Setting Up & Caring For Your New Ocean
Treasures or River Treasures Aquarium
The following instructions apply to all Ocean Treasures and
River Treasures aquariums. Please note that there will be differences in
setting up a Salt Water Aquariums vs a Fresh Water Aquarium, which will be
described in the details instruction manual included with your purchase.
Prior to set up, it is recommended to rinse both the acrylic
cylinder and the interior (reef or river) 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.
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.
Assembly
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I.
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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.
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II.
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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.
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III.
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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.
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IV.
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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.
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Filling Your Aquarium
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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.
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II.
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If you desire to maintain a salt water 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.
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III.
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Next, fill your tank with purified or filtered water to about
1/2" 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.
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If you are maintaining a salt water aquarium, slowly add between 1/2
and 3/4 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.
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V.
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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
manufacturerÕs manual for additional information about your
filtration system.
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Aquarium Care
Each Ocean Treasures Collection ® aquarium has been
fabricated to enable a beautiful design with practical features and minimal
maintenance. Now, owning a salt water aquarium has never been this easy!
Our innovative design incorporates all the functional
components within the coral reef sculpture, allowing for easy access into the
aquarium. An acrylic swivel lid design provides a quick and convenient way to
access the aquarium for feeding and general maintenance. The amount of
maintenance required for your aquarium is primarily determined by the fish
population inhabiting your aquarium, the amount of food dispensed into the tank,
and the placement of your aquarium relative to a natural light source. Always
unplug all electrical equipment from the outlet before performing aquarium
maintenance of any kind. Never remove the clear acrylic lid while the light
fixture or any other electrical equipment is plugged into an outlet.
The Acrylic Cylinder
Do not attempt to use any type of household window
cleaning products or any other common cleaning solvents to wash the outside or
inside of the aquarium. Using such products will cause permanent damage,
scratching and crazing to the acrylic, and may harm your fish. Only use acrylic
safe and approved cleansers available from aquarium supply centers. To clean the
outside of the acrylic cylinder, simply wipe the acrylic tank with a soft lint
free cloth and approved acrylic cleaner. To clean the inside of the tank from
any visible algae build up along the acrylic walls, use a soft pad or acrylic
approved aquarium magnets available from your local aquarium retailer.
The Reef
In the event algae is visibly present on the reef, simply
wipe it off using a soft padded brush or cloth, or it can be removed and rinsed.
Do not attempt to soak the reef in bleach or any other detergents.
Filter
Regular cleaning of your filtration system is necessary to ensure optimal
performance and longevity of your system. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual
for proper cleaning procedures. Typically, the pre – cartridge filter should
be rinsed on a weekly basis, depending on your aquarium’s bio-load.
Replacements for the pre-filter pad and carbon cartridges may be needed over
time. These items are standard pieces and can be purchased at most aquarium
retailers.
Water
As you notice your water level depleting due to natural
evaporation, simply replenish your tank with purified or reversed osmosis
filtered water to maintain the proper level needed and to enable efficient
operation of the filtration system. To do so, remove the decorative top and
slide the acrylic lid to the side to gain access to the inner portion of the
aquarium. Slowly pour the filtered water directly into the aquarium. Slide the
acrylic lid back over the tank and replace the decorative top surround. It is
not necessary to add salt water when replenishing evaporated water. Only add
salt water into the tank when conducting a water change.
Please note, a water change is different from replenishing
the natural evaporated water in your tank. A water change is necessary to
eliminate a build of nitrate and toxins in the water. Nitrate is not harmful to
your fish, however an abundant amount will cause toxicity within the fish. To
determine if a water change is necessary, you can measure the water chemistry
using a saltwater test kit available from your local aquarium retailer, or many
retailers will test your water for you if you bring them a water sample. As a
rule of thumb, depending on the fish population, a 20% water change should be
conducted every month after the initial setup, or as needed. Each time a water
change is conducted, you will need to replace approximately 20% or (1) gallon of
water from your (5) gallon aquarium by siphoning. Consult your local aquarium
retailer for water change specifics.
Relocating Your Aquarium
In the event you are in need of relocating your aquarium,
you must never attempt to move the aquarium full or partially full of water. To
relocate the aquarium, it is necessary to first unplug all electrical cords from
the outlet, then access the inner portion of the aquarium by referring to the
instruction manual. You will need to remove the fish and completely drain all
the water from the aquarium by siphoning.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many gallons are in each aquarium?
Each aquarium contains five gallons of water.
Does my aquarium have to be a
salt-water environment?
No, your aquarium is equipped with an advanced filtration
system that allows you to run your aquarium as a fresh water or salt water
environment. If you desire to maintain a fresh-water aquarium, you must
incorporate fresh water fish and simply do not add the pre-measured synthetic
salt or “live” sand, if purchased. You will need to purchase an approved
gravel from your local aquarium dealer since the “live” sand is salt based
and cultured from the ocean. Refer to an official fish handbook to learn which
fish inhabit fresh water environments. Our reef and corals are created with a
beautiful combination of vibrant colors and subtle hues to emulate the natural
looking corals found in salt - water environments, however it is certainly the
choice of the consumer to decide to maintain a salt-water or fresh-water
aquarium.
What do I need to setup my aquarium?
All of our uniquely designed aquariums ship fully assembled
and will accompany the decorative surround, an artistically detailed coral
reef sculpture, a seamless cast acrylic cylindrical tank, power compact
lighting unit with 10 watt fluorescent bulb, and a technologically advanced
filtration system. A complete set–up kit is available for purchase which
will include all the necessary components required to immediately establish a
salt water environment such as synthetic salt, “live” sand, and a 25 watt
submersible aquarium heater or a fresh water environment, including "Kon
Tiki" substrate and a submersible aquarium heater. Simply add water
(we recommend reversed osmosis filtered obtained from your local aquarium dealer or grocery
store), and begin to
introduce fish to their new home. Always refer to the instruction manual
provided with your tank for proper setup procedures and safety precautions.
How many fish are able to live harmoniously in my
aquarium?
It is important to run your aquarium for 24 to 48 hours
before introducing any fish into the aquarium. Start by adding one or two
small fish at the initial set-up to allow for the aquarium to establish a
natural bacteria bed. Over the next few weeks, you may add additional fish
into your aquarium. Adding too many fish at once will only stress the fish and
create a large bio-load, which will result in a longer cycling process.
Typically, we recommend approximately 4 small fish in each aquarium, once it
has become fully established.
From our experience, small salt water farm
raised fish such as cromis, damsels, and clown fish have proven to be some of
the best species to inhabit a salt water environment, based on their hardiness and
vibrant colors.
When selecting fish for your aquarium, be sure to choose
several fish with different environmental habitats. For instance, you might
consider a few bottom dwellers, some free swimmers, and perhaps another
species that will occupy the various niches found on the reef sculpture. This
will promote an overall balance to your aquarium and prevent crowding. An
official handbook can be purchased from your local aquarium dealer and may be
helpful when researching the compatibility of various species.
How much should I feed my fish and how often?
Contact your local aquarium retailer for a recommended
feeding schedule depending on the species you selected and the fish population
within your aquarium. We recommend using a hormone-free, color enhancing and
vitamin rich pellet food specifically designed for salt water ornamentals. In
the event you are maintaining a fresh water aquarium, be sure to purchase a
pellet food that is approved for fresh water fish. It is necessary to make
sure not to overfeed your fish. The suggested amount of food is as much as
they can eat in about five minutes. You will be able to observe the proper
amounts to distribute after a few feedings.
How difficult is it to maintain my
aquarium?
Depending on the amount of fish inhabiting your aquarium, the amount of
food dispensed into the tank, and the placement of your aquarium relative to a
natural light source, maintenance is minimal. Simply use a padded brush from
your local marine supply store to gently remove any algae that may accumulate
on the reef and corals. This procedure should be performed about every few
weeks or when algae is visibly present. The reef sculpture can be removed and
rinsed, but should not be bleached or placed in any detergents.
Avoid placing your aquarium in the direct path of sunlight as this will
cause maintenance and algae production to significantly increase. Acrylic
approved aquarium magnets can be purchased from you local dealer to remove any
algae build up along the acrylic walls.
Due to natural evaporation, when the water line becomes visible and recedes
below the decorative surround, simply add reversed osmosis filtered water into
the tank. It is not necessary to add salt water when replenishing evaporated
water. Only add salt water into the tank when conducting a water change. To
maintain an optimal water flow rate and overall filter performance, it is
needed to rinse the blue pre-filter pad in on a weekly basis. Replacement of
the pre-filter cartridge may be needed over time, depending on your bio-load
and waste build up. See the manufacturer’s manual for proper cleaning
procedures regarding the filtration system.
Do I have to conduct a complete water
change each time I clean my aquarium?
No, DO NOT conduct a water change during your routine
cleaning schedule. Note: a water change is different from replenishing the
naturally evaporated water in your tank. A water change is needed to eliminate
a build up of nitrates and toxins in the water. Nitrate is not harmful to your
fish, however an abundant amount will cause toxicity within the fish. To
determine if a water change is necessary, you can measure the water chemistry
using a saltwater test kit available from your local aquarium retailer, or
many retailers will test you water for you if you bring them a water sample.
As a rule of thumb, depending on the fish population, a 20% water change
should be conducted every month or as needed, once the aquarium has become
established. Always reference your manual provided with the tank for a
complete set of instructions or consult your local aquarium retailer when
performing any maintenance and water changes.
Where can I purchase replacement parts for the lighting
and filter systems?
The parts used in the lighting and filtration systems are
standardized items that may be purchased from most aquarium retailers. The
light is a self ballasted 10 watt fluorescent bulb. All the filtration
components and part numbers are listed in the manufacturer’s manual provided
with the filter.
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