Setting Up A Saltwater Aquarium

Rinse the aquarium with warm water. Position the aquarium away from direct sunlight. Place the aquarium on a sturdy and level surface. Aquarium stands are designed to prevent pressure cracks.
Put the filter together and place on the aquarium. Add water to the aquarium until 1/3 full. If using a wet/dry filter, finish steps 1 thru 4 before setting up the filter.
Thoroughly rinse marine substrate several times and gently place on the under gravel filter (if being used). The substrate should be sloped so it is higher in the back. If using a wet/dry filter, be sure that the marine substrate is no more than 1/4" deep.
Decorate aquarium. Use only properly treated coral, shells and plastic plants. Fill the aquarium with treated water.
Plug in the filter, powerheads or air pump to begin circulation of the water. The cloudiness is normal but will disappear as the water circulates through the gravel.
Add a heater to the aquarium. Wait 15 minutes before plugging it in. Adjust temperature to 74°-78°F.
Add enough marine salt to obtain the correct specific gravity level (1.019 for fish or 1.024 - 1.025 for a reef and invertebrates). Stir and allow the salt to dissolve completely as you adjust the specific gravity level.
Add the glass canopy and lighting. Light aids in the growth of algae which provides oxygen and food for the fish. Green algae is the most beneficial algae for the aquarium (for larger or deeper aquariums a second strip light is recommended). Avoid letting algae growth cover the substrate as this will restrict proper water flow.
After 24 hours, the aquarium water should be tested. Bring in a sample of water (1 cup) to be tested, or we will instruct you on how to use your own test kits

Test results should be:
- pH 8.0 to 8.4
- Ammonia 0.0
- Nitrite 0.0
- Nitrate 0.0
- Salinity (fish) 1.019
- Salinity (invertebrate) 1.024 to 1.025
Add fish. See Adding Fish section. Add Bio-Boost to the aquarium to begin the nitrogen cycle. Monitor the ammonia and nitrite levels closely. Add only a few hardy fish until the nitrogen cycle is complete. Every new aquarium must go through this cycle before it is biologically balanced and there are enough beneficial bacteria to dispose of all the ammonia and nitrite waste produced by the fish. This normally takes 4-8 weeks.