bio-Circulator bio foam, ideally pressing it out in a container filled

with the sea water removed during water-changing, in order to avoid

stressing the filtering bacteria. The cover panel should also be kept clean at all times, to ensure that the

full light output enters the aquarium at all times.

Replenish vital trace elements with Nano Marinus Reef Elements.

Check the density. Recommended value: 1.023

Monthly or as necessary

Trim or thin out macro-algae Thin out corals


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Introducing creatures into the Cube

Before introducing a newly purchased creature into the Nano Cube, you

must adapt the transport water to the aquarium water over a period of

around 45 minutes, to avoid any shock resulting from divergent watervalues.

Introduce the new creature as follows:

Place the newly acquired creature in a clean plastic container together with

part of the water from the transport bag. Then slowly drip aquarium water

into this container using a thin hose with hose clip, or add small quantities

of aquarium water every couple of minutes.

After approx. 45 minutes around three quarters of the water in the plastic

container should consist of aquarium water and only one quarter of transport

water.The new addition can now be introduced into the aquarium. If possible, you

should introduce the new creature under water, without removing it from

the water.

Why is it necessary to replace part ofthe water?

Replacing part of the water removes waste matter

and supplies the aquarium with vital minerals(e.g. calcium, magnesium) and trace elements.

A fully set-up Nano Marinus Cube 30 has a net water

content of approx. 22 l of water.

The practical Dennerle water level indicator facilitates

water changing. A water replacement volume of 2 l

corresponds to approx. 10 % of the total water

content, while 3 l corresponds to approx. 15 %.

Never replace more than 20 % at any one time.

The replacement water must have the same temperature and density asthe aquarium water. Always avoid sudden changes to the water values

(temperature, density, etc.), as these cause major stress to the creatures

in the aquarium.


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When things get out of hand...

Corals and other sessile cnidarians grow at varying rates. Some species have

developed an extremely fast mode of reproduction in nature, in order to con-

tend with the ravages of predators. When such large-scale assaults by pre-

dators are absent in an aquarium, the level of propagation may suppress thedevelopment of other creatures. You need to intervene here with a spot of

"gardening" to make up for the lack of predators.

When much sought-after corals are involved,

you may be able to cut off parts of the species

concerned and pass them on to other aqua-

rium enthusiasts. Many cabbage corals and

soft corals can be bred by taking cut-off pieces

and allowing them to grow on new substrate

rocks.

In the case of so-called "trojan horses", i.e. troublesome organisms which are

harmful to other creatures (e.g. Aiptasia), you should remove the culprits

from the aquarium. This is best done by taking the piece of living rock

concerned out of the aquarium and replacing it with another piece of rock,

as any attempt to remove these organisms by mechanical means may

actually further their propagation in the aquarium.

TIP:

If you intend to breed corals by cutting off pieces of living coral, you

should remove these pieces from the aquarium quickly, so as to avoid

releasing too many bodily secretions into the aquarium water. You

should also try to minimise harm to the corals' tissue, as they will then

heal more quickly and effectively.

Gloves recommended

Many corals and sessile invertebrates protect themselves by means of

stomach poisons. While these are usually not poisonous for humans,

they may cause skin irritations in sensitive people. Nettle poisons

released by creatures may cause unpleasant burns on sensitive areas of

skin (e.g. on the insides of the lower arms).

In addition. some varieties of button polyp (Zoanthiniaria) contain the

toxic substance palytoxin, which is very dangerous for humans. Werecommend wearing clean latex gloves to protect yourself from the

cnidarians' bodily secretions when working in the aquarium.


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Special aspects of the running-in

phase

NitriteThe running-in phase sees a propagation of filtering bacteria which convert

ammonium into nitrite and nitrite into nitrate. For a time, there is a risk that

while the first step is completed the second step is still in progress. The water

is then toxic for aquarium dwellers, because it contains too much nitrite. You

can check the nitrite level quite simply, using a standard test solution. If you

follow our recommendations for running in your Cube, experience shows

that you will not encounter raised nitrite levels, however.

Undesired algaeIn the first few months there is always a danger of one or more undesired

varieties of micro-algae spreading excessively. Brown diatom coverings

generally recede of their own accord after a short while, but other algae,

such as red slimy algae or green thread algae, can be very persistent.

Countermeasures:

Do not overstock your aquarium

Avoid overfeeding, temporarily reduce amount of feed if appropriate Replace part of the water (15 %) on a regular basis Keep density in the normal range (1.022 1.024)

Extract micro-algae or remove by mechanical means

Optimum sea water

Many water quality parameters are measurable. Some should be mea-

sured regularly (e.g. temperature, density), others only when problems

arise (e.g. nitrite, nitrate or phosphate). Simple test kits are available

from specialist retailers for this purpose.

If you set up and maintain your Nano Marinus Cube in accordance with

the Dennerle Easy Care system, replace part of the water on a regular

basis and if the creatures in the aquarium look healthy and are thriving,experience shows that many water chemistry factors do not require to

be measured.

DiatomsThread algaeSlimy algae


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Accurate measurements of individual water values are only necessary when

corals appear unhealthy, display poor growth or even die.

Discover the fantastic world of tropical coral reefs.

With the new Dennerle Nano Marinus system:

Fascinatingly simple simple fascinating.

Welcome to a whole new world!

When things get too hot...

The ideal temperature for keeping tropical marine creatures is approx.

25 C. During hot summer periods, several days involving a higher

temperature of 26-27 C do not pose a problem for most of the creatu-

res. The water temperature should not rise above 28 C, however!

Aquarium fans are commercially available which enable the tempera-

ture to be lowered by 2-4 C by means of evaporative cooling (evapo-

rated water should be replaced at regular intervals!). Alternatively, you

can place the Nano Cube in a cooler spot during hot periods.

What about holiday times?

You need to leave your Nano Marinus Cube unattended for a week? No

problem, provided that you use the supplied cover panel, which drasti-cally reduces water evaporation, and that the temperature in the room

containing the aquarium does not rise above 26 C during the day.

3-4 days without feeding are no problem for an up-and-running, biolo-

gically stable Cube. If you are planning to go on holiday for a longer

period, it is best to instruct friends or neighbours on feeding and water

changing and to prepare the sea water in advance.

Recommended water values

Density 1,023

Temperature 25C

pH value 8,08,3

Carbonate hardness 612 d

Calcium 400450 mg/l

Magnesium 1300-1350 mg/l

Nitrite 0 mg/l

Nitrate < 20 mg/l

Phosphate < 0,1 mg/l


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Publisher's details

Concept and text (responsible): Dr. Carsten Gretenkord, Dennerle GmbH

Photographs: Nautilus picture archive Daniel Knop, Martin Grund (Dennerle GmbH),

Chris Lukhaup

Computer graphics and composition: Timo Fledie (Dennerle GmbH)

2010 Dennerle GmbH, D-66957 Vinningen, Germany.

Dennerle GmbH holds all the rights to this work. The entire work is protected by copyright. Any ex-

ploitation beyond the limits defined by copyright law shall be inadmissible without the consent of

Dennerle GmbH and shall constitute a punishable offence. The same shall apply in particular to dupli-

cation, microfilming, storage and processing in electronic systems and translations.

All the information provided in this guide has been checked thoroughly and corresponds to current

knowledge and findings. No guarantee can be provided for this information, however. The authors

and Dennerle GmbH shall not be liable for any cases of injury, damage to property or financial loss.


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2392-0111

Discover the beauty ofmarine aquascapes with

Nano Marinus

Dennerle GmbH

D-66957 Vinningen

www.dennerle.com/nano

Nano Marinus Brochure GB

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