The Japanese manufacturer Aqua Design Amano regularly shares useful knowledge and product information on how to set up or care for Nature Aquariums or aqua-terrariums. Today we explain how to use the cleaning brushes correctly that keep the DOOA Stream Pipe and the Wabi-Kusa wall clean. For a beautiful and well-kept aqua-terrarium.

The Pipe Brush Duo is the perfect cleaning brush for the "Stream Pipe" water intake.

Product image 1: Pipe Brush Duo.

In the Nature Aquarium and in the aqua-terrarium, we use inconspicuous filter inlets made of transparent glass, such as the Lily Pipe and the Stream Pipe, because they do not distract from the aquascape. At first, this glassware is also wonderfully clean and clear, but you have to clean it regularly to keep it that way, because dirt and deposits settle on it over time. In general, it is recommended to soak the glassware in Superge (a glass cleaning agent), but for stubborn deposits this is sometimes not enough. Then you have to clean the inside of the glassware with a Spring Washer brush. This brush was designed specifically for Lily Pipes; with the new Stream Pipe from DOOA, it cannot really reach everywhere. That is why we have developed a new brush for the new glassware: the Pipe Brush Duo for the Stream Pipe. Its bristles are longer than those of the Spring Washer, and the twisted wire is fitted with different types of bristles at both ends. These brushes are suitable for thoroughly cleaning the round end of the Stream Pipe. The Pipe Brush Duo is also ideal for use with the New Lily Pipe (inflow).

Cascade Brush S for cleaning the Wabi-Kusa wall.

Product image 2: Cascade Brush S.

The DOOA Wabi-Kusa Wall 60 and the System Terra 30 have built-in cascade systems that supply the plants in the wall with water efficiently. At the lower end of their water channel there are several small holes. They must always be kept clean so that the Wabi-Kusa wall stays well supplied. If the channel gets dirty and the holes clog, the amount of water that is led over the wall decreases, which can harm the plants in the long run. If the holes clog, dirt and deposits collect in the Wabi-Kusa mats on the wall, which can lead to algae and mold infestation. The water channel can be cleaned with a standard dish brush or a bit of polyester filter fleece, but it is difficult to get the small holes clean. The Cascade Brush S is a cleaning brush with ultra-fine bristles that was designed specifically for these tiny holes. If the holes of the water channel are clean and open, enough water runs over the mats of the wall and the plants stay healthy. In addition, daily use of the liquid fertilizer Wabi-Kusa Mist has proven effective for preventing algae and mold in the wall. It supplies the plants with the necessary nutrients, repels insects and has a disinfecting effect.

Pipe Brush Duo application example

With the Pipe Brush Duo, you can effortlessly remove adhering dirt from the Stream Pipe.

With the two different brush ends, you can clean the rounded end of the Stream Pipe perfectly.

Cascade Brush S application example

With a piece of polyester filter fleece, you remove dirt and deposits from the water channel.

With the Cascade Brush S, you then clean the fine holes of the channel.

Source and copyright of the article/photos - Aqua Design Amano - ADA, except for product images 1 and 2.