British company Arcadia launched at Interzoo 2002 two ranges of T5 aquarium tube, the “Marine White” and the “Marine Blue Actinic”. The “Marine White” has since been further developed, and re-launched as the “Marine White 14,000K” lamp, which does not have the slight pink content that was present in the original. Both these lamp ranges have been developed with the marine aquarium in mind – the Arcadia range did not include a T5 lamp for use over freshwater use – until now: Arcadia have been working to produce a T5 lamp that has a higher intensity than the traditional fluorescent tube, which will result in a brightly lit aquarium, which enhances the natural colours of fish and plants, and which produces a better plant growth, whilst at the same time not having an intensity that is so great that the algae becomes an uncontrollable problem – the final result is the “Plant Pro” lamp. Shown at the first time for Interzoo 2004, the “Plant Pro”-lamp is available in three sizes, 24W, 39W and 54W, and can be used in conjunction with the electronic controller, the Overtank luminaire, or the new “I-Bar” – all from the Arcadia range of specialist lighting products.
www.arcadia-uk.com
The stylish way to carry treats
The new belt bag from German firm Hunter is a smart, secure way of carrying treats and snacks for your dog. The small bag can be attached to any belt and opened and closed quickly using the draw cord. It’s ideal for carrying "Trainer” treats (picture), tasty snacks that are full of vitamins and minerals. The reclosable box ensures that the 18 semi-moist treats inside it stay fresh.
www.hunter.de
Travelling without tears
Hunter’s new travel trolley is perfect for long walks or hikes, trips to the vet or journeys by plane, bus or train. Small to medium-sized dogs can be transported in it easily. It has a ventilation grille to ensure a plentiful supply of fresh air and a high tray insert that can be removed for cleaning. Safety is assured thanks to the stability of the trolley and the adjustable carrying straps guarantee user comfort and convenience. The trolley also has padded shoulder straps, a zip closure and extra pockets. It’s made from light, washable nylon fabric, with a water-tight tray and its dimensions conform to the stipulations of major airlines regarding hand luggage.
www.hunter.de
New generation
Sera has introduced a new range of three high-performance membrane pumps, “Sera Air 110", “Sera Air 275 R" and “Sera Air 550 R". The three different capacities mean that the pumps can be used in aquariums of any size for operating air-driven filters, air stones, aquarium ornaments and other accessories. The two sizes “275 R" and "550 R" are also electronically adjustable to give a maximum air flow rate of approx. 110, 275 or 550 litres/hour. The "110“ pump has one outlet, the "275R“ has two and the “550 R" has four. With thick walls to absorb the noise, the pump casings are made of impact-resistant ABS plastic, and the elastic feet ensure quiet operation with little vibration. Coordinated accessories are available to complement the pump range: the "Sera Air Set S" is for use with the "Sera Air 110" and includes two metres of silicone tubing, an air stone and a control and nonreturn valve. The "Sera Air Set M“ has been designed for use with the "Sera Air 275 R" and comprises four metres of silicone tubing, two air stones, two nonreturn valves and a controller. And for the "Sera Air 550 R" the "Sera Air Set Pond L" is available, with ten metres of silicone tubing and a large air stone.
www.sera.de
Hi tech for cats
British company MPM Pet Products, Bollington, presents the award-winning “Panic Mouse”, marketed as the “World’s Greatest Interactive Cat Toy”. It’s a mouse toy on a wand with elastic (known to be a winner), but this one is attached to a battery-operated toy that provides random movements at a variety of speeds and heights. The newly launched “Panic Mouse 360” is even more interesting as it incorporates a timer device. Several accessories are sold for “Panic Mouse”, including cat nip wands and glitter ball wands.
www.mpmproducts.co.uk
Coconut product
Polish company Tropical has launched "Bioterra", a natural organic coconut fibre compost. The company says the product can be used for terrariums, insectariums and the cultivation of tropical plants, and forms an ideal substrate for reptiles, amphibians and insects from tropical rainforests. A “Bioterra” briquette consists entirely of pressed coconut fibres. When soaked in four to five litres of warm water, the volume swells in 15-20 minutes to eight or nine litres.
www.tropical.com.pl
Exclusive baskets
Italian company Prima manufactures, markets and exports dog and cat baskets. The company states it has been operating in the Italian market and markets abroad for 15 years. The baskets are manufactured from special materials, and the sheepskin-look model featured is a new addition to the company’s range, which is characterized by unique and innovative product styles.
www.prima-srl.com
More colour for pond fish
To maintain the colouring of goldfish and koi in particular, Sera has developed "Sera Color Sticks“, an easily digestible food for fish. Sera says that the food strengthens the fish without causing stress. It contains spirulina algae, which aid in the natural maintenance and enhancement of the splendid colour of the fish. The sticks are also rich in natural minerals and trace elements, which promote healthy growth and prevent deficiencies in the fish. And the multivitamin complex with long term stabilized Vitamin C improves resistance to disease. "Sera Color Sticks“ come in 1000 und 3000 ml packs as well as in a ten-litre pack size.
www.sera.de
Made in the USA
British company MPM Pet Products, Bollington, is importing several American product ranges to the UK, all on an exclusive basis. The flagship range “LitterMaid” is a self-cleaning litter box system. It is a labour-saving, hi-tech, hygienic system which an increasing number of cat owners are tuning into in the US and UK. Ten minutes after the pan is used, the system automatically rakes through its contents, transferring used clumped litter to a disposable sealed waste receptacle. For extra odour control, “LitterMaid” now incorporates a tea-bag style carbon filter, positioned within the outer casing of the waste receptacle, to reduce odours by 50 per cent. The range consists of the “LM 100E” (standard size) and “LM 300E” (large size), as well as waste receptacles, cat privacy tents, and the “Litter Box Carpet and Cat Paw Cleaning Ramp”.
www.mpmproducts.co.uk
Summer Collection II
Leather and suede are the “must-have” textiles for interior design this season, and feature on everything from sofas and cushions to curtains and wall coverings. The British company Snoozzzeee Dog, Winsford, has sourced a superb faux-suede in mocha and latte. The fabric is 100 per cent polyester and fully machine washable. The “Suede” range comes in two sizes of box beds, which are filled with two 15-tog cotton duvets for cool, canine comfort.
www.snoozzzeeedog.co.uk
New dog beds
The French manufacturer Dogs & Co, Montreuil, presents its new range of dog beds. The company tries to adapt its products to the needs of the market by offering varied ranges including licences such as “Boule & Bill” and “Lucky Luke”. In order to meet the demand, the company has relocated its production units to Thailand for dog beds and to Tunisia for leather collars and leashes. Now Dogs & Co takes advantage of French design and the low cost of production in Thailand to create high quality products that represent an excellent price-quality ratio. The firm is looking to be represented in all European countries thanks to the experience already gained in several countries.
Electronic dog passport
The Swiss company Datamars develops electronic identification systems for pets and markets them in Switzerland through Provet in Lyssach. New EU rules scheduled for implementation on 1 October 2004 call for dogs moving between EU countries to be identifiable by microchip or by a tattoo. Statutory regulations have been in place for some years in Spain, France and Italy regarding microchip identification for pets, a process in which the vet implants a glass bead the size of a grain of rice under the dog’s skin. The number can be read at any time using a scanner, and the pet thus in effect carries its electronic passport under its skin. The pet and its owner can then be married up in seconds via a national database. Datamars has been distributing electronic identification systems for pets and horses worldwide for over ten years. The products conform to the ISO 11784/85 standard.
www.datamars.com
Summer Collection I
The British company Snoozzzeee Dog, Winsford, presents “Brighton Rock”: Following the trend for bright colours and nautical stripes that are a feature of the fashion catwalks, “Brighton Rock” will add a touch of summer sunshine and beachside glamour to the rainiest day. The range features a box bed, matching food mat and ceramic bowl.
www.snoozzzeeedog.co.uk