Blu Zoo Aquatics

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5 Step Aquarium Setup Guide

Step 1: Positioning

Position the aquarium making sure its level. Make sure you have room to access any hang on filtration and electrical sockets to be used.

Install Protein Skimmer (unless you’re using Purigen™ or similar).

Install Circulation Pumps, Heater, Thermometer and any other equipment to be used.

Step 2: Mixing the Salt Water

You need to make up some salt water, it’s best to have a separate bucket for this, although for your first fill you can mix it in your tank. Never mix salt in your tank once animals are present. We recommend using Reverse Osmosis water or R.O. water because it doesn’t contain any Chlorine or Phosphates.

Fill your tank about ľ full with RO water. Turn on your heater; add some salt, roughly about 3.2Kg per 100 litres although this will vary depending on the brand of salt. If you intend to keep a reef tank with corals and invertebrates we recommend you use a good quality reef salt.

To help mix the salt you should turn on your circulation pumps and protein skimmer to aerate the water. If you don’t have a Protein Skimmer or your using a bucket to mix the salt then you should add an air pump or small powerhead pump with a venturi to ensure the water is aerated during the mix.

Test the salinity using a refractometer. Refractometers can be a little expensive, if your working to a budget a hydrometer is a cheaper alternative although not as accurate. It’s generally recommended to have a specific gravity or an SG of 1.020 to 1.025. We keep our fish system at 1.020 and our coral systems at 1.025. Make sure all the salt has totally dissolved before you take your final reading.

Step 3: 24 hour Test Run

After running your tank for around 24 hours and the water temperature is up to 25°C it’s time to add some Live Rock and Sand.

Live Rock is a good natural form of filtration and can harbour lots of interesting forms of life.

Ideally before placing any rock on the base of your aquarium you should line the base with sheets of egg crate to help protect the aquarium from any sharp pieces of rock.

Once you have the Rock in place you can add the substrate usually about 2 or 3 inches of coral sand or live coral sand placed around the rocks. If you’re using dry coral sand it’s recommended you rinse it well before adding it to your tank.

Step 4: The Wait

Wait for the Ammonia cycle to begin and test your water regularly before you add any animals.

Step 5: Add Animals

When all the parameters are correct it’s time to add the animals. Slowly add live stock and be careful not to exceed your tanks capabilities and make sure all fish and invertebrates are compatible.