Guadalajara Reporter

Ramon Gonzalez does not build fish tanks. He prefers to think of his individually designed aquariums as a small piece of the natural world inside his clients' homes. "The idea is a completely natural, minimalist, contemporary habitat," says Gonzalez, explaining the concept of Micromundo Acuatico, his fledgling business. "I create practically self-sufficient systems that try to reflect nature in every way."
Gonzalez's designs have no oxygen pump or filter. "A lot of clients tell me they are thrilled that the humming, gurgling noise is gone," he notes. The typical fishy smell of aquariums is also gone, replaced by the clean scent of fresh, healthy plants.
Gonzalez has gone to great lengths to create the right kind of natural fish habitat. The base of the aquarium is a volcanic substrate imported from Japan. It absorbs all particles, keeps water clear, accommodates plant roots, and requires changing only once every year and a half. The plants are cultivated in Denmark and faithfully recreate a freshwater tropical lagoon.
"The system is simple and elegant: in nature, the sun makes plants produce oxygen," explains Gonzalez. "In my planted aquariums, a lamp is the sun, and the plants make oxygen for the fish. Add a few small snails or shrimp to clean algae, and you have your water world. It's amazing how long you can stare into an aquarium and be mesmerized," he adds.
The planted aquarium is easier to maintain than a regular aquarium. Every week or 15 days, one quarter of the tank volume water should be replaced to maintain water quality. The lamp must be left on between eight and ten continuous hours a day (more makes for explosive algal growth).
Gonzalez started as a hobbyist who designed an aqua-terrarium with a floating natural plant island for himself. Once he displayed it at the office, his fate was sealed.
"So many people asked me to sell it that I just decided to start making them," says Gonzalez. "Originally, I bought ordinary tanks, but after somebody told me that he could have gotten the same thing in Wal-Mart (not true), I realized I needed to do something original and special."
Gonzalez's designs are now sold with a handmade wood base. The tanks are designed to specifications and are available in several unusual shapes. His basic eight-liter aquarium can be stocked with up to 11 plant species and ideally hosts five fish and several cleaner snails or shrimp.
"I recommend tetra fish," says Gonzalez, referring to a family of small, active schooling fish including guppies, neons and cardinals. "Their natural habitat is exactly like this."
Micromundo Acuatico designs aren't for everyone. "Many people appreciate the aesthetic but just can't manage the price," says Gonzalez. "It's mostly a product for professional adults who want an unusual decoration, one that is also therapeutic, relaxing and low-maintenance. And it is perfect for some of the new houses in Mexico, which are very small."
So far, Gonzalez has created tanks from eight-liter cubes (1,500 pesos) to a 110-liter tank made to order (15,000 pesos). He installs the systems in his clients' houses free of charge and will travel to Lake Chapala in exchange for gas money. He can buy fish for his clients and bring them along free of charge, or recommend a list of suitable species (fish at most stores cost between five and 20 pesos each), and will give full instructions for the system as well as provide follow-up maintenance and advice.
A typical installation takes between an hour and an hour and a half. Clients should be present so that they can fully understand their planted aquarium. Gonzalez does not speak English well and recommends that clients who are not comfortable in Spanish find a friend to translate.
Ramon Gonzalez can be reached at 044-33-3119-1932 or at cobisfranco@yahoo.com.mx.

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