TROPICAL Aquarist's Guide 2018 - GB

GB

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

TROPICAL

GOOD FOOD MEANS CLEAR WATER AND HEALTHY FISH Beautiful and healthy fish in the aquarium are the result of the combined influence of many factors. One of the most important of these is a well-balanced diet that suits the fishes’ needs.

By using high-class foods you provide your fish with necessary nutrients and at the same time protect the tank against the excess of metabolic waste.

Tropical foods are manufactured from the highest quality natural raw materials. The formulation of each food is the distillation of many years’ experience, knowledge, and passion for aquarium fish. High quality and proven effectiveness are the quintessential virtues of Tropical foods. And the special feature that distinguishes them from other foods is the passion we put into their creation.

This makes Tropical products unique.

ECO-FRIENDLY COMPANY As a leader on the aquarium market we have the obligation to take care of natural environment and take responsibility for our actions.

Sustainable development is one of our priorities. By developing our products and production technologies we satisfy the demands of the market and take care of the natural environment at the same time. Our production lines, both extrusion and flake, are equipped with ultramodern biological filters. The whole production process is odor-free with no emission of noise involved.

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MODERN PACKAGINGS Our products are known for their transparent packagings equipped with UV filter. Transparent foil under the cap protects the food but allows to check the size and shape of the food. Selected products are equipped with a convenient applicator which allows for precise dosing. Attractive and legible labels based on clear classification of products help the customer to navigate through Tropical’s rich portfolio.

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AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

CONTENTS THE RICHES OF NATURE IN TROPICAL FOODS

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IMPROVED IMMUNITY IN FISH

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FISH FOOD?

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PREMIUM LINE

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UNIVERSAL FOODS

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FOODS FOR CICHLIDS

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FOODS FOR BOTTOM FEEDING FISH AND CRUSTACEANS

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FOODS FOR MARINE FISH

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FOODS DEDICATED TO SPECIFIC SPECIES OR GROUP OF FISH

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STANDARD LINE

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NATURAL LINE

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SOFT LINE

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PROBIOTIC LINE

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GEL FORMULA LINE

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NANO AQUARIA AND FOODS FOR THE FRY

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AQUA CARE LINE

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WATER TREATMENT PRODUCTS

ACCESSORIES

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FILTRATION MEDIA AND SPONGE FILTERS

ULTRAMODERN EXTRUSION TECHNOLOGY

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FULL INFORMATION ON THE LABEL – WE HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE

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THE RICHES OF NATURE IN TROPICAL FOODS To enjoy healthy and active fish presenting splendid coloration one main condition must be met – a diversified diet based on high-quality foods. For the production of our foods we use more than 100 various raw materials. Each product contains minimum 20 ingredients which ensure food’s unique properties. Such a great number of raw materials used for fish food production corresponds with a wide variety of foods which fish have at their disposal in their natural environment. This way we can be sure that we provide fish with all essential nutrients.

Selected natural ingredients in Tropical foods: Red pepper is the source of carotenoids which enhance

Oak meal is one of the ingredients of Pleco’s Tablets for

coloration in fish, improve their condition, maturation, repro-

Loricariidae fish. For some species within this family wood

duction and increase the resistance to diseases.

is a crucial dietary component.

Nettle has bacteriostatic and detoxicating effect; if added to foods, it facilitates digestion.

Spinach is a rich source of easily assimilable macronutrients, trace elements and vitamins.

Green pea is the source of valuable protein, easily assimilable by the fish, and the fibre, which regulates digestion.

Algae used in Tropical foods are the source of high quality protein, macronutrients and trace elements, carotenoids and natural immune stimulators. They facilitate digestion, prevent inflammatory disorders of alimentary tract, enhance coloration and improve immunity.

Calanus (Calanus finmarchicus) is a plankton crustacean derived from North Atlantic waters. It is the source of astax-

Egg yolks are rich in fats, easily assimilable lecithin and the

anthin, protein, rich in essential amino acids, and unsaturated

number of vitamins and trace elements. They contain lutein –

fatty acids, including Omega-3.

one of carotenoids, which intensifies coloration in fish. Food with egg yolk – due to high energy value – recommended

Squid are high in protein but low in fats. They provide polyunsaturated fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. They encourage fish to spawn.

Insects larvae are the source of protein, they provide significant amounts of fat, including Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids.

Krill, due to its high palatability, make the food very tasty and eagerly eaten by fish. Moreover, ingredients contained in krill encourage fish to spawn and intensify fish’s coloration.

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mainly for adolescent fry and spawning pairs.

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

IMPROVED IMMUNITY IN FISH A number of ingredients, used in Tropical foods, enhance fish’s immunity. It is recommended to introduce at least one food containing immunity booster. regulates digestion and protects the alimentary tract against development of unwanted bacterial flora. Some compounds found in Kelp algae have bactericidal and antiviral properties.

Carotenoids – natural pigments present in higher plants, algae and crustaceans. Apart from coloration enhancement, carotenoids improve fish’s overall condition and resistance Aloe – aloe extract added to food improves immunity

to diseases. Tropical foods contain concentrated astaxanthin

and facilitates digestion.

and beta-carotene derived from natural sources and raw materials rich in carotenoids: krill, spirulina, chlorella and red

Beta-glucan is a natural immune stimulator derived from

pepper.

the yeasts’ walls. It activates white blood cells, increasing their potential for absorbing and destroying microbes which

Unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), including Omega-3

invade fish’s bodies.

and Omega-6 improve fish’s resistance to diseases, help to assimilate vitamins A, D, E and K, improve skin’s function

Chlorella vulgaris is microalga with a high content of pro-

as a protective barrier.

tein (45-57%) rich in essential amino acids and carotenoids (0.4%). It contains beta-glucan and particularly high con-

Probiotic – viable Bacillus subtilis endospores, which stabilize

tent of chlorophyll (2%), which facilitates digestion, reduces

gut microflora, facilitating utilization of nutrients, improving

the number of decay bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, acts

immunity and overall health and condition.

as an antioxidant and helps to detoxicate.

Garlic (Allium sativum) contains sulphur compounds which

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is microalga known for its

have strong bactericidal properties. Helps to fight parasites

high content of protein (60-65%) rich in essential amino

in the alimentary tract.

acids. It is the source of chlorophyll, carotenoids, unsaturated fatty acids and natural immune stimulators. Thanks to these

Kelp algae is a mixture of brown algae, out of which Tropical

substances spirulina enhances the immune system.

uses two – Ascophyllum nodosum and Laminaria digitata.

Kelp algae are the rich source of micronutrients and trace

Zeolite – natural mineral added to all foods (apart from

elements, including organic iodine. They contain high per-

the tablets). It enhances the alimentary tract system

centage of unsaturated fatty acids and dietary fibre, which

and facilitates the release of toxins from fish’s bodies.

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TROPICAL

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FISH FOOD? 1.

2.

Check dietary requirements of species you wish to keep in available literature.

Choose the size and form of the food.

Fish in the wild live in specific parts of the reservoir. Some live near the bottom, some in the middle layers of water and some among the plants. Other species prefer regions under the surface of water. Particular zone can be usually guessed on the basis of the shape of fish’s body and the placement of its mouth. This makes selecting proper form of food much easier.

PLACEMENT OF THE MOUTH

ZONE OF FEEDING

FORM OF THE FOOD

upper

surface of the water

flakes, pellets, sticks, dried and freeze-dried foods

medium

middle layers of water

granules, chips, flakes adhesive tablets, plano-convex tablets

lower

bottom of the tank

adhesive tablets, sinking tablets, plano-convex tablets, wafers, granules, flakes

Thanks to the availability of various forms one can perfectly match proper product to a given species, taking into account food size and the place and way of feeding.

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AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING Flakes Most universal form of food. Suitable for fish living in all parts of the reservoir. Thanks to their delicate structure they float when coming into contact with water and then slowly sink. Floating all over the tank, they allow all species, even less energetic and the ones lower in the hierarchy, to feed. You can crumble them in case you need smaller bites.

Granules Concentrated dose of food in the form of granules of various sizes: granules (1.4-6.0 mm), mini granules (0.8-1.2 mm) and micro granules (0.5-0.7 mm). They are sinking and slowly sinking foods. Suitable for fish eating in the middle layers of water and at the bottom. Most granules have even surface. Thanks to their closed pores they slowly absorb water, hence do not disintegrate in water, which limits the release of valuable ingredients. Tropical offers also includes the so called “bites” granules, which have uneven surface and soften quicker, hence provide perfect feeding solution for sensitive fish and the ones which are not particularly keen to eat granules.

Chips Type of granules which resemble flat disk. They sink quickly but do not disintegrate in water. Intended mostly for large species of fish. Served to smaller fish, it is nibbled and bitten piece by piece, which limits the phenomenon of fast swallowing of small granules by particularly voracious fish.

Pellets and sticks Floating foods for medium and large fish which feed at the surface of water. Pellets in the shape of balls are available in size S (3.5 mm) and M (5-6 mm). Sticks are available in size M (4 mm) and L (6 mm).

Wafers (discs) This food is dedicated to feeding fish that live near the bottom and crustaceans. Wafers rapidly fall onto the bottom, which helps to place them exactly in bottom feeders’ favourite spots or directly into the hiding place of timid species. Wafers absorb the water slowly, hence maintain their shape in the tank. Their shape and structure allow Loricariidae fish to use their suckermouths and teeth the way they do in the wild and feed by scraping food from various surfaces.

Tablets Foods in the form of tablets are recommended for feeding bottom feeding fish, crustaceans (sinking tablets, adhesive and plano-convex) and fish that live in the middle layers of water, including the fry (adhesive tablets and plano-convex). Adhesive and plano-convex tablets should be adhered to the glass of the tank.

All tablets fall into tiny parts in the water.

Micronised foods Foods in the form of fine powder intended for feeding the fry. In case of big fry, for instance of live-bearing fish, micronised foods may be used from the moment young fish start to feed.

Natural foods Dried or freeze-dried invertebrates (Daphnia, Gammarus, artemia, bloodworms, Tubifex, shrimps) rich in chitin and carotenoids. Biologically safe. Perfectly supplement ornamental fish’s diet.

Soft foods Foods in the form of various soft granules obtained through advanced and innovative production technology.

Thanks to their soft texture they are more readily accepted and digested by fish.

Available forms are listed next to each description. Note that a number of foods is available in numerous formats.

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TROPICAL

Tips the best feeding solutions for small species of fish or fish  with small mouths are flake foods, mini and micro granules large species of fish may be fed with chips, pellets and sticks,  if they feed near the surface of water bottom feeding fish – depending on their size – may be fed  with flakes, granules and mini granules, tablets or wafers

3.

Choose a few products, varying in composition.

Depending on their composition, fish foods can be divided into: multi-ingredient, vegetable and high-protein. If used in various combinations and proportions, they provide fish with all necessary ingredients. Analyze the below diagrams to establish appropriate proportions of specific Tropical foods in your fish’s diet.

HERBIVOROUS FISH

CARNIVOROUS FISH

10% 20%

15% 30% 70%

70%

vegetable foods

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OMNIVOROUS FISH

25%

60%

multi-ingredient foods

multi-ingredient foods

high-protein foods

vegetable foods

high-protein foods

vegetable foods or animal foods rich in chitin

high-protein foods

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

4.

Choose line suitable for your fish

Premium Line – formulated foods with a number of attractive additions which ensure excellent condition, splendid coloration and increased resistance to diseases. Premium Line includes both universal foods and specialist foods intended for feeding fish with sophisticated dietary demands. Premium foods have been divided into five categories, depending on their intended use.

Each category is marked with a different colour, presented as a strip at the bottom of the label.

Yellow category

Purple category

Green category

 Universal foods  Foods for cichlids  Foods for bottom feeding fish and crustaceans  Foods dedicated to specific species or group of fish  Foods for marine fish Tips on how to feed aquarium fish: feed your fish 2-3 times a day with small portions  feed 

with amount that can be eaten within

2-3 minutes adjust diet to fish’s natural preferences 

 make sure your fish get diverse foods do not feed your fish for one day a week  (does not apply to the fry) feed the fry and young fish more often and pay  greater attention to the quality of water feed fish, which are active at night, in the evening  with the lights turned off

Red category

Blue category

Standard Line – basic formulated foods ensuring proper growth, development and reproduction of most species of aquarium fish.

Natural Line – foods based on invertebrates. Their valuable nutritional properties have been retained thanks to drying and freeze-drying treatment. Freeze-drying (drying in low temperatures) helps to maintain all nutritional, flavour and partially also aromatic values of the food.

Dangerous pathogens are eliminated at the same time.

Soft Line – soft granules of exceptional hydrostability, unique absorbability and containing a wide variety of nutrients. Foods do not disintegrate in water and maintain their shape as their swelling is reduced to minimum.

Soft, non-expandable granules ensure better digestion and greater safety for the fish. Granules do not release any nutrients into the water, hence do not cause any cloudiness. The composition of Soft Line foods includes: herring, crustaceans, insect larvae, a few species of algae and immunity enhancers such as beta-glucan, garlic, prebiotic from algae and vitamin C. Soft texture and a wide variety of ingredients make Soft Line foods a convenient feeding solution, which allow for replicating their natural feeding habits.

Probiotic Line – foods with probiotic for everyday feeding of fish. Probiotic added to the food contains viable Bacillus subtilis endospores, which stabilize gut microflora, facilitating utilization of nutrients, which in turn reduces contamination of water with fish’s feces. Probiotic also enhances fish’s overall condition and improves their immunity.

to ensure proper diet for herbivorous and carni-

Gel Formula Line – fish food in the form of DIY gel. The preparation is quick, easy and enjoyable. Depending on food preparation you can obtain food in the form of sinking or floating gel to meet the needs of both bottom feeders and fish that feed near the surface. The consistency of the gel resembles natural food, hence encourages fish to feed.

vorous fish at the same time

You can freely combine foods from all six lines.

avoid introducing fish with different nutritional  demands into one tank as you will not be able

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TROPICAL

PREMIUM LINE UNIVERSAL FOODS SUPERVIT • basic food for everyday feeding of most aquarium fish • its rich formula provides a complete and balanced diet • natural immune stimulator – beta-glucan – enhances fish’s resistance to diseases • 6 different forms of food allow you to feed fish of different sizes and eating in different places in the aquarium Available as: flakes, granules, chips, adhesive tablets, sinking tablets

VITALITY & COLOR • high-protein, vitality-enhancing food for omnivorous and carnivorous fish • due to its high content of protein, vitamin E and lecithin, it is recommended for fish at growth or breeding phase • natural carotenoids, from krill, among other sources, intensify colours and positively affect many physiological processes, including breeding • L-carnitine stimulates fat metabolism Available as: flakes, granules, adhesive tablets

SPIRULINA • vegetable food with spirulina (6%) • regulates metabolism processes and prevents intestinal disorders • natural carotenoids from spirulina enhance coloration, positively affect many physiological processes and protect against free radicals Available as: flakes, granules

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AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

SUPER SPIRULINA FORTE • vegetable food with high (36%) content of spirulina for algae-eating African cichlids and other fish, including marine, with high dietary demand for plant material • high content of spirulina encourages digestion, which is essential in breeding problematic herbivorous cichlids such as Tropheus • active substances of spirulina enhance the immunity system • spirulina is the source of unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA), easily assimilable protein, vitamins and trace elements, which ensure excellent condition, growth and vitality of your fish • natural carotenoids ensure beautiful intense coloration • 6 different forms of food allow you to feed fish of different sizes and eating in different places in the aquarium as well as freshwater and marine crustaceans Available as: flakes, granules, chips, adhesive tablets

3-ALGAE • food with algae for everyday feeding of freshwater and marine herbivorous fish, whose diet is based on algae, and omnivorous fish – as a supplementary food • contains three algae: chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris), and Ascophyllum nodosum and Laminaria digitata, referred to as kelp algae • unsaturated fatty acids, protein (rich in essential amino acids) and vitamins from chlorella, together with macronutrients and trace elements from kelp algae (including iodine, chromium, selenium and iron) ensure excellent condition, intensive growth and vitality in fish • high-dose chlorophyll – green pigment coming from chlorella, which is a concentrated source of chlorophyll – inhibits the development of unwanted bacteria in alimentary tract, preventing infections • aloe extract improves immunity and stimulates proper bacterial flora in gastrointestinal tract Available as: flakes, granules, adhesive tablets, sinking tablets

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TROPICAL

PREMIUM LINE UNIVERSAL FOODS TROPICAL D-ALLIO PLUS • vitality-enhancing food with garlic for all aquarium fish (including many marine fish) • garlic enhances immunity and regulates digestion • high nutritional value, optimally balanced vitamins and trace elements, together with the properties of garlic, make Tropical D-Allio Plus an indispensable food for fish adapting to new conditions or undergoing medical treatment Available as: flakes, granules

KRILL • colour-enhancing food with high content (40%) of krill for everyday feeding of omnivorous and carnivorous fish, especially very fussy ones • krill is the source of valuable proteins, amino acids, chitin, unsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-3, and natural carotenoids • high content of carotenoids, including astaxanthin, enhances beautiful, intense coloration Available as: flakes, granules, chips, granules XXL

RED MICO COLOUR STICKS • super colour-enhancing food for carnivorous and omnivorous fish in freshwater, brackish and marine tanks • the sticks resemble bloodworm with their shape and colour • with a properly adjusted filter, the flow of water sets the sticks in motion, imitating the behaviour of live bloodworm, which encourages fish to feed • high content of natural astaxanthin (120 mg/kg) and the addition of red pepper quickly intensify coloration • beta-glucan and stabilised vitamin C contained in the food improve fish’s resistance to diseases Available as: sticks

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AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

TUBIVIT • high-protein flake food with Tubifex and chironomid larvae for omnivorous and carnivorous fish • the source of easily digestible protein • purified Tubifex and chironomid larvae are safe alternative for live foods Available as: flakes

TROPICAL NANOVIT GRANULAT • multi-ingredient food with high content of protein, in the form of tiny, sinking granules for small aquarium fish such as ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae), gold tetra (Hemigrammus rodwayi), mosquito rasbora (Boraras brigittae), Boraras maculatus, neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), Pygmy Cory (Corydoras pygmaeus), as well as for adolescent fry • beta-glucan and stabilised vitamin C enhance the immune system • a few dozen carefully selected ingredients of the best quality, supplemented with optimally balanced vitamins and trace elements meet all dietary requirements of most demanding species of fish, including fry Available as: granules

TROPICAL NANOVIT TABLETS • colour- and vitality-enhancing food in the form of tiny tablets with high content of natural carotenoids and 14% spirulina share • recommended for small species of omnivorous and carnivorous fish, crustaceans and snails • tablets do not leave excessive organic matter, which facilitates the maintenance of nano aquarium, hence limits algae infestation • fish’s colours are intensified by: natural astaxanthin, beta-carotene and red pepper extract • molluscs and crustaceans, including tasty squid, are the source of exceptionally assimilable protein • natural immune stimulator – beta-glucan – together with active substances of spirulina enhance the immunity system of fish and crustaceans Available as: plano-convex tablets

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TROPICAL

PREMIUM LINE UNIVERSAL FOODS MIKRO-VIT VEGETABLE • vegetable food with nettle, spinach and spirulina • meets high nutritional requirements of young fish, e.g. live bearing fish, with a high demand for plant material Available as: powder

MIKRO-VIT SPIRULINA • multi-ingredient food with the addition of spirulina (6%) for fry • meets high nutritional requirements of young fish, e.g. live bearing fish, with a high demand for plant material Available as: powder

MIKRO-VIT BASIC • basic food for the fry with spirulina, krill and squid • the ingredient-rich formula of top quality plant and animal material, together with optimally balanced vitamins and trace elements, stimulates growth and development in small fish and prevents vitamin and trace element deficiency, which may cause irreparable damages Available as: powder

MIKRO-VIT HI-PROTEIN • high-protein food for the fry with highly nutritional egg yolk • meets all the dietary requirements of small fish, stimulating their growth and development Available as: powder

WEEKEND FOOD • sinking tablets for ornamental fish to be used in the absence of the aquarium handler • tablets do not disintegrate in water, soften very slowly when placed in the water, encouraging fish and crustaceans to feed • help keeping fish in excellent condition at weekends and during the holidays Available as: sinking tablets

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AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

More about fish feeding In the wild fish have access to various sources of food. Remember that beautiful healthy fish  which spawn eagerly are the effect of diversified diet.

Alimentary tract of specific fish is adjusted to digesting specific type of food, which you  must ensure in your tank. Feeding with incorrect food may lead to the fatty degeneration of internal organs, digestion and reproduction disorders and the decrease of resistance to diseases.

Uneaten food lying on the bottom deteriorates the quality of water, which has an adverse  effect on the health and condition of fish.

Young fish, due to their intensive growth, need more food (calculated per body weight)  in comparison to adult fish, whose growth rate abruptly falls.

Alimentary tract of herbivorous fish is adjusted to continuous intake of small portions. You  can easily recreate this feeding regime by feeding your fish several times a day with small portions.

Live foods may be the source of pathogens. 

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TROPICAL

PREMIUM LINE FOODS FOR CICHLIDS D-50 PLUS • colour-enhancing food with high content (50%) of protein for discus and other fish with high nutritional requirements • high nutritional value makes it a perfect food for egg-layer breeding stock and young fish • krill and squid are the sources of easily assimilable protein and make the food very palatable • high content of astaxanthin ensures intensive and vivid colours • natural immune stimulator – beta-glucan – increases the resistance to diseases Available as: flakes

TROPICAL DISCUS GRAN D-50 PLUS • colour-enhancing granules for all species of discus and other fish with high nutritional requirements • high (50%) content of easily assimilable protein meets the dietary requirements of most demanding species and stimulates proper growth, development and spawning • high content of natural astaxanthin intensifies coloration • natural immune stimulator – beta-glucan – increases the resistance to diseases Available as: granules

TROPICAL DISCUS GRAN D-50 PLUS BABY • food in the form of tiny, slowly sinking granules enhancing growth of young discus • provides fish with high content of protein, rich in essential amino acids • it is the source of lecithin from egg yolk, indispensable for proper development • enhances immunity thanks to additions such as beta-glucan, garlic, spirulina and kelp algae • when used regularly, it ensures steady growth and development of young discus Available as: granules

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AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

TROPICAL D-VITAL PLUS • vitality-enhancing food with increased content of vitamin E for everyday feeding of discus fry and other demanding species of fish • its ingredients encourage spawning and stimulate production of mucus on which young discus feed • krill and squid make the food exceptionally palatable • L-carnitine stimulates fat metabolism, providing additional energy Available as: flakes

ASTACOLOR • colour-enhancing food for discus and other fish where enhancement and improvement of coloration is desired • high content of natural carotenoids, including easily assimilable astaxanthin, helps to develop all spectrum of intensive, vivid colours in a very short period of time • natural carotenoids also enhance immunity system and positively affect fish’s overall condition Available as: flakes

TROPICAL DISCUS GRAN WILD • food in the form of slowly sinking granules with the addition of algae, krill and fruit; intended for everyday feeding of wild discus and other demanding species of fish • contains the following algae: spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) and Ascophyllum nodosum and Laminaria digitata, referred to as kelp algae • great share of ingredients of vegetable origin, including algae and fruit, resembles the diet of wild discus • high-dose chlorophyll – green pigment coming from chlorella and spirulina, which are a concentrated source of chlorophyll – inhibits the development of unwanted bacteria in alimentary tract, preventing infections • active substances of garlic and spirulina enhance the immune system • carotenoids, from krill and red pepper among other sources, and the addition of astaxanthin, maintain natural coloration of fish and prevent fading Available as: granules

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TROPICAL

PREMIUM LINE FOODS FOR CICHLIDS CICHLID COLOR • basic food with high content of protein for everyday feeding of omnivorous and carnivorous cichlids (including many species of Malawi cichlids) • nettle regulates metabolism and improves the condition of liver and pancreas • beta-glucan enhances the immunity • krill and spirulina, which are the source of natural carotenoids, guarantee splendid coloration Available as: flakes, granules, chips

MALAWI • multi-ingredient food with high content of plant material for Malawi cichlids of the mbuna group • rich formula ensures excellent condition and intense coloration of fish and stimulates spawning • fibre and nettle regulate the activity of the long digestive tract of Malawi cichlids • green pea and spirulina are the sources of easily assimilable vegetable proteins • wheat germs provide valuable unsaturated fatty acids • L-carnitine stimulates fat metabolism Available as: flakes, chips

TANGANYIKA • basic food for omnivorous and carnivorous cichlids from Lake Tanganyika (from the genera: Altolamprologus, Julidochromis, Lamprologus, Neolamprologus, Cyprichromis, Paracyprichromis, as well as young Cyphotilapia frontosa) • provides fish with best quality protein, from krill and squid among other sources • due to its excellent taste, it is eagerly eaten by even most fussy fish • spirulina and vitamin C enhance the resistance to diseases Available as: flakes, chips

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AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

CICHLID RED & GREEN STICKS • basic floating sticks for omnivorous cichlids • the mixture of red sticks (the source of animal protein and astaxanthin) and green sticks (the source of plant material, including spirulina) guarantees a rich and varied diet • natural immune stimulator – beta-glucan – together with stabilised vitamin C and active substances of spirulina increase fish’s resistance to diseases • available in two sizes: medium and large Available as: sticks

CICHLID & AROWANA STICKS • colour-enhancing sticks for medium and large omnivorous and carnivorous fish (e.g. arowanas and cichlids) • high content of natural astaxanthin intensifies coloration • increased content of easily assimilable protein and optimally balanced vitamins and trace elements encourage growth and excellent condition • stabilised vitamin C and beta-glucan enhance the immunity system • available in two sizes: medium and large Available as: sticks

CICHLID SPIRULINA STICKS • basic food for medium and large cichlids with a high demand for plant material (e.g. some cichlids from Lakes Malawi and Tanganyika) • fibre and spirulina (3%) encourage digestion, prevent fatty degeneration of internal organs and digestive tract disorders • substances contained in spirulina and vitamin C enhance the resistance to diseases • available in two sizes: medium and large Available as: sticks

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PREMIUM LINE FOODS FOR CICHLIDS CICHLID OMNIVORE • basic food for medium and large omnivorous cichlids (e.g. Archocentrus sajica, Aequidens rivulatus, Heros severus, Astatotilapia burtoni, Pelvicachromis taeniatus, Aulonocara spp.)

• pellets are available in S & M sizes, so that you can adjust proper food to the size of particular fish • natural astaxanthin intensifies coloration • the addition of spirulina regulates digestion processes Available as: pellets

CICHLID CARNIVORE • basic food for medium and large carnivorous cichlids (e.g. Astronotus ocellatus, Copadichromis borleyi, Cynotilapia afra, Placidochromis electra, Hemichromis bimaculatus) • pellets are available in S & M sizes, so that you can adjust proper food to the size of particular fish • astaxanthin intensifies coloration Available as: pellets

CICHLID HERBIVORE • basic food for medium and large cichlids with a high demand for plant material (e.g. Uaru amphiacanthoides, Vieja maculicauda, Vieja bifasciata, Simochromis diagramma, Pseudotropheus demasoni and other Malawi cichlids from the mbuna group) • fibre and spirulina ensure proper functioning of alimentary tract, protecting fish against digestive disorders • available in two sizes: S and M Available as: pellets

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AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

RED PARROT GRANULAT • basic food for red parrots and other delicate fish, whose diet requires a considerable amount of natural carotenoids to ensure their beautiful coloration (e.g. discus, swordtails, guppies, goldfish) • food is easily digestible, which prevents digestion disorders Available as: granules

FLOWER HORN • colour-enhancing floating pellets for flower horns and other cichlids • high content of easily assimilable protein and optimally balanced vitamins and trace elements encourage growth and excellent condition • unsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3, Omega-6) encourage growth and development of a nuchal hump, characteristic for flower horns and many other large cichlids from South and Central America • the low content of starch prevents fatty degeneration of internal organs • available in two sizes: young and adult Available as: pellets

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TROPICAL

PREMIUM LINE FOODS FOR BOTTOM FEEDING FISH AND CRUSTACEANS GREEN ALGAE WAFERS • basic food with spirulina for everyday feeding of Loricariidae fish with high dietary demand for plant material and algae • wafers are perfect supplementary food for omnivorous bottom feeders and freshwater and marine crustaceans Available as: wafers

MINI WAFERS MIX • sinking wafers for everyday feeding of omnivorous bottom feeding fish and freshwater and marine crustaceans • red wafers are the source of natural astaxanthin, which intensifies fish’s coloration, and beta-glucan, which increases their resistance to diseases • green wafers contain spirulina and fibre – ingredients which regulate digestion • wafers do not disintegrate in water Available as: wafers

CARNIVORE • high-protein granules for large and medium bottom feeders, with a high demand for animal protein (e.g. catfish, Potamotrygonidae, snakeheads, cichlids) • lowered content of starch prevents fatty degeneration of internal organs • beta-glucan enhances the immunity system • granules do not disintegrate in water, hence do not contaminate it or release any valuable nutrients Available as: granules

22

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

HI-PROTEIN DISCS XXL • sinking discs with high content of crustaceans and molluscs for large species of carnivorous and omnivorous bottom-feeding fish • crustaceans and molluscs (shrimps 12%, krill 10%, squid 6%, calanus 1.7%), herring and insects are the sources of high-quality protein and unsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 • diverse sources of protein help to meet fish’s demand for essential amino acids and ensure their proper growth and development • natural immune stimulator beta-glucan improves fish’s immunity • high content of natural carotenoids from crustaceans and red pepper and the addition of astaxanthin rapidly enhance coloration Available as: wafers

HI-ALGAE DISCS XXL • sinking discs with high content of algae (52.4%) for large species of herbivorous and omnivorous bottom-feeding fish • contains 5 species of algae: spirulina (Spirulina platensis), chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris), Lithothamnium calcareum and kelp algae – Ascophyllum nodosum and Laminaria digitate • unsaturated fatty acids, protein (rich in essential amino acids) and vitamins from spirulina and chlorella, together with vitamins, macronutrients and trace elements from kelp algae and Lithothamnium calcareum (including iodine, chromium, selenium and iron) ensure excellent condition, intensive growth and vitality in fish • dietary fiber from algae, oak bark meal and chitin regulate digestion • food stimulates the development of beneficial bacterial flora in gastrointestinal tract • improves fish’s immunity • due to its strengthening properties it can be used for feeding ill and weakened fish and those during acclimatization period or recovery after medical treatment Available as: wafers

PLECO’S TABLETS • sinking tablets of the 25 mm diameter for everyday feeding of large Loricariidae such as Hypostomus plecostomus or smaller species of algae-eating fish from Loricariidae family • high content of spirulina (36%) enhances the immunity system and encourages digestion • the addition of oak wood regulates digestion and ensures excellent overall condition of fish from genera: Panaque, Panaqolus, Peckoltia etc., for which wood is an indispensable dietary component Available as: sinking tablets Ø 25 mm

23

TROPICAL

PREMIUM LINE FOODS FOR BOTTOM FEEDING FISH AND CRUSTACEANS TROPICAL WELSI GRAN • fast sinking granules for bottom feeders • a variety of raw materials of animal and plant origin is the source of indispensable nutrients • optimally balanced vitamins and trace elements ensure excellent condition Available as: granules

SHRIMP STICKS • sinking sticks with the addition of Ketapang for freshwater and marine crustaceans • spirulina is the source of valuable vitamins and active substances, which together with natural immune stimulator – beta-glucan – and Ketapang enhance shrimps’ immunity system • natural carotenoids keep crustaceans in excellent condition, intensify their coloration and positively affect moulting process Available as: sinking sticks

CARIDINA NANO STICKS / CRUSTA STICKS • basic sinking sticks for everyday feeding of dwarf shrimps and other aquatic crustaceans, including marine ones • if fed regularly, it intensifies coloration and facilitates moulting process • optimally balanced formula ensures excellent health and condition • available as two products, which differ in size of the sticks Available as: sinking sticks

24

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

PREMIUM LINE FOODS FOR MARINE FISH BIONAUTIC • multi-ingredient food for omnivorous marine fish and crustaceans • a number of natural ingredients of marine origin ensures excellent condition of fish • garlic (8%) enhances the immunity system • natural astaxanthin intensifies coloration • a considerable amount of fibre and active substances of spirulina regulate digestive processes Available as: flakes, granules, chips

25

TROPICAL

PREMIUM LINE FOODS DEDICATED TO SPECIFIC SPECIES OR GROUP OF FISH BETTA • basic food for fighting fish and other small labyrinth fish • a combination of flakes containing krill and freeze-dried bloodworms (5%) makes the food extremely palatable • natural carotenoids, including beta-carotene, intensify coloration Available as: flakes

BETTA GRANULAT • basic food for fighting fish and other small labyrinth fish • excellent taste encourages fish (even most fussy ones) to feed • natural carotenoids intensify coloration Available as: granules

GUPPY • basic food for guppies and other live-bearing fish • if fed regularly, it ensures proper growth and development • natural marine salt supplement enhances fish’s condition and positively affects pregnancy • a considerable amount of plant material, including spirulina, regulates digestive processes Available as: flakes

26

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

GOLDFISH COLOR • basic food for all kinds of goldfish • high fibre content, derived from grass mixture among other sources, guarantees that the long digestive tract of this group of fish works properly and L-carnitine improves fat metabolism • wheat germs are the source of unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) as well as vitamins and trace elements • high content of natural carotenoids, including astaxanthin and beta-carotene, intensifies coloration Available as: flakes

GOLDFISH COLOUR PELLET • basic floating pellets for all kinds of goldfish • natural immune stimulator – beta-glucan – and stabilised vitamin C enhance immunity • high content of natural carotenoids, including astaxanthin and beta-carotene, intensifies coloration Available as: pellets

SUPER GOLDFISH MINI STICKS • sinking sticks for everyday feeding of goldfish with characteristic “lion heads” such as lionhead, oranda, ranchu • high content of protein and all essential amino acids encourage the growth of a characteristic “lion head” • carefully balanced formula encourages the development of a splendid veiltail and guarantees the best shape of fish’s body in conformity with international standards Available as: sticks

27

TROPICAL

STANDARD LINE ICHTIO-VIT • basic food for most aquarium fish • the source of carefully balanced vitamins and trace elements • ensures excellent condition and healthy growth Available as: flakes, adhesive tablets

BIO-VIT • basic food for herbivorous fish and supplementary food for omnivorous fish • high fibre content guarantees that the very long digestive tract of herbivorous fish functions properly, preventing constipation and digestive disorders • optimally balanced formula with vitamins and trace elements guarantees proper growth and development Available as: flakes, adhesive tablets

OVO-VIT • strengthening food with egg yolk for omnivorous and carnivorous fish • recommended for egg-layer breeding stock, juvenile and sub-adult fish • high content of easily assimilable protein and lecithin from egg yolk as well as vitamins and trace elements stimulate growth, maturation and spawning • egg yolk is the source of unsaturated fatty acids and lutein, which intensifies coloration • its high nutritional values prove useful for fish which underwent medical treatment and thus need high-energetic and easily assimilable foods Available as: flakes

SUPER WAVIL • basic food for popular fish (such as swordtails, guppies, mollies, platies, barbs, danios and goldfish) • the source of carefully balanced vitamins and trace elements • ensures excellent condition and healthy growth Available as: flakes

28

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

HOBBY MIX • basic food recommended especially for young fish keepers for everyday feeding of popular fish (such as swordtails, guppies, mollies, platies, barbs, danios and goldfish) • ensures excellent condition and healthy growth • exceptional taste encourages fish to feed Available as: flakes

TROPICAL • high-protein food for omnivorous and carnivorous fish • perfect feeding solution for egg-layer breeding stock and juvenile fish • the source of essential amino acids • ensures effective weight gain Available as: flakes, granules

GOLDFISH FLAKE • basic food enhancing coloration of all goldfish • high share of fibre ensures proper functioning of their long alimentary tracts • natural carotenoids from pepper and from other sources enhance coloration and facilitate many physiological processes, including reproduction Available as: flakes

KIRYSEK • sinking granules for young fish and small bottom eaters (such as Corydoras, Pangio loaches and algae eaters) • carefully balanced ingredients of animal and plant origin ensure excellent condition of fish Available as: granules

29

TROPICAL

NATURAL LINE TUBI-CUBI

RED MICO

• freeze-dried Tubifex worms in the form

• f reeze-dried Chironomidae larvae

of user-friendly cubes

• they are the source of protein, which

• high content of protein stimulates

stimulates growth in young and breeding in adult fish

growth and breeding • it can be fed dry or soaked before feeding

• it can be fed dry or soaked before feeding

DAFNIA

FD BRINE SHRIMP • freeze-dried Artemia salina in form

• d ried Daphnia pulex • t iny freshwater crustaceans

of user-friendly lumps • artemia supplies fish with valuable

for most aquarium fish • t he source of chitin

nutrients • high chitin content regulates digestion

• also available in the form

• natural carotenoids enhance colora-

of vitamin-enriched Daphnia with beta-carotene

tion

GAMMARUS & SHRIMPS MIX • dried

Gammarus

pulex

GAMMARUS and

shrimps enriched with vitamins • suitable for large aquarium fish,

• d ried Gammarus pulex • suitable for large aquarium fish, pond fish and turtles

pond fish and turtles

FD CALANUS • freeze-dried planktonic crustaceans (Calanus finmarchicus) from clear North Atlantic waters for freshwater and marine fish • thanks to the high content of natural astaxanthin (min. 330 mg/kg) calanus intensifies fish’s coloration • protein rich in essential amino acids facilitates fish’s development, maturing and reproduction • calanus is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-3 and Omega-9 • exceptional food palatability encourages fish to feed

30

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

Tips Adolescent fry can be fed with crumbled flakes and adhesive tablets, which consist of tiny  bits of food. Larger fish may be fed with micro granules (Tropical Nanovit Granulat, Super Spirulina Forte Micro Granulat).

Tropical granules don’t need to be soaked before feeding them to fish, as – thanks to the use  of modern technology – they expand only minimally after absorbing water. Hence if eaten dry, they are not dangerous to your fish.

If your fish nibble delicate plants, you can limit this problem by increasing the percentage  of vegetable foods in their diet.

If you want flakes to sink more quickly, place a pinch in rather than on the water. 

Colour-enhancing foods enhance all colours in fish. Use them regularly and in 2-3 weeks‘  time you’ll notice clear signs of their effectiveness.

Instead of live foods it’s safer to use freeze-dried foods, which are free of pathogens dangerous  to fish. At the same time there is no loss in the nutritional value of the raw materials from which these foods are manufactured.

31

TROPICAL

SOFT LINE

AMERICA • soft sinking food for omnivorous and carnivorous North and South American fish • contains herring and insects which provide high quality protein and Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids • intensifies fish’s coloration thanks to the high content of carotenoids from krill, calanus and red pepper • garlic and beta-glucan improve fish’s immunity • fibre (from fruit among other sources) and chitin from crustaceans regulate digestion Available as: size S – sticks, size M – granules, size L – chips

AFRICA CARNIVORE • soft sinking food for carnivorous and omnivorous African fish • contains herring and insects which provide high quality protein and Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids • contains invertebrates (shrimps 12%, krill 10%, squid 6%, calanus 1.5%), which are the sources of protein, minerals, carotenoids and other • garlic and beta-glucan improve fish’s immunity • intensifies fish’s coloration • encourages fish to spawn Available as: size S – granules, size M – chips

32

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

AFRICA HERBIVORE • soft sinking food for herbivorous and omnivorous African fish • contains algae (Spirulina platensis 20%, Laminaria digitata 4.1%, Chlorella vulgaris 2.8%, Lithothamnium calcareum 1.2%), which are the sources of: protein, minerals, immunity-enhancing substances, prebiotics and other • regulates digestion and prevents alimentary tract inflammatory disorders due to the high content of fibre (from fruit and young alfalfa among other sources), chitin from crustaceans and chlorophyll from algae • intensifies fish’s coloration • encourages fat metabolism Available as: size S – granules, size M – chips

ASIA • soft slowly sinking food for omnivorous and carnivorous Asian fish • contains herring and insects which are the source of high quality protein and Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids • intensifies fish’s coloration thanks to the high content of carotenoids from crustaceans (including calanus) and red pepper, and natural astaxanthin • high dose of beta-glucan improves fish’s immunity • exceptional food palatability encourages fish to feed Available as: size S – granules, size M – sticks

33

TROPICAL

SOFT LINE BETTA • soft food in the form of slowly sinking mini granules for bettas and other small species of labyrinth fish (Anabantoidei) • contains herring and insects which are the source of high quality protein and Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids • intensifies fish’s coloration thanks to the high content of carotenoids from crustaceans (including calanus) and red pepper, and natural astaxanthin • high dose of beta-glucan improves fish’s immunity • exceptional food palatability encourages fish to feed Available as: mini granules

AROWANA • soft food in the form of floating sticks for arowanas • contains herring and insects which are the source of high quality protein and Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids • intensifies fish’s coloration thanks to the high content of carotenoids from krill, shrimps, calanus and red pepper, and natural astaxanthin • high dose of beta-glucan improves fish’s immunity • exceptional food palatability encourages fish to feed Available as: sticks

34

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

35

TROPICAL

SOFT LINE MONSTER FISH • soft food in the form of floating sticks for large species of carnivorous fish, which contains crustaceans, molluscs, herring and insects being the source of high quality protein rich in essential amino acids and fatty acids Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 • intensifies fish’s coloration thanks to the high content of carotenoids from krill, shrimps, calanus and red pepper, and natural astaxanthin • high dose of beta-glucan improves fish’s immunity • exceptionally rich composition of sticks meets nutritional needs of large species of fish and ensures biological safety which is problematic when using live foods • exceptional food palatability encourages fish to feed Available as: sticks

> 15 cm

CARNIVORE • multi-ingredient food which contains soft sticks, dried shrimps (20%), dried mealworms (8%) and dried crickets (2%), intended for everyday feeding of large species of carnivorous fish • the main components of the food are extruded sticks • green sticks are the source of valuable spirulina, which together with fibre regulates digestion • red sticks are the source of protein (rich in essential amino acids) and astaxanthin, which intensifies coloration • natural immune stimulator beta-glucan, stabilized vitamin C and active substances of spirulina improve fish’s resistance to diseases • properly selected vitamins and trace elements prevent deficiencies of these substances and keep fish in excellent condition • soft texture makes it readily accepted by the fish Available as: sticks + dried invertebrates

> 15 cm

36

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

PROBIOTIC LINE PRO DEFENCE size S and M • food in the form of slowly sinking granules with probiotic • probiotic added to the food contains viable Bacillus subtilis endospores, which stabilize gut microflora, facilitating utilization of nutrients, which in turn reduces contamination of water with fish’s feces • the synergic effect of probiotic, beta-glucan, vitamins and carotenoids significantly improves fish’s overall condition and their immune system • positively influences reproduction, increasing fish’s fertility and the survival rate of the fry • alleviates stress caused by transportation, spawning, intra-species aggression, rivalry etc.

• ensures healthy growth and development of fish Available as: granules

PRO DEFENCE Micro size • hi-protein powder with probiotic for everyday feeding of the fry • probiotic added to the food contains viable Bacillus subtilis endospores, which stabilize gut microflora, boosting fish resistance to pathogens and facilitating utilization of nutrients, which in turn accelerates fish’s growth and reduces contamination of water with fish’s feces • the synergic effect of probiotic, beta-glucan, vitamins and carotenoids significantly enhances the immune system of the fry, increasing its resistance to pathogens • probiotic increases the survival rate of the fry and its resistance to stress • high content of protein, including essential amino acids, ensures healthy growth and development of fish • properly selected vitamins, macronutrients and trace elements prevent avitaminosis, rickets and supports organ and bone development Available as: powder

37

TROPICAL

GEL FORMULA LINE GEL FORMULA for Omnivorous Fish • food in the form of DIY gel for omnivorous fish • it allows for preparing sinking or floating food of various sizes and shapes • regulates fish’s digestion and intensifies their coloration • food contains algae (8.5%) including Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris and Ascophyllum nodosum and Laminaria digitata (referred to as kelp algae), krill (3%), garlic, red pepper extract and fruit • unsaturated fatty acids and protein (rich in essential amino acids) from spirulina and chlorella together with vitamins, macronutrients and trace elements from kelp algae (including iodine, chromium, selenium and iron) ensure excellent condition, intensive growth and vitality in fish • food intensifies fish’s coloration thanks to the high content of carotenoids from natural sources such as krill, red pepper, spirulina and added astaxanthin • active substances of garlic and spirulina enhance fish’s immune system • exceptional palatability encourages fish to feed

GEL FORMULA for Carnivorous Fish • food in the form of DIY gel for carnivorous and omnivorous fish • it allows for preparing sinking or floating food of various sizes and shapes • food contains crustaceans (shrimps 8.3%, krill 7%, calanus 1.2%), molluscs (squid 4.2%) and insect larvae (3.5%) • herring, insects and marine invertebrates are the source of high quality protein and Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids, which ensure excellent condition, intensive growth and vitality in fish • food intensifies fish’s coloration thanks to its high content of carotenoids from krill, shrimps, calanus and red pepper, and added astaxanthin • high dose of beta-glucan improves fish’s immunity • exceptional palatability encourages fish to feed

38

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

GEL FORMULA for Herbivorous Fish • food in the form of DIY gel with high content of algae (36%) for herbivorous and omnivorous fish • it allows for preparing sinking or floating food of various sizes and shapes • food contains 5 species of algae: spirulina (Spirulina platensis), chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris), Lithothamnium calcareum and Kelp algae – Ascophyllum nodosum and Laminaria digitata • unsaturated fatty acids and protein (rich in essential amino acids) from spirulina and chlorella together with vitamins, macronutrients and trace elements from kelp algae and Lithothamnium calcareum (including iodine, chromium, selenium and iron) ensure excellent condition, intensive growth and vitality in fish • high content of spirulina rich in carotenoids intensifies fish’s coloration • dietary fiber from algae, oak bark meal and chitin regulate digestion • food stimulates the development of beneficial bacterial flora in gastrointestinal tract

Tips Depending on the number of your stock you can either prepare one bigger portion or a few smaller  ones, and use them as needed.

If you know that you will not use the whole portion of food within 5 days, prepare portions  adequate for your stock’s needs and freeze them. Frozen food can be stored up to 6 months.

Thaw the food before feeding it to fish. 

You can put the food to set in various silicon containers of different shapes.  You can prepare floating or sinking food. You can also grate it, spread it on the rocks or glass plate. 

If you have mixed stock use part of the portion to prepare floating food and the rest to prepare  sinking food.

For fry: smear the mass which has not set yet on a glass plate and put the glass plate in the fridge  and wait until the mass sets.

For bottom-feeders or fish which like scrubbing the food off the rocks smear the mass which has not  set yet on a rock and put the rock in the fridge and wait until the mass sets.

39

TROPICAL

NANO AQUARIA AND FOODS FOR THE FRY Small tanks (up to 60 litres), defined as nano aquaria, need extra care and their small inhabitants – both fish and crustaceans – carefully selected food. Tropical offers high quality foods in the form of mini and microgranules and exceptionally tasty flakes, that can be crumbled to obtain size adjusted to particular species of fish. They do not disintegrate in water, hence no nutrients are released and delicate environment of nano aquarium is protected against harmful substances.

FOODS FOR SMALL SPECIES OF FISH Tropical Nanovit Granulat Tropical Nanovit Tablets Supervit Mini Granulat

40

FOODS FOR FRY Tropical Discus Gran D-50 Plus Baby Pro Defence Micro Size Mikro-vit Basic

Super Spirulina Forte Mini Granulat

Mikro-vit Hi-Protein

Super Spirulina Forte Micro Granulat

Mikro-vit Spirulina

Tropical Discus Gran D-50 Plus Baby

Mikro-vit Vegetable

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

AQUA CARE LINE WATER TREATMENT PRODUCTS TROPICAL AQUA CARE products will help you start and maintain your tank. They are the source of trace elements, indispensable for fish’s bodily functions, and nutrients for aquatic plants, which ensure their lush growth and healthy look. They include products for conditioning and preparing the tap water for aquarium use. These products prove so useful because most aquarium handlers use tap water disinfected with chlorine or its compounds, which are toxic to fish. Such water needs extra care to be safe for tank population.

Tropical labels allow for quick recognition of product type. Labels with the same colour background belong to the same functional group.

BLUE GROUP They are exceptionally effective agents for conditioning and preparing aquarium water, and for correcting and optimizing its parameters: Antychlor, Esklarin, Tropical Bacto-Active, Shrimp Guard, Aquacid pH Minus and Aqua-Alkal pH Plus.

BROWN GROUP Water conditioners based on natural extracts intended for preparing black water, characteristic of Amazon’s habitats and a special agent for conditioning water characterized with such parameters. Try Torfin Complex, Querex, Ketapang Extract and Blacklarin conditioner.

GREEN GROUP This group includes fertilizers with carefully balanced trace elements and macronutrients for fish and aquatic plants. The line includes: Aquaflorin Potassium, Aqua Plant, Ferro-Aktiv, Multimineral, Kobaltosan and Tropical Carbo.

ORANGE GROUP* Aquarium care products – exceptionally effective, proven and highly valued by professionals all around the globe – to be used among other applications for disinfecting water: Chloramina and Algin.

PURPLE GROUP* General healthcare products for fish, to enjoy the beauty of the aquarium at its best. The kit includes: Tropical Bactosan, Ichtio, CMF and Healthosan.

*Products available on chosen markets.

For all information on Tropical water treatment products refer to Aqua Care Guide.

41

TROPICAL

AQUA CARE LINE / ACCESSORIES TEST pH 6.0-7.8

TEST pH 4.5-9.5

• measuring the pH level of fresh

• m easuring

the

pH

level

water within the range 6.0-

of fresh and salt water within

-7.8 pH at intervals of 0.2 pH

the range 4.5-9.5 pH at inter-

(200 tests)

vals of 0.5 pH (200 tests)

TEST GH/KH • titration water test to measure general hardness (GH) and carbonate hardness (KH) of water in aquaria and ponds • the relevant reagent solution is added to the water drop by drop until the colour changes • one drop of reagent corresponds to one German degree of general hardness (°dGH) or carbonate hardness (°dKH)

TEST NO2–

• measuring

TEST 6 IN 1

the

concentration of nitrite (NO2-) within

• strip test intended to measure six

the range 0-3.3 mg/l in fresh

• intended for measuring the concen-

and salt water

chemical parameters simultaneously tration of nitrates, nitrites, general and carbonate hardness, pH level and concentration of total chlorine in fresh water

TEST NO • measuring

– 3

the

concentration of nitrate (NO3-) within the range 0-100 mg/l in fresh and salt water

• in case of emergency quick information about chemical parameters allows for immediate action to be taken in order to improve fish’s living conditions

KEGEL • spawning cone for discus made of plastic material, which makes it safe and user-friendly • provides optimal stability even during most intensive spawning periods • its rough surface makes the eggs laid by the discus attach to the cone more easily • as the cone is made of plastic, the disinfection, which should be carried out each time we put the cone in the aquarium, is easy

42

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

AQUA CARE LINE / FILTRATION MEDIA AND SPONGE FILTERS TROPICAL PORO RING • a high quality filter media in the form of porous ceramic rings with surface area of 600 m2/l, whose shape ensures good water-flow and hence an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the biofilter • the porous structure of rings provides an excellent substrate for colonisation of the nitrifying bacteria

COCO CARB • high quality activated carbon manufactured from coconut shell • compared to traditional activated carbon the number of micropores is greater and the effective surface area larger (1 g ≈ 1100 m2) • exceptional adsorptive properties, useful for cleansing water of the smallest particles that affect colour and smell • reduces the concentration of many toxic compounds, including numerous medications, pesticides, organochlorine compounds and fixes the heavy metal ions • helps to create and maintain optimal water quality in freshwater and marine aquaria containing delicate and demanding fish, especially wild-caught specimens, which may not tolerate chemicals typically found in tap water

TROPICAL CARBOLIT • high quality complex filter medium, which combines activated coconut carbon and zeolite in the ratio 1:1 • activated carbon manufactured from coconut shell is the most efficient of all activated carbons • effectively removes substances that affect the colour and smell of the water, as well as chlorine and many toxic compounds and ions of some heavy metals • the action of the coconut carbon is supplemented by a natural, porous mineral from the zeolite group, removes ammonium ions (NH4+), toxic ions of heavy metals as well as organochlorine compounds • the combination of these two exceptional filter media makes it possible to obtain ideal crystal-clear water • Tropical Carbolit can also be useful in the aquarium following the completion of medical treatment

SPONGE FILTERS • sponge filters are a perfect solution for tanks inhabited by delicate species of fish, crustaceans as well as for breeding tanks • they ensure large filtration area and effective purification with minimum water movement

43

TROPICAL

ULTRAMODERN EXTRUSION TECHNOLOGY 44

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

What are distinguishing features Tropical granulated foods?

Tropical has one of the world’s modern extrusion lines. This advance technology allows us to offer foods characterized with unique parameters.

high assimilability of nutrients by the fish  longer retention of nutritional values after opening  the packaging strictly defined shape and size of the granules  no dust to contaminate the water in the tank   high biological safety

Foods are manufactured through HTST technology (high

Low degradation of nutrients during production affect-

temperature/short time treatment). However, before

ing only sensitive vitamins, which are supplemented.

the raw materials go into the extruder, they are subject

The supplementation is intended not only to make up

to micronization (thorough crumbling) first. It increases

the loss of vitamins but also to provide excess of vitamins,

the assimilability of the nutrients in the food.

which shall protect the food against harmful influence

Note that even the tiniest granules are not manufactured

of external factors such as oxygen and light in a natural

by crumbling bigger granules but they are the final prod-

way. That is how Tropical foods retain their nutritional

ucts of the extrusion process. It allows us to eliminate

value for so long after they are opened.

the dust which contaminates the water and changes its chemical parameters. Such technology has never been used on a wider scale on the fish food market.

45

TROPICAL

FULL INFORMATION ON THE LABEL –

WE HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE On the label of each food one will find percentage shares of crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and water. Placing chemical analysis on the label is not obligatory, however reputable companies eagerly share these data to make the comparison with other products easier. However, presenting the content of vitamins and trace elements, if added to the food, is obligatory.

Crude protein include all the ingredients which con-

We do not place information about crude ash on the

tain nitrogen. Nutritional value of protein depends

labels. Crude ash is the sum of minerals established

upon its digestibility and the number of essen-

by ashing the sample of the food. Basically the anal-

tial amino acids. In Tropical foods protein comes

ysis of ash is used to calculate the amount of organic

mainly from high quality fish meal, crustaceans

content in the food, which determine the value

meal and spirulina. The digestibility of the protein

of the food. Crude ash in Tropical products ranges

derived from these sources (the degree of the release

from 6 to 10%.

and absorption of amino acids during digestion) is 90-95%.

One the basis of the content of protein, fat, fibre, ash and water, one can easily calculate the value of

Crude fat include esters of glycerol and fatty acids.

carbohydrates. In ornamental fish foods there’s on

Crude fat in Tropical foods comes from high quality

average 20-30% carbohydrates. Fish produce diges-

fish oils. Fat is a basic source of energy and pro-

tive enzymes which allow them to decompose car-

vides necessary unsaturated fatty acids, including

bohydrates. The extent of carbohydrates utilisation

Omega-3 and Omega-6.

depends on the content of other ingredients such as protein and the process of production. HTST tech-

Crude fibre stimulates intestinal motility, prevents

nology used by Tropical increases the assimilability

constipations, facilitate the development of bene-

of carbohydrates.

ficial bacteria and the release of toxins from fish’s bodies. There’s a clear tendency to lower the content of fibre in foods to limit the feces excreted by fish and reduce contamination of water in the tank. However, one must remember that too small quantity of fibre in the food may contribute to inflammatory disorders of the alimentary tract. Dietary fibre content in Tropical foods ranges from 2-3%.

46

AQUARIST’S GUIDE TO FISH FEEDING

47

We strongly recommend Tropical Aqua Care products, which – thanks to advance manufacturing technology and proved effectiveness – help with everyday maintenance of the tank and creating optimal living conditions for the fish.

www.tropical.pl

Information materials 04.2018, code: GB 151/5 – text by Aleksandra Kwaśniak-Płacheta (PhD)

TROPICAL Tadeusz Ogrodnik ul. Opolska 25, PL 41-507 Chorzów

Wersja: 02/2018

The address of your shop:

© – TROPICAL T. Ogrodnik 2018

Read more about Tropical water treatment products in our Aqua Care Guide, at www.tropical.pl and in our mobile service.