Description

The Mere River Kit is a unique concept designed to inspire nature artists, inspired by the mellow sands and forest debris found in the mighty Pool Malebo of the Congo River in Africa. 

The Congo River delta is a vast and complex ecosystem where freshwater and saltwater meet, creating a dynamic landscape of lagoons, lakes, and channels. The area is characterized by the slow-moving river, which meanders through lush tropical forests, carrying with it a rich mixture of sand, gravel, and organic material. As the river approaches the delta, the current becomes weaker, and the materials carried by the river begin to settle on the riverbed. Over time, the organic material decomposes, creating a rich substrate that is perfect for a wide range of aquatic plants and animals.

The forested riverbanks provide ample shelter for small fish and invertebrates, while the shallow waters and mudflats are home to a variety of wading birds and other wildlife. The vegetation in the delta is lush and varied, with dense mangrove swamps and thick stands of bamboo and other hardwood trees. The area is also home to a wide range of fish species, from small, colorful cichlids to large, predatory catfish.

This River Kit brings the warm, earthy tones of the Congo River delta to your aquarium and is perfect for recreating the unique habitats of deltas, lakes, and lagoons.

The substrate in the Mere River Kit is a carefully crafted blend of yellow-ochre sands, gravels, and twigs that mimic the materials carried by the river and settled on the riverbed. Over time, the organic material decomposes, creating a rich substrate that is perfect for a wide range of aquatic plants and animals.

To complement the substrate, the kit includes Bumblebee Stone, which offers shades of yellow-ochre and a slight granite feel, with darker patches and scars on the face of the stone. The stone brings a natural and realistic look to your aquarium, perfect for creating a river delta environment. The kit also includes our Wetland Artist Mustard substrate, ideal for supporting lush plant growth and which blends harmoniously with the colors of the display.

This all-in-one Mere River Kit is perfect for mimicking the habitats of deltas, lakes, and lagoons, where organic material has been deposited by currents and floods. It is easy to manipulate and spread in your aquarium and is made with 100% natural materials.

Key Points

- Inspired by the delta’s river basins like the Pool Malebo in Congo, Africa

- All-in-one kit: Riverbed, Nano Stone, Artist substrate, and Stones.

- Unique blend of yellow-ochre materials to mimick the habitats of deltas, lakes, and lagoons

- Easy, fun, fast and with stunning results.

Characteristics

- Kit includes: Wetland Artist Mustard substrate (5 Kg bag), Mere Riverbed (2 Kg bag), principle hardscape Bumblebee Stone (7-10 kg box), and secondary hardscape Bumblebee Nano Stone (2 Kg bag).

- Color: Yellow-ochre, brown, and black.

- Material: Natural sands, gravel, plant substrate, stones and nano stones, and twigs.

- Size mix: 0.1cm to 30cm.

- Water hardness: Does not affect water hardness.

- Packaging: One box of 40x30x30 cm (20-25 kg).

Usage

1.Prepare Your Aquarium:

• Ensure that your aquarium is placed on a flat, leveled, and stable surface.
• Confirm that you have all the necessary components such as lighting, filtration, and heating systems ready to set up your aquarium.
• Now, you are ready to embark on creating your new scape with our all-in-one River Kits.

2.Plan Your Design:

• Gain inspiration from real-life riverbeds and aquatic ecosystems by studying photographs and conducting research on the specific biotope you want to recreate. You can also find inspiration on our social media platforms.
• Take the time to visualize and plan the design of your riverbed, considering the size and layout of your aquarium and the unique features of your chosen biotope.
• Research the specific requirements and preferences of the aquatic species you plan to keep in your riverbed to create an optimal environment for their well-being.
• Consider the placement of hardscape materials such as stones and wood pieces, imagining how they will interact with the substrate and aquatic plants.

3.Spreading the Substrates:

• Our Wetland substrate is ready to use. Distribute it in the area where you want your plants to grow, adding a thin layer of approximately 1 cm.
• Apply a similar 1 cm layer of the Riverbed substrate mix, covering the base layer. This separation creates distinct areas for nutrient-rich soil and cosmetic substrate, catering to both plant growth and the aesthetics of the biotope.
• This 1 cm base layer ensures a secure foundation for your hardscape while protecting the aquarium's glass from scratches.

4.Place the Hardscape Materials:

• Arrange the hardscape materials, such as stones and wood pieces, in a way that mimics the natural formations found in your chosen biotope.
• Feel free to experiment with different hardscape arrangements to achieve your desired aesthetic and create a unique and captivating display.
• Keep in mind the visual balance and focal points in your design, ensuring the creation of hiding spots and sheltered areas for your aquatic pets.
• Finally, add the Nano Rocks around the larger stones to enhance the naturalistic scape.

5.Add the Remaining Substrates:

• Once the hardscape is complete, add the remaining Wetland substrate on top of the base layer in the planted area. Aim for a depth of at least 3 cm to provide sufficient space for plant growth. Vary the thickness of the substrate in different areas according to desired aesthetics and plant types.
• Finally, add the Riverbed substrate on top of the base layer. The arbitrary distribution of the bag content creates a natural riverbed impression with random densities and content mix, resulting in an easy, fun, and impressive way to create a true slice of nature.
• Maintain the lowest thickness by the front glass, aiming for less than 1 cm to achieve the best aesthetics.

6. Add Aquatic Plants:

• Before planting, moisten the soil to help the substrate settle and create a stable base for your aquatic plants.
• Carefully plant the aquatic plants in the substrate, considering their specific growth requirements and compatibility with the chosen biotope.
• Arrange the plants in a way that enhances the natural look and complements the overall design of your riverbed.

7.Fine-Tune the Design:

• Step back and assess the overall design of your riverbed, making any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired look and functionality.
• Consider adding additional decorations such as roots to further enhance the natural aesthetic.

8.Fill the Aquarium:

• Slowly fill the aquarium with water, pouring it gently onto a hard surface to avoid disturbing the substrate and plants.
• Monitor the water level to ensure it is appropriate for the chosen biotope and aquatic pets.
• During the initial setup period, the aquarium water may turn cloudy, which is normal. Don't worry, though. Simply turn on the filter, and the cloudiness should disappear within a few hours.

Monitor and Maintain:

• Regularly monitor the water parameters, including temperature, pH, and ammonia levels, to ensure a healthy environment for your aquatic pets.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as regular water changes, to maintain water quality and remove any accumulated debris.
• Trim and prune your aquatic plants as needed to promote their growth and maintain the desired aesthetic.
• Keep an eye on the health and behavior of your aquatic pets, making adjustments as necessary to create an optimal environment for their well-being.

By following these usage instructions and properly maintaining your River Kit aquarium, you can enjoy a stunning and natural-looking aquatic display that replicates the beauty of real riverbeds and biotopes. Let your creativity flow and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature right in your own home.