BLUEiQ - Miniature Ecosystem

Resources

The second part of the BLUEiQ includes the live and customizable parts.

Included:

• Shrimp: Every BLUEiQ begins with 5 juvenile dwarf shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda). "Neos" reach maturity at about 1/2 inch and will continue to grow to a maximum length of 1 inch. Neos are omnivores, taking advantage of algae and soft plant tissue in their environment for food.

  The color of Neos varies between males and females, as well as amongst individuals. Neo color is also influenced by the environment. Over time, Neos can develop more pigmentation as a means of camouflage in darker environments. Please see the BLUEiQ Owner's Guide for more information and interesting facts on this species.

• Snails: The BLUEiQ snails are miniature aquatic species common throughout North America. Their primary food source is algae that grows on the surfaces of the BLUEiQ glass, substrate, and plants. Unlike Neos who use grasping appendages to pick at strands of algae, the BLUEiQ snails have a rough tongue-like structure called a "radula" that they use to scrape at tough algae. The snails can grow to a maximum size of 1/2 inch.

Customization:

• Plants (Choice of 1):
  • Fern (Microsorum pteropus): Microsorum pteropus ("Java fern") is an aquatic fern of the genus Microsorum. It is found in freshwater bodies of various geographic areas in Southeast Asia.

    Java fern attaches to the surface of substrates using root-like structures called rhizomes. Use thread to anchor the plant by tying the rhizome to a large piece of substrate. As the plant matures, the rhizome will adhere to surrounding substrate.

    This fern grows relatively slowly, extending new fronds (leaf-like structure) along the rhizome. The fronts are the primary site for photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. Under certain conditions, this aquatic fern can also reproduce by releasing miniature plantlets from the undersides of mature leaves.

  • Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri): Taxiphyllum barbieri ("Java moss") is an aquatic moss of the genus Taxiphyllum. It is native to Southeast Asia.

    Java moss is an epiphytic (self attaches to rocks) aquatic moss. If tied to substrate using tying thread, this moss will reproduce rhizoids (root-like structures) that attach to nearby objects. This moss can also be left floating.

    Flat, rough surfaces are best for tying moss. Wrap the tying thread around the stone several times until the moss is held tightly against the stone. Over time, the moss will cover the tying thread. Java moss quickly adapts to a wide range of lighting conditions. Under low light, the moss will grow long and thin. Under bright light, the moss will grow dense and display brighter colors.

  • Grass (Najas guadalupensis): Najas guadalupensis ("Najas grass") is native to most of North and South America.

    Najas grass is a versatile aquatic plant that will grow either rooted in substrate or floating loosely in water.

    This plant grows in segments. The length between each segment is determined by light levels and available nutrients in the water. By increasing the length of each segment, Najas can quickly adapt to a range of lighting conditions by "reaching" towards the light. Najas will extend white roots downwards, into the substrate to help anchor itself.

• Substrates (Choice of 1):
  • Lava (black): Lava (black) is a medium-sized (up to 20mm granules) substrate consisting of a special blend of naturally occurring dark-colored lava rock. BLUEiQ owners may find their shrimp reacting to the color of this dark substrate by intensifying their pigmentation. Lava rock is characteristically porous, allowing for bacteria growth. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria grow on the high-surface-area lava rock more easily than traditional substrates. Beneficial bacteria is essential for the "cycling" of any aquarium, converting ammonia waste from fish and uneaten food to nitrite and then nitrate. BLUEiQ owners can read more about the Nitrogen Cycle on page 20 of their Owner's Guide.
  • Lava (red): Lava (red) is a medium-sized (up to 20mm granules) substrate consisting of a special blend of naturally occurring red-colored lava rock. Lava rock is characteristically porous, allowing for bacteria growth. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria grow on the high-surface-area lava rock more easily than traditional substrates. Beneficial bacteria is essential for the "cycling" of any aquarium, converting ammonia waste from fish and uneaten food to nitrite and then nitrate. BLUEiQ owners can read more about the Nitrogen Cycle on page 20 of their Owner's Guide.
  • Coarse: Substrate Coarse is the largest (up to 30mm granules) substrate available. It will give your BLUEiQ a bold, rock feel. This substrate is a mixture of tumbled stone that easily stacks to form natural caves in lower levels, providing a hiding place for small Neos and snails. Individual units of Substrate Coarse are ideal for tying stones for BLUEiQ plants.
  • Fine: Substrate Fine is the smallest (up to 1mm granules) grained substrate. It forms a soft smooth blanket at the bottom of BLUEiQs. Neos sift through this neutral colored substrate in search of algae and other microorganisms to feed on.
  • Smooth (dark): Substrate Smooth (dark) is medium-sized (up to 20mm granules) and is made up of a variety of naturally colored river rocks. The smooth surface of each stone makes buying plant stems very easy. The array of colors in this substrate is what makes it stand out among all of the other substrate options.