Saltwater Mixing | Water Preparation | Filling and Powering the Aquarium

Welcome to this training video on mixing saltwater and refilling your Living Oceans aquarium after a water change.

Before you begin, prepare the area and lay down towels to protect the floor and cabinet from water spills.

Saltwater can corrode metal surfaces, so avoid spillages wherever possible.

Before any maintenance:

• turn off power to the aquarium
• wash your hands
• wear aquarium-safe gloves if you have sensitive skin

Remove:

• the light, allowing it to hang safely from its cable
• the mesh lid

Preparing the Saltwater

Place the buckets beside the aquarium.

Locate:

• the water conditioner
• hydrometer
• pump and hose

Place the pump inside the large bucket.

Hook the gooseneck over the edge of the aquarium and ensure the valve is closed.

Mixing saltwater is one of the most important maintenance tasks.

Use filtered tap water where possible, with minimal chlorine, nutrients, and heavy metals.

To prepare approximately 45 litres of saltwater:

• fill a bucket with 15 litres of water
• pour it into the large bucket
• continue filling until you reach 45 litres

Add water conditioner according to the product instructions.

Measure the salt.

As a guide:

• 300 millilitres of salt will make 10 litres of saltwater

Add the required amount of salt and stir until fully dissolved.

Checking Salinity

Place the floating hydrometer into the water and allow it to settle.

Adjust salinity until it reads approximately:

• 1.024 specific gravity
• within the green range on the hydrometer

If salinity is low:

• add more salt

If salinity is high:

• add fresh water

Adjusting Temperature

Match the new water to the aquarium temperature.

Start by adding approximately 1 litre of hot water to 45 litres of mixed saltwater.

Adjust gradually until the water reaches approximately 24°C.

Refilling the Aquarium

Before starting the pump, ensure the siphon valve is closed.

Plug the pump into power.

Open the valve and begin pumping water into the aquarium.

Caution:

• Never leave the aquarium unattended while the pump is running.
• Flooding can occur if hoses become displaced or valves are left open.

Once the bucket is empty:

• close the valve
• unplug the pump

Important:

• Always close the valve to prevent back-siphoning from the aquarium.

Repeat the mixing process as required until the aquarium is full.

Allow water to rise into the overflow chamber and spill into the filter baskets.

Once full:

• stop the water flow
• close the valve
• remove the hose

Restarting the Aquarium

Before restoring power:

• unplug the ATO (Auto Top-Off) system

Turn power back on to the aquarium.

As the circulation pump starts, the pump chamber water level may drop.

Add approximately 3 litres of saltwater to the pump chamber until the green ATO water level sensor is submerged.

Slightly above the sensor is acceptable.

Adjust the return nozzle so it sits horizontally and points toward the centre of the aquarium.

Caution:

• Do not point the nozzle upward.
• Excessive surface agitation can cause noise and salt creep.

Reconnect the ATO.

The water level sensor will flash green while stabilising and then display a solid green light once normal operation resumes.

Final Steps

Replace:

• the mesh lid
• the light

Ensure the light cable is routed beneath the auto feeder without interfering with feeder operation.

Wipe down any water droplets or salt residue from the aquarium glass and cabinet.

The aquarium water may appear cloudy for several hours following maintenance.

Corals may remain partially retracted for several hours or even a few days before fully reopening.

Thanks for watching.