Saltwater Aquarium Setup Basics
Aquarium Setup
Aquarium Equipment Check List : (Click a topic to find out more)
Hang on Filter or Sump (Carbon)RefugiumProtien SkimmerSaltWaterSubstrateRockPowerheadsHeaterLighting
Wipe down your aquarium with a wet towel. Never use Windex or soaps to clean your aquarium, using these may kill fish.
Pull aquarium away from wall to apply background, solid colors or pictures are welcome, mirrors can cause problems.
Move aquarium to desired area.
Keep aquarium 4 to 5 inches from wall to allow space for filtration.
Add Instant Ocean salt to your aquarium at the rate of 1/2 cup of salt per gallon, or by bag, 50 gallons per bag.
Add purified water to aquarium, allow salt to dissolve.
Leave 2 to 3 inches from top of aquarium, rock and sand will displace some water filling the aquarium.
10-20 minutes to dissolve.
Place carbon filter on desired side of aquarium.
Before pluging in your carbon filter add water to the back chambers to prime the impellar.
Add powerheads to aquarium, the number of powerheads and the water volume they move depends on your; aquarium size, amount of rock, fish, and corals desired.
Place heater in water, allow it to sit for a few minutes before pluging in.
Dial in the desired temperature, temperature can be maintained between 75 and 82 degrees. Observe temperature to make sure it is not fluctuating more than one or two degrees daily. A thermometer can be used to monitor the temperature.
Salt almost dissolved.
Test salt level with a hydometer.
Level should read:
1.018 - 1.025 Fish
1.023 - 1.025 Corals and Invertabrates
The specific gravity for fish has a much larger range than corals and invertebrates, before purchasing invertebrates or corals make sure your water is testing in its proper place. (View picture for better measurments)
Add Carib Sea Live sand to your aquarium at the rate of 1lb per gallon. With Carib Sea add water and all from bag.
After adding sand to your aquarium it is normal to see white residue and foam. Sand will settle within a few hours, or will be filtered out by your carbon filter.
Add live rock:
1/2 to 1 pound per gallon for a fish only aquarium.
1 to 2 pounds per gallon for a reef tank.
Let aquarium sit for 3 to 4 weeks before adding any animals.
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