Set-Up Guide for Ocean Breeze Kits

Ocean Breeze Nano Aquarium Setup Guide - Complete Step-by-Step Instructions

Setup Progress

0 of 11 steps completed
1

Tank Assembly

Set up your Ocean Breeze nano tank

Begin by placing your Ocean Breeze nano tank on the stand. This tank features a built-in filtration system and is designed for easy maintenance while providing optimal water circulation.

Instructions:

  • Carefully remove tank from packaging and inspect for damage
  • Place tank on a level, sturdy surface away from direct sunlight
  • Ensure the back filtration chambers are clean and free of debris
  • Check that the return pump area is accessible
Important Setup Tip
Always place your aquarium on a completely level surface to prevent stress on the glass and ensure proper water levels.
Ocean Breeze 22-gallon nano aquarium tank
Ocean Breeze 22-gallon nano tank with integrated filtration system
2

Return Pump Installation

Install the circulation pump

Install the return pump to create proper water circulation between the filtration chamber and main display area.

Instructions:

  • Attach the return plumbing and place pump in the return chamber (rightmost back chamber)
  • Ensure pump sits flat on chamber bottom
  • Connect power cord to remote - do not plug in yet
  • Screw on the output nozzle threaded through the hole
Pump Placement
Position the pump to maximize water flow while minimizing noise. The intake should face away from the glass if able and sit flush against the bottom.
Compact return pump for nano aquarium
Compact return pump installed in filtration chamber
3

Dry Rock Structure & Sand

Create your reef foundation

Dry rock provides the foundation for your reef ecosystem. It's pest-free and allows you to control the cycling process while providing natural biological filtration. While Live sand is usually pest free and can help speed up the cycling process.

Instructions:

  • Rinse dry rock thoroughly with fresh RODI water
  • Arrange rocks On bottom glass first to prevent burrowing creatures from knocking over rocks later on.
  • Next add a layer of sand covering the botttom with 1-2 inches of depth.
  • Next finish rock structure, while leaving space between rocks for water circulation
  • Create multiple levels for coral placement variety
Why Choose Dry Rock?
Dry rock eliminates hitchhiker pests and allows better control over your tank's biological balance during cycling.
Natural dry rock formation for reef aquarium
Dry rock arranged to create natural reef structure with caves and swim-throughs
4

Filter Media Setup

Mechanical filtration preparation

Filter floss in the media cup provides excellent mechanical filtration by trapping debris and particles, keeping your water crystal clear.

Instructions:

  • Locate the media cup in the first filtration chamber
  • Add filter floss to the media cup
  • Ensure floss fills the cup but isn't packed too tightly
  • Allow water to flow through the media easily
Maintenance Schedule
Clean or replace filter floss media every 3-7 days to maintain optimal filtration and prevent clogging.
Filter sock holder installed in aquarium filtration chamber
Filter sock holder properly positioned in first filtration chamber
5

RODI Water System

Pure water preparation

RODI (Reverse Osmosis Deionized) water is essential for marine aquariums as it removes harmful chemicals, chlorine, and dissolved solids that can harm marine life.

Instructions:

  • Connect RODI system to cold water supply
  • Allow system to flush for 10-15 minutes initially
  • Test output water with TDS meter (should read 0-2 ppm)
  • Fill tank with RODI water to desired level
  • Replace filters as recommended by manufacturer
Water Quality Critical
Never use tap water directly. RODI water prevents algae problems and ensures the health of sensitive marine organisms.
RODI water filtration system for aquarium
5-stage RODI water filtration system producing pure water for your reef tank
6

Salt Mix Preparation

Create the perfect marine environment

Quality salt mix is crucial for creating the proper marine environment. Use a reputable reef salt that contains essential trace elements and maintains proper alkalinity.

Instructions:

  • Use high-quality reef salt mix (avoid aquarium salt)
  • Mix in separate container with powerhead for designated time based on manufactures instructions.
  • Test salinity with refractometer (target: 1.025 SG)
  • Adjust temperature to 78-80°F before adding to tank
  • Test salinity again and adjust if necessary
Mixing Best Practice
Always mix saltwater in a separate container. This ensures proper dissolution and prevents precipitation of calcium carbonate.
SaltMate Calculator
Use our SaltMate Calculator to determine the exact amount of salt needed for your specific tank volume and desired salinity.
7

Heater Installation

Maintain optimal temperature

Maintain a stable temperature between 78-80°F for optimal coral and fish health. The controllable heater provides precise temperature regulation.

Instructions:

  • Never operate heater outside of water
  • Always unplug before handling
  • Set temperature only when submerged
  • Allow 15 minutes to acclimate before plugging in
Critical Safety Warning
Never operate heater outside of water. Always unplug before handling.
100W controllable aquarium heater with digital display
J-100 controllable heater with external temperature controller
8

LED Light Setup

Illuminate your reef

Mount the LED light to the front of the filter compartment and program your desired lighting schedule using the touch-sensitive remote.

Instructions:

  • Recommended schedule: full spectrum from 9 am to 8 pm
Remote Tip
The remote is touch-sensitive - gentle touches work better than pressing hard.
22W LED aquarium light with heat sink and mounting bracket
22W LED light unit with multi-spectrum LEDs and adjustable mounting system
9

Final System Check

Complete your setup

Perform final checks and begin the cycling process. Your Ocean Breeze nano aquarium is now ready to establish its biological filtration system.

Instructions:

  • Test all equipment is functioning properly
  • Verify water temperature is stable at 78-80°F
  • Check salinity is at 1.025 specific gravity
  • Add bacterial starter culture to begin cycling
  • Monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels daily
  • Wait 4-6 weeks for complete cycle before adding livestock
Cycling Complete
Your tank is fully cycled when ammonia and nitrite read zero, and nitrates are detectable. Now you can safely add your first fish!
Completed Ocean Breeze nano aquarium setup
Your completed Ocean Breeze nano aquarium ready for the cycling process
10

Protein Skimmer

Advanced filtration setup

Install the protein skimmer after your tank has completed its cycle. Place it in the first chamber for optimal performance with higher water levels.

Instructions:

  • Wait until cycle is complete
  • Place in first chamber (recommended)
  • Insert screws into corresponding holes
  • Attach to side or back glass
  • Adjust height of main tube
  • Fine-tune foam production
Why Wait for Cycle Completion?
Protein skimmers can remove beneficial bacteria during the cycling process. Install after ammonia and nitrite levels drop to zero.
Protein skimmer installation
Professional protein skimmer with adjustable foam cup and venturi pump
11

Mesh Lid Kit

Final protection installation

The mesh lid prevents fish from jumping out while allowing proper gas exchange and easy access for maintenance.

Instructions:

  • Position mesh lid over tank opening
  • Ensure proper fit around equipment
  • Secure clips to tank rim
  • Remove excess mesh on lid
  • Install feeding door if wanted however it may block light spread.
Safety First
The mesh lid is essential for preventing fish jumps while maintaining proper air circulation for your reef ecosystem.
DIY mesh lid kit components
Complete DIY mesh lid kit with black mesh material and flexible trim edging
1 16

Sea Cardinal

Reef Ready 50-Gallon AIO System

$999.00 USD
$999.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
With RODI Filter?
With Polycarbonate Lid?
With 2x RL90 PopBloom Lights?
View full details

What is included with our 50 Gallon Reef Ready Kits?

50 Gallon All-In-One Aquarium and Cabinet

DC Controllable Variable Speed Return Pump

DC Controllable Variable Speed and Rhythym Wavemaker

DC Controllable Protein Skimmer Pump and Chamber

Automatic Top Off

Automatic Top Off Sensor, Tubing, & Pump

300W Quartz Tube Adjustable Heater

& Much More Incuded

Hydrometer, 5-gallon Bucket, Reef Glasses, Salt Measuring cups, 2 large resealable bags of reef salt, and a Mini-Bucket with frag holder for bringing home corals.

A collage showing a clear acrylic aquarium lighting and filter kit, including two adjustable LED light heads, a smartphone app screen, a lit aquarium view, and three cylindrical filter cartridges on a plain white background.

Optional Add-Ons to Take your Tank to the Next Level

2 PopBloom RL90 LEDs, Automatic Filter Roller, Polycarbonate precise fit lid, and (or) a 200GPD RODI Filter with TDS meter delivering pristine water for your aquarium.