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Supplies
Set-Up
Adding Livestock
Water Parameters

Supplies

• reverse-osmosis water
• sand*
• salt*
• hydrometer*             *included in our Nano Set-up Package
• test kit*
• fish net*
• live rock
• thermometer
• Mag float cleaning magnet
• Zap gel to mount frags

Set-Up

1. Decide where the JBJ Nano Cube will be placed. The tanks have an optional cabinet stand or s-stand but you can also place it on a sturdy surface such as a counter or desk. Do not place on glass surface! The floor or surface must be level.
2. Add about an inch of sand. We recommend Arag Alive Aragonite Fine Reef Sand included in our Nano Set-up Package.
3. Add live rock. We recommend uncured live rock to cycle your tank. Make sure that you wiggle the bottom layer of rocks down through the sand so that they rest firmly on the bottom of the aquarium past the sand. For the next layer use longer flatter rocks to bridge the gaps between the rocks on the first layer. Make sure to wedge the rocks in securely. When you are finished, tap your hand around on the rocks to make sure they are secure and not wobbly. You do not want rocks to fall down or get knocked over.
4. Or add live rock before sand.
5. Mix salt and water in a separate container. Stir it up with your hand or pump. Use your hydrometer to test salinity (specific gravity). Salinity should be between 1.020-1.022 for fish-only aquariums and 1.023-1.025 for reef aquariums.
6. Add saltwater to your aquarium.
7. Turn on the pump and let it run for a day.
8. Test the salinity with your hydrometer and adjust the salt and water accordingly. It is hard for us to advise how much salt and water to add. You will learn what is best through trial and error. Be sure water and salt are mixed thoroughly for proper testing.
9. Let your tank cycle. You do not need to turn on your lights during this cycling period as unwanted algae will grow. Cycling will take 1-8 weeks.
10. Test your water. Read about cycling so you understand why you are testing your water. Initially, you will need to test for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, salinity, and temperature. As you get more advanced, there are other parameters to check. See below.
11. Add a 50 watt heater if needed. Temperature should be between75° and 83° F and constant. It should not move than 2 degrees in one day.
12. Add freshwater to top-off your water as water evaporates from your tank. Remember, the salt doesn't evaporate. That's why we're adding freshwater -- as in reverse-osmosis water. DO NOT ADD TAP WATER.

Adding Livestock

1. Do some research while you wait for your tank to cycle. Whether you are setting up a fish-only tank or a reef tank, read about the species of livestock you want to add to your tank.
2. Formulate a plan. Remember that you have limited space.
3. Do you have enough light and flow for the corals you want. Do you need to upgrade your pump or lights?
4. What order will you add your fish? Add aggressive fish last.

Water Parameters

Temperature: between 75° and 83° F and constant - Should not move more than two degrees in one day

Ammonia: 0 ppm - Toxic to livestock if not 0

Nitrite: 0 ppm - Toxic to livestock if not 0

Nitrate: 0.0-30 ppm - Can be toxic to livestock if too high

pH: between 8.1 and 8.4 - 8.2 is ideal

Alkaline: between 8 and 12 dKH

Specific Gravity: between 1.020-1.022 for fish-only aquariums and 1.023-1.025 for reef aquariums

Phosphate: 0

Calcium: 425-450 ppm

Magnesium: 1,300 ppm

Iodine: 0.06 ppm

Strontium: 5-15 ppm