How many gallons are in each aquarium?
Does my aquarium have to be a salt-water environment?
What do I need to setup my aquarium?
How many fish are able to live harmoniously in my aquarium?
How much should I feed my fish and how often?
How difficult is it to maintain my aquarium?
Do I have to conduct a complete water change each time I clean my aquarium?
Where can I purchase replacement parts for the lighting and filter systems?
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 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 recommended components required to immediately establish a fresh water environment such as “Kon Tiki” substrate and a 25 watt submersible aquarium heater. Simply add reversed osmosis filtered water 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. 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 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 tropical fish. In the event you are maintaining a salt water aquarium, be sure to purchase a pellet food that is approved for salt 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 sculpture. This procedure should be performed about every few weeks or when algae is visibly present. The 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. To maintain an optimal water flow rate and overall filter performance, rinse the blue pre-filter pad 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 freshwater 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 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.
