Our team will contact you to arrange a delivery date and time and provide a preparation checklist. Preparation includes clearing and marking the chosen location for the aquarium and completing the required basic training. Please note our technicians will need to secure the aquarium cabinet to the wall, which involves drilling a 10mm hole.

Our technicians will arrive on-site, set up your aquarium, and prepare it for fish and corals within one hour. During setup, the cabinet will be secured to the wall, and the team will confirm you have all necessary equipment and instructions. After installation, they will guide you through essential maintenance steps and answer any questions before they leave, ensuring you’re fully prepared.

No waiting is necessary. The live sand in our Living Ecosystems Aquarium is pre-cultured to process nutrients and fish waste immediately, creating a balanced environment. When your aquarium is delivered, our technicians will install the system and add your fish and corals on the same day, so your Living Ecosystem is ready to thrive from day one.

Yes, but relocating an aquarium requires careful planning to minimize stress on the ecosystem. We recommend consulting our support team, as it may involve temporarily removing fish, corals, and some water to ensure safety during the move.

Yes, our expert technicians can facilitate the safe relocation of your aquarium. The modular Living Blocks reef design allows for the reef structure to be moved as a single unit, without detaching the corals and plants, making transportation simpler and less risky than traditional aquariums. This service ensures your livestock experiences minimal stress during the transition.

Your Living Ecosystem Aquarium is fully established upon delivery, but it is still in the early stages of biological maturity. Over the following weeks, months, and years, the biological processes will continue to strengthen, leading to a more resilient and self-sustaining environment.

To ensure stability, your included 1-month maintenance and care plan provides a water quality test, preventative water change, and filter change. Ongoing quarterly water testing, water changes, and filter changes are recommended to maintain optimal conditions, with these services included in the Maintenance and Care subscription.

Key Stages of Ecosystem Maturity

1 Month Post-Delivery:
• Corals begin to grow in size and multiply.
• Worms and other microfauna start appearing under rocks, contributing to nutrient recycling.
• Clownfish form social bonds, and dottybacks refine their hiding spots.
• Corals expand and show more vibrant coloration, though some algae growth may still be present.
• Algae growth slows as the ecosystem stabilises.

A water quality test, preventative water change, and filter change are performed as part of the 1-month maintenance and care plan.

3 Months Post-Delivery:
• Corals begin to grow in size and multiply.
• Worms and other microfauna start appearing under rocks, contributing to nutrient recycling.
• Clownfish form social bonds, and dottybacks refine their hiding spots.
• Corals expand and show more vibrant coloration, though some algae growth may still be present.
• Algae growth slows as the ecosystem stabilises.

A quarterly water test, water change, and filter change are recommended to maintain long-term balance.

6 Months Post-Delivery:
• Fish structures among clownfish are well-formed, making the introduction of new fish more challenging.
• Clownfish may begin exhibiting signs of breeding, such as creating nests and laying eggs
• Corals continue to grow, with fish buddies using them as shelter and interactive spaces.
• Algae growth significantly reduces as the ecosystem becomes more stable.

A quarterly water test, water change, and filter change are recommended to maintain long-term balance.


12 Months Post-Delivery:

• Xenia corals spread across rocks and glass, marking a fully established ecosystem.
• Every rock is populated with worms and beneficial microfauna, enhancing natural filtration.
• The system is highly resilient, capable of handling fluctuations such as increased feeding or the natural loss of an organism without major disruptions.

Ongoing quarterly water test, water change, and filter change are recommended to maintain long-term balance.

At each stage, the Living Ecosystem Aquarium evolves into a more self-sustaining habitat, requiring minimal intervention while supporting a thriving marine environment. For continued expert care, our Maintenance and Care subscription includes all recommended water testing and maintenance, ensuring long-term ecosystem success.

The term "Living" refers to sand or reef structures that have been colonized through a scientific culturing process by Living Oceans with living organisms, such as beneficial bacteria and microfauna. These organisms naturally break down waste, recycle nutrients, and maintain water quality in the aquarium.

Living Oceans carefully cultures the live sand to develop resilient and robust populations of these organisms, ensuring a stable and balanced aquarium ecosystem that can adapt to environmental changes and support a thriving aquatic environment.

Types of Organisms in Living Sand and Their Roles:

• Nitrifying Bacteria: These bacteria convert toxic ammonia (NH₃) into nitrite (NO₂⁻) and then into nitrate (NO₃⁻) in the aerobic (oxygen-rich) zones of the sand bed, ensuring safer water conditions for livestock.
• Denitrifying Bacteria: Found in the anaerobic (low-oxygen) zones of deeper sand layers, these bacteria convert nitrate into nitrogen gas (N₂), which is safely released into the atmosphere, helping to remove excess nutrients.
• Silica-based Organisms (Diatoms): These microscopic algae thrive on silica present in the substrate, contributing to nutrient cycling and supporting the food web by serving as a food source for microfauna and grazing organisms.
• Microfauna: Includes amphipods, copepods, and other small invertebrates that consume detritus and organic waste, keeping the sand clean and aiding in nutrient breakdown.
• Algae: Microscopic algae within the sand contribute to oxygen production and nutrient cycling, supporting the ecosystem's balance.
• Biofilms: Layers of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that stabilize the substrate and enhance nutrient absorption, aiding the cycling process.

Together, these organisms work to create a balanced, resilient ecosystem that adapts to environmental changes while sustaining water quality and promoting livestock health.

When your Living Ecosystem Aquarium is newly set up or has been transported, nutrient cycling imbalances can temporarily lead to increased algae growth as the system stabilizes. During this period, you may observe the following natural algae growth patterns:

Initial Algae Growth: The system may go through stages of algae growth, including:

• Thin Layer of Brown Slime Algae: This often appears on rocks, sand, and glass and is part of the natural cycling process. This can be removed easily.
• Green Algae: May include encrusting and filamentous types, appearing more slowly.

System Stabilization: Over several weeks to months, the aquarium will reach a balanced state where nutrient levels are regulated, and algae growth becomes minimal. This stage requires less intervention, as the ecosystem becomes more stable. During this time, a natural boom in grazing organisms (e.g., amphipods, copepods) may help control algae growth.

Prolonged or Excessive Algae Growth: If algae growth persists or is excessive over several weeks, contact Living Oceans. This may indicate an imbalance, such as an excess of nutrients (e.g., nitrogen or phosphorus) in the water, which could eventually impact coral health.

To support algae control, adding grazers such as cultured sea urchins, shrimp, and snails can be highly effective. These organisms help manage nuisance algae on rocks, promoting better recruitment of desirable pink and purple encrusting coralline algae, which indicates a mature and healthy ecosystem.

The number of fish depends on the tank size and specific species. Exceeding the recommended fish count can disrupt nutrient cycling and lead to nutrient imbalances.
Recommended fish stocking levels:

• Cube 80L: 4 Nemo Clownfish and 1 Dottyback
• Cube 130L: 6 Nemo Clownfish and 1 Dottyback

Starting with the recommended group size allows fish to establish social dynamics, which is beneficial as they grow from juveniles.

The maximum number of corals depends on the tank size and available reef structure.
Recommended coral stocking levels:

• Cube 80L: Capacity for up to 30 corals
• Cube 130L: Capacity for up to 50 corals

No. Adding livestock from other sources voids your warranty and terms for our livestock. Living Oceans provides high-quality, sustainably sourced, disease-free stock selected to optimize ecosystem health.

Feeding is a crucial part of maintaining ecosystem balance. Living Oceans provides an automated feeder, programmed by our technicians, to dispense 2mm high-quality pellets on a set schedule. This feeder should not be adjusted by the user.

• Fish Nutrition: Fish obtain essential nutrients from the pellets dispensed by the autofeeder.
• Coral Nutrition: Corals feed on fine particles released by pellets but derive most of their energy and nutrients from dissolved nutrients produced by fish waste. Using light, corals generate energy through photosynthesis to support growth and health.
• Additional Nutrients: Dissolved minerals from coral sands in the seawater buffer the ecosystem, providing essential elements such as calcium, magnesium, and carbon. These elements are vital for the growth and resilience of soft corals, promoting a balanced ecosystem.

If you observe any unusual symptoms in your fish or corals, follow these steps before handling the aquarium:

• Check for water leaks or moisture near electrical components. If water is present, turn off the aquarium at the mains and contact Living Oceans immediately.
• Contact Living Oceans immediately for diagnostic support and guidance on the next steps.

Diseases in marine aquarium fish may present with the following symptoms:

• White Spot Disease (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis): Tiny, white, salt-like spots on the fish's body and fins, often accompanied by scratching behavior.
• Fin Rot: Fraying, disintegration, or discoloration of the fins, typically due to bacterial or fungal infections.
• Gill Disease: Labored breathing or “panting,” with redness or swelling around the gills, indicating ammonia burns, parasitic infestation, or bacterial infection.
• Velvet Disease (Oodinium): A dusty, golden or rust-colored appearance on the fish’s skin, often accompanied by lethargy and rapid breathing.
  

If you notice any of these symptoms:

1. Document the symptoms by capturing clear video and still images of the affected fish.
2. Contact Living Oceans immediately for diagnostic support and specific instructions.

Soft corals exhibit stress or disease symptoms differently depending on the species:

• Slow Decline in Leather Corals: Symptoms include shrinking, excessive mucus production, and a waxy coating that does not shed. Shedding of this coating is natural and should take around one day. If it takes longer, it may indicate stress from poor water quality, insufficient lighting, or bacterial infections.
• Rapid Decline in Xenia and Mushroom Corals: Sudden tissue degradation, discoloration, or disintegration, often due to nutrient imbalances, chemical contamination, or extreme changes in water temperature or salinity.
  

If you observe any of these symptoms:

1. Document the symptoms with clear video and still images.
2. Contact Living Oceans immediately for guidance on diagnosing the issue and restoring ecosystem balance.

In the unfortunate event of a livestock loss:

• Take an image of the deceased fish or coral for documentation.
• Promptly remove it from the aquarium to maintain water quality.
• Dispose of it by sealing it in a zip-lock bag before discarding.
• Observe the remaining livestock and ecosystem for any signs of stress (see “What should I do if my Living Ecosystem, fish, or coral shows signs of stress?”).

Clownfish establish a strict social hierarchy where the largest fish becomes the female, the second-largest is the breeding male, and the rest remain smaller subordinates. Aggression, including chasing and fin-nipping, is a natural part of this process as they determine their roles.

In most cases, the aggression settles once the hierarchy is established. However, if a fish is consistently targeted, shows signs of stress (such as not eating or hiding excessively), or has visible injuries, intervention may be needed. The Living Ecosystem Aquarium is designed to reduce aggression by providing hiding spaces with Living Blocks and encouraging group stocking to spread aggression.

If persistent aggression becomes a concern, Living Oceans offers an ad hoc technician call-out service to assess the situation and, if necessary, swap the affected fish. However, this process can be disruptive and is not always required. Most conflicts resolve naturally as part of the ecosystem’s balance.

Monitoring your Living Ecosystem does not require complicated testing or technical skills. The key is to stay observant, watching for any unusual signs of stress in the livestock or potential damage to equipment. Corals are reliable indicators of water quality and system health; if they appear healthy and vibrant, the ecosystem is in good condition.

Weekly checks should include:

• Food and ATO Reservoir Levels: Ensure the automatic feeder and ATO (Auto-Top Off) water reservoir have sufficient levels and are not obstructed.
• Lighting Function: Confirm that the lights are turning on and off as programmed and are operating correctly.

There is no need for you to conduct water quality tests, as Living Oceans will handle comprehensive water quality assessments during scheduled maintenance visits. We use the API Aquaspin system to monitor the following water parameters:

• Ammonia
• Nitrite
• Nitrate
• pH
• Alkalinity
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Phosphate

If you observe signs of livestock stress or any unusual conditions, please contact Living Oceans immediately.

Critical. The lighting control in your Living Ecosystem Aquarium is essential for maintaining coral health and overall ecosystem balance.

The LED lighting system includes a controller that allows Living Oceans technicians to adjust light levels and colors specifically for the corals in the aquarium. Light levels are calibrated using a photo-active radiation (PAR) sensor to provide the ideal intensity for coral growth and health.

Too much light can be more harmful than insufficient light, as excessive intensity can burn and damage corals within hours, especially if they are not properly acclimatized to the new levels.

Please do not adjust the lighting without proper training, as incorrect settings could disrupt the ecosystem's balance, harm corals, and affect the overall health of your Living Ecosystem.

The automated lighting schedule in your Living Ecosystem Aquarium is designed to mimic the natural rhythms of a coral reef while creating stunning visuals to match the mood of your aquarium throughout the day. The schedule is as follows:

• Dawn Phase (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): A soft, blue glow at 20,000K with a PAR of <5 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ gently wakes up your aquarium, reflecting the calm and serenity of sunrise over a reef. This phase sets the stage for a vibrant day ahead.
• Daylight Phase (12:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Bright, full-spectrum lighting at 14,000K bathes the aquarium in natural light, with PAR ranging from 150 to 50 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. This phase brings your aquarium to life, showcasing active corals and fish in their natural brilliance.
• Moonlight Phase (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): A tranquil, deep blue light at 20,000K with a PAR of <5 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ takes over, creating a dreamy underwater glow that highlights the fluorescence of corals and sets a relaxing, evening mood.
• Night Phase (10:00 PM - 8:00 AM): The lights go off completely, letting your ecosystem rest and recharge, just as nature intended.
  

Adjustments should be made only by Living Oceans technicians to preserve ecosystem stability.

Check your autofeeder every day to ensure it is functioning properly. While Living Oceans technicians program the feeder to dispense food several times per day, regular monitoring ensures your fish receive the nutrition they need to thrive.

Occasionally, the feeder may encounter issues such as a low battery or an obstruction that prevents it from dispensing food at the required levels. By checking daily, you can promptly address any problems and maintain a healthy environment for your fish. Consistent feeding is essential to their wellbeing and helps prevent potential health issues, which may arise within just a few days if feeding is interrupted.

Glass cleaning should be done as needed, but typically twice a week is sufficient to maintain a clear view of your aquarium.

Steps for cleaning the inside of the glass:

1. Use the magnetic glass cleaner, which should remain permanently inside the aquarium for convenience.
2. Slowly slide the magnetic cleaner along the inside of the glass to remove algae buildup.
3. Check for debris: Before cleaning, ensure no sand or debris is caught on the felt of the cleaner, as this could scratch the glass.
4. Clean from top to bottom: Avoid cleaning the lower section of the glass near the sand until the rest of the aquarium is clean. This reduces the risk of picking up sand and minimizes the chance of scratching the glass.
5. Once the rest of the aquarium is clean, carefully clean the area near the sand as the final step.

Steps for cleaning the outside of the glass:

1. Wipe the outside of the glass with a dry, soft cloth or paper towel to remove fingerprints and water marks.
2. For tougher marks, use a small amount of water to lightly moisten the cloth.
3. Never use glass cleaning chemicals near the aquarium, as these could contaminate the water and harm your livestock.
   

By following these steps, you’ll maintain a clear, beautiful display without compromising the safety of your ecosystem.

The Auto-Top Up (ATO) system is crucial for maintaining stable water levels and consistent salinity in your aquarium by replenishing water lost to evaporation. Proper maintenance ensures the health and stability of your ecosystem.

Perform daily checks to ensure the system is functioning properly:

• Inspect the 20L freshwater reservoir inside the aquarium cabinet to ensure sufficient water levels. The reservoir typically lasts 2-4 weeks, depending on evaporation, which may increase during warmer months. Refill with filtered tap water as needed, avoiding complete depletion.
• Verify that the water level sensor in the pump chamber is not flashing. If it flashes, investigate the issue (e.g., low water levels, debris, or misalignment), resolve it, and reset the ATO system power.
• Ensure the ATO pump is operating normally and delivering water to the aquarium when needed.

If the system malfunctions:

• Refill the freshwater reservoir if it’s empty.
• Address flashing alerts from the water level sensor by checking for debris or alignment issues.
• Reset the ATO system power to restore functionality.
• Contact Living Oceans for further assistance if issues persist.

The ATO system is vital for maintaining stable salinity, which is critical for livestock health and ecosystem balance. Regular checks prevent disruptions, ensuring your aquarium remains in optimal condition.

DO:

• Remain vigilant and visually inspect the aquarium daily, checking for any signs of stress on the livestock and ensuring the autofeeder, pump, auto-top-up system, and lighting are functioning properly.
• Use filtered tap water to refill the freshwater reservoir in the auto-top-up system as needed.
• Wear aquarium-safe, chemical-free gloves when handling fish, corals, or immersing your hands in the aquarium to prevent contamination and protect both you and the ecosystem.
• Clean the aquarium glass using the magnetic glass cleaner to maintain its appearance.
• Keep chemicals, including glass cleaning products, away from the vicinity of the aquarium.

DON'T:

• Manually feed the fish or add any food or chemicals to the aquarium without first consulting Living Oceans.
• Use chemicals to clean the aquarium or the surrounding glass, as this can harm the ecosystem.
• Use hot water or any other external means to warm the aquarium water.
• Allow the ambient room temperature to exceed 33°C, as it can stress or harm the livestock.

By following these critical guidelines, you ensure a healthy, stable environment for your Living Ecosystem Aquarium.

If your order hasn’t been shipped yet, you can request changes by contacting us through the Chat Assistant Lena - Support button in the bottom right corner of our website. We’ll be happy to assist you!

Product availability is shown on each product page. Out-of-stock items are clearly labelled.

We accept returns on most products within 30 days if unused and in original packaging. Custom items and livestock are non-returnable.

Contact our support team via the Chat Assistant Lena - Support button in the bottom right corner of our website, and we will guide you through the return process.

Reach out to our customer support team using the Chat Assistant Lena - Support button for any return-related queries.

Yes, additional livestock and accessories are available exclusively to members through our online portal.

Yes, we offer optional maintenance packages and one-time ad hoc support for ongoing care.

For any inquiries, contact our customer service team via the Contact Us page or email support.