Setting Up the Aquarium

Prior to set up, it is recommended to rinse both the acrylic cylinder and the reef sculpture in freshwater to remove any dust particles or packing material residue. This will ensure your tank is clean and ready to be filled with water. Do not attempt to lift the aquarium full or partially full of water, and do not attempt to lift the aquarium by the acrylic dry tube. Please read all safety precautions and assembly instructions before performing the initial set-up procedures. Refer to the diagrams in the Quick Set-Up Guide for additional assembly instructions, Click Here

Safety Precautions
To safeguard against injury, basic precautions are necessary and should be observed. Please read all safety instructions before attempting to operate or conduct maintenance of any kind to your aquarium. Click Here

Assembly
I. Carefully unpack your aquarium by removing all of the protective shipping materials and set aside the top foam insert which contains the necessary components for initial assembly. Gently lift the aquarium out of the box by placing one hand beneath the decorative surround, and one hand on the top surround.  

II. Remove the decorative top surround and set aside. Remove the screw from the base of the light fixture and lift the light fixture and acrylic lid up and to the side for easy access to the inside of the aquarium. Remove the foam insert and any protective packing material from the inside of the aquarium. To ensure that all the packing material residue and dust is removed from the tank, we recommend you rinse the reef sculpture in freshwater prior to set-up and before filling.

III. Remove the Duetto 100 submersible power filter from the foam insert and from its manufacturer's box. Our design has allowed for the filter to be inserted inside the reef sculpture as well as a submersible aquarium heater, if necessary. Place the filter inside the reef sculpture as shown in the Quick Set-Up Guide, and feed the electrical cord down the center of the acrylic dry tube, where the cord for the light is located. Pull the cord out from the bottom of the surround and run through the cord cutout on the bottom of the surround. To insert a submersible heater (sold separately), slide into the reef cavity next to the filter as shown in the quick setup guide, and feed the cord through the acrylic drytube. For operational and temperature regulation information, refer to the heater manufacturer's manual. Note that this system is designed for use with a Stealth 25 watt aquarium heater* only. (Heater must be completely submerged)
* Use of any other heater is not advised and may result in damage to the aquarium, and injury.      

IV. Place the aquarium back on the decorative base, and route the cords through the hole in the base as shown in the quick setup guide.       

Filling Your Aquarium
I. Decide where your aquarium will be displayed by finding a sturdy, level surface near an electrical outlet. Be sure the structure supporting the aquarium will be able to withstand the weight once the aquarium is filled with water. When filled, your aquarium with its contents will weigh about 50 pounds. If you desire your aquarium to be near a window, be sure it is in an indirect path of the sun. Move your unfilled aquarium to the desired location and position it accordingly, ensuring that it is level. IMPORTANT! Do not lift the aquarium by the single dry tube. Damage to the aquarium may occur. Do not plug any of the electrical cords into an outlet until all set-up procedures are completed. Important! When you begin to fill your aquarium with the necessary components, such as the moist "live" sand, the synthetic sea salt and filtered water, avoid spilling any of these materials down the center of the reef and dry tube where electrical cords are present. This will cause leaks and immediate damage to the electrical and lighting systems as well as the possibility of producing electric shock when plugged in.   

II. If you desire to maintain a saltwater environment, it is necessary to empty the sand (if purchased) into the bottom of the aquarium by spreading it evenly around the reef structure. Do not get the sand on the acrylic wall, as this will cause visible scratches and blemishes to the acrylic. If you choose to maintain a fresh water environment, do not add the sand or synthetic sea salt. You will need to purchase gravel or substrate from your local aquarium dealer. 

III. Next, fill your tank with purified or filtered water to about ½" below the top of your aquarium. Avoid splashing any water inside the dry tube or near the light bulb socket. Make sure the filter remains inside the reef and is submerged. Reversed osmosis filtered water can be purchased at most grocery stores or aquarium supply centers. If you are unable to obtain the filtered water, you may use tap water; however, discuss the required amounts of de-chlorinator to use with your local aquarium supply center.   

IV. If you are maintaining a saltwater aquarium, slowly add between ½ and ¾ of the 5 gallon pre-packed synthetic salt into your aquarium, and stir the water gently with a non-metal and non-abrasive device to help dissolve any large salt particles. Check the salinity using a salinity meter. The recommended salinity for your tank should be approximately 1.020. Let your aquarium run for 24 hours and verify the salinity before introducing any fish. You may need to adjust the salinity.      

V. Carefully slide the clear acrylic lid back over the top of the aquarium and affix the light fixture back on the dry tube. Replace the screw at the base of the light fixture. Once the filter is plugged into the outlet, it may take several minutes for the water to run through the filter and create a visible water flow. The flow rate and positioning of the rotating outlet may need to be adjusted so that it gently breaks the top of the water line. This will help provide glitter lines when the light is turned on, as well as provide proper aeration. It is recommended to allow the system to run and circulate for a minimum of 24 hours before adding any fish. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for additional information about your filtration system.