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Setting up your Marine Tank
When putting the set-up together firstly ensure that where the tank is to be
sited it will not be knocked or be in direct light from a window and that the
stand (if not a purpose built one!) is strong enough to take the weight of a
full aquarium without bowing or twisting.
The stand if not a wooden one must have a flat piece of wood (e.g.
contiboard 1/2 " thick) upon it taking the full base area and then if required
the polystyrene must be laid on that or THE BASE WILL BREAK. This does not
apply to aquaria with raised bases e.g. Aqua One or Juwel tanks.
Before use the tank should be rinsed either with an aquarium
disinfectant or with salt and water. The background should be cut to size and
fixed to the outside with sellotape and the coral sand placed in the tank (it
should not need washing) and should only be a thin layer, unless you intend to
use a Deep Sand Bed philosophy.
Next , the electrics, but remember that nothing must be connected to
the mains supply and turned on before the water is in, otherwise the heater will
break!
The filter, which is the heart of the system, should now be positioned
and the thermometer can now be stuck to the front of the tank (normally at the
top). The heater /stat can now also be positioned in the tank. If the light
control units are separate they should be situated in a dry position. Where
applicable the flying leads from the light choke should be fed through the holes
in the rear of the hood and pushed on to the fluorescent tube, taking care not
to twist the end pins. In most tanks now the lights are already wired and
positioned.
At this stage any decor can be added to the tank ensuring that all such
decor is suitable for the marine aquarium ( no wood or local stones should be
used ). All of the decor sold by us has been carefully chosen for its
suitability - please ask us for advice.
After ensuring that everything is ready, mix the marine salt in a
bucket using either tap water or Reverse Osmosis water (which is better as it
has had all contaminants removed ). (We sell R.O. units and also R.O. water by
the gallon) in a new bucket kept especially for the marine tank and add to the
tank. Hot water from a kettle may be used but NEVER hot water from the tap as
this could contain copper. When the salt has dissolved fully the salinity can be
checked and this should read 1.020 - 1.021 for a fish only system or 1.0224 -
1.026 for an invert or mixed system It can be raised by adding small quantities
of salt and checking after a short while until it reaches the correct level. In
future never add salt directly to the tank as it can seriously damage the
inhabitants.
In the case of external filters , the filter will need to be primed
(i.e. the water needs to fill the system before turning the electrics on. NOW
WE CAN TURN ON THE ELECTRICS - and check that the heater, pump and lights are
working.
When both the temperature and salt levels are correct you can return
to us for the mature media and you are ready to add your livestock.
Although you are
theoretically able to stock your tank fully at this point we would suggest that
until you get some more experience that you exercise restraint in this matter
adding stock gradually always referring to our experts for advice on the
livestock
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MARINES
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Electric
Blue Dempsey
