Description

Nautilus Light River Kit was inspired by the breathtaking underwater world of Lake Malawi and the karst streams of Bonito, Brazil. 

Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa, is a freshwater lake located in the East African Rift Valley system. It is the ninth largest lake in the world and the third largest in Africa, covering an area of approximately 29,600 square kilometers. The lake is bordered by Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

The Malawi lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, which are home to over 1.000 species of colorful cichlid fish. The lake's shoreline is varied, with sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and lush vegetation. The waters are deep and clear, with visibility of up to 30 meters. The lake is also home to several islands, including Likoma Island and Chizumulu Island.

On the other side, the karst streams of Bonito, Brazil are a unique and stunning aquatic environment. The region is characterized by porous limestone bedrock that has been eroded by water over millions of years, creating an intricate system of underground caves and rivers. As water flows through the porous rock, it becomes filtered and purified, resulting in crystal-clear streams and rivers with an otherworldly blue-green hue.

The streams are home to an incredible diversity of aquatic life, including numerous species of fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. The rocky terrain and fast-moving water create a dynamic and challenging environment for these species to thrive in, but they have adapted over time to make the most of the unique habitat.

In addition to the aquatic life, the surrounding forest is teeming with wildlife, from monkeys and jaguars to numerous species of birds and reptiles. The karst streams of Bonito, Brazil offer a truly unique and awe-inspiring experience for nature enthusiasts and aquarists alike.

The kit is composed of a blend of light-colored sands and crushed shells, a mix of small, medium, and large shells, White Adder boulders and nano boulders, and Mustard Artist substrate for plants, providing a natural and realistic look for your aquarium.

Our Nautilus Light River Kit features a mix of light sand, crushed shells, gravels, White Adder boulders, and nano boulders, and Wetland Artist Mustard substrate for plants, creating a natural and realistic look for your aquarium. This kit is perfect for recreating the biotopes of karst streams, African cichlids, and other aquatic environments.

Key Points

- Authentic Australian red habitat-inspired kit for aquariums

- Warm, ochre colors reminiscent of the Australian outback

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

- Easy to manipulate and spread in your aquarium.

- Kit includes: Wetland Artist Terra substrate (5 Kg bag), Crikey Riverbed (2 Kg bag), principle hardscape Etna Stone (7-10 kg box), and secondary hardscape Etna Nano Rock (2 Kg bag).

- Color: Reddish, ochre, violets…

- Material: Natural sands, gravel, plant substrate, stones and nano rocks, snail shells, and botanicals

- Size mix: 0.1cm to 30cm

- Materials: 100% natural and non-toxic

- 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.