WIO Nautilus Dark River Kit

The Nautilus Black River Kit is inspired by the diverse and unique aquatic environments of Lake Turkana in Africa and the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil.

Lake Turkana is a stunning natural wonder located in the northern part of Kenya, Africa. Also known as the Jade Sea, it is the world's largest desert. The lake stretches approximately 290km from north to south and covers an area of around 6,405 square kilometres. It is surrounded by breathtaking volcanic landscapes, which make it a truly unique and otherworldly location.

The lake's striking jade-green colour is caused by algae and other microorganisms, which thrive in alkaline water. The shoreline is home to diverse flora and fauna, including crocodiles, hippos, and various bird species.
Lake Turkana is a truly awe-inspiring location that offers a glimpse into the earth's ancient past and a glimpse of a unique ecosystem.

On the other hand, the Pantanal Wetlands in Brazil are one of the largest wetland ecosystems in the world, covering an area of approximately 140,000 square kilometres. The area is characterized by seasonal flooding, creating a unique aquatic environment supporting diverse wildlife. The wetlands are fed by the Cuiabá and Paraguay Rivers and several smaller tributaries, which provide a continuous supply of fresh water to the ecosystem. These habitats are home to an impressive array of aquatic plants and animals.

During the rainy season, the wetlands are transformed into a vast network of interconnected channels and lakes. The aquatic plants that thrive in the shallow waters provide essential cover and food sources for the fish, creating a complex and dynamic ecosystem.

As the waters recede during the dry season, the wetlands are left with interconnected pools and lagoons. The aquatic environment of the Pantanal wetlands is an incredible example of the biodiversity and complexity of natural ecosystems. It is a delicate balance of water, plants, and animals that has developed over millions of years and is still thriving today.

The Nautilus Black River Kit captures these regions' unique and dynamic environments and brings them to your aquarium. The black colouration of the substrate provides an excellent backdrop for showcasing the bright and vivid colours of your aquatic plants and fish.

This kit includes a blend of dark sands, gravels, and crushed snail shells mixed with Black Venom Stones in different sizes, creating a high-contrast and striking biotope that mimics the natural environment of these regions.

This kit includes everything you need to create a stunning biotope in your aquarium, including Black Venom Stones, a mix of dark sands, gravels, and crushed snail shells, and Wetland Artist Dark substrate for supporting lush plant growth.

• Inspired by the unique environments of Lake Turkana in Africa and the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil. 
  
• All-in-one kit: Riverbed, Nano boulders, Artist substrate, and Stones. 
  
• High-contrast and striking kit with dark sands, gravels, crushed snail shells, and Black Venom Stones. 
  
• 100% natural materials. 
  
• Easy, fun, fast and with stunning results.

Kit includes:
Wetland Artist Dark substrate (5kg bag),
Nautilus Dark Riverbed (2kg bag),
Black Venom Stone (7-10kg box),
Black Venom Nano rock (2kg bag).

- Colour: Black, Dark brown and Grey.
- Material: Natural sands, gravel, plant substrate, stones, nano rocks, snail shells, and crush shells.
- Size mix: 0.1cm to 30cm
- Materials: 100% natural and non-toxic
- Water hardness: Does affect water hardness
- Packaging: One box of 40x30x30cm (20-25kg)

Following these usage instructions and adequately maintaining your River Kit aquarium, you can enjoy a stunning and natural-looking aquatic display replicating the beauty of real riverbeds and biotopes. Let your creativity flow and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature right in your own home.

1. Prepare Your Aquarium:
- Ensure that your aquarium is placed on a flat, levelled, 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 create 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 researching the specific biotope you want to recreate. You can also find inspiration on 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 1cm.
- Apply a similar 1cm 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 1cm 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 3cm 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 an authentic slice of nature.
- Maintain the lowest thickness by the front glass, aiming for less than 1cm 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. 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 accumulated debris.
- Trim and prune your aquatic plants to promote their growth and maintain the desired aesthetic. 
- Keep an eye on the health and behaviour of your aquatic pets, making adjustments as necessary to create an optimal environment for their well-being.