Living Oceans Aquarium Setup Guide

Living Oceans

Related Links & Products

How to Set Up Your Living Oceans Aquarium

Setting up a marine aquarium has traditionally been one of the biggest challenges for new reef keepers. Weeks of cycling, selecting equipment, and researching livestock can make the process feel overwhelming before the aquarium is even running.

The Living Oceans Aquarium has been designed to simplify every step. With pre-configured hardware, established biological filtration, and guided training, most owners can complete the hardware installation in around 90 minutes before progressing to livestock delivery.

A Two-Stage Installation Process

To give your reef the best possible start, installation is completed in two stages.

Stage 1: Hardware Setup

The first stage focuses on assembling the aquarium and preparing the biological foundation.

Once you've completed the hardware installation and submitted your setup checklist to our team, we'll confirm everything is ready before scheduling your livestock delivery.

Stage 2: Livestock Introduction

Once the aquarium has been correctly assembled and verified, your carefully selected livestock is dispatched separately.

This staged approach ensures the aquarium is fully prepared before introducing your Clownfish, Coral Livestock, and Clean Up Crew, reducing stress on the animals and improving long-term success.

Everything Arrives Ready to Assemble

Every Living Oceans Aquarium bundle includes the components required to build a complete marine ecosystem.

Your delivery includes:

Every component has been designed to work together, eliminating much of the guesswork associated with traditional marine aquarium setups.

Setting Up the Hardware

Once the cabinet is assembled and positioned on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight, the aquarium hardware can be installed.

The system includes an integrated Auto Top Off (ATO), programmable Auto Feeder, circulation pump, heater, and LED lighting system. Each cable and connection is labelled, making installation straightforward by following the guided training videos.

Unlike many marine aquariums, there's no need to configure complicated filtration systems or purchase additional equipment before getting started.

Biological Filtration from Day One

A healthy reef begins with healthy biology.

The filtration chamber contains Carbon Media and Phosphate Remover in the upper basket, while the remaining baskets are filled with established Bio Media during livestock delivery. Together with the included Live Sand, these components provide the beneficial bacteria needed to support the aquarium's nitrogen cycle.

Unlike mechanical filter pads, the bio media is not designed to be cleaned. Instead, it becomes a permanent home for the bacteria that naturally maintain water quality.

Programming the Auto Feeder

The included Auto Feeder arrives ready to be programmed before livestock is introduced.

We recommend setting:

  • Local time.
  • One feeding cycle per day.
  • Feeding time at 12:00 pm.

Only enough food for four to six weeks should be added to the feeder to maintain freshness. When refilling, always remove the feeder from the aquarium before opening the barrel to avoid accidentally spilling excess food into the water.

Installing the Living Reef

The Living Blocks Reef System is designed to make aquascaping both stable and practical.

After adding the Live Sand, the reef is positioned centrally with the support trellis secured beneath the substrate. This creates a stable structure while leaving plenty of room for future Coral Livestock additions as your reef develops.

Because the reef is modular, it can also be removed later for maintenance or coral repositioning if required.

Mixing Saltwater Correctly

Preparing saltwater is one of the most important parts of the installation process.

Using filtered tap water, salt is mixed until the water reaches a salinity of approximately 1.024, with the temperature adjusted to around 24°C before being added to the aquarium. Taking the time to achieve the correct salinity and temperature provides a stable environment for future livestock.

Once filled, the circulation pump is started, water levels are adjusted, and the Auto Top Off (ATO) system is activated.

Fine-Tuning the Aquarium

After power is applied, a few final adjustments complete the setup.

The circulation nozzle should be positioned horizontally towards the centre of the aquarium to provide effective water movement without creating excessive surface agitation or salt creep. The LED light is already programmed to provide an eight-hour daylight cycle, supporting both coral health and natural viewing throughout the day.

These small adjustments help ensure the aquarium operates exactly as intended from the very beginning.

Preparing for Livestock

At this stage, the aquarium hardware is fully operational and ready for its next phase.

The Sea Grass Lagoon should remain in the cabinet until your livestock arrives, as its installation is covered during the livestock introduction process. Once your setup checklist has been submitted and approved, your aquarium will be ready to receive its living inhabitants.

Support Every Step of the Way

Setting up a Living Oceans Aquarium doesn't end once the hardware is assembled.

Every owner receives access to our Support Hub, where you'll find step-by-step Assembly & Training Videos covering installation, livestock introductions, maintenance, and ongoing reef care. These short, practical videos are designed to make every stage of ownership straightforward, whether you're setting up your first marine aquarium or expanding your reef keeping experience.

With the hardware installed and the biological foundation in place, you're ready for the most exciting stage of the journey, welcoming a living coral reef into your home.