SET UP PROCEDURES
EcoSystem Miracle Mud® Filter – Pg. 11
SET UP PROCEDURES
EcoSystem Miracle Mud® Filter – Pg. 12
The following directions are to CYCLE & MATURE the Miracle
Mud® - allowing the proper bacteria to colonize the Miracle Mud®
bed and enabling it to be an efficient filter. This process takes 4-6
weeks, during which the protein skimmer functions as the primary
filter of the aquarium. Instructions for both new and existing tanks.
1. Pour the Miracle Mud® substrate into Chamber 3 and
level it evenly to create a 1 inch (2.54 cm) thick layer.
2. In order to prevent the Miracle Mud® from being stirred
up, place the Miracle Mud® BAG on top of the Miracle
Mud® bed. Gently pour
pre-mixed*
salt water onto the
Miracle Mud® bag. Continue filling up Chamber 3 with
the appropriate water until it begins to flow into
Chambers 1, 2, 4 and 5. Stop filling with water when the
height of the water level in Chambers 2 and 3 are the
same as the height of the divider in Chamber 3.
(More water may be added –if needed when pump(s) are
turn on.) Remove the Miracle Mud® bag.
* Never add salt directly into tank – always premix
saltwater and allow to stand for 24 hrs. before use.
3. Allow the Miracle Mud® bed and all particulates to settle
and water to clear before proceeding any further (~ 1
hour but may take longer in certain cases). Remove any
floating debris in the water with a net or paper towel.
During this waiting period, fill main tank with
pre-mixed
saltwater for new setups.
4. Place protein skimmer cup into top of Chamber 1 –
adjust rubber band around body of skimmer cup to
determine how far in the protein skimmer sits in the filter.
(The deeper the protein skimmer cup sits in the filter the
less it skims). Initially skimmer should be adjusted so
that it will sit high on the filter and not so deep in
Chamber 1. Later on, lower the skimmer more into the
filter to reduce skimming in order to avoid overskimming.
5. Securely place the Power Compact light fixture over
Chamber 3 into the built in light stand on top of the
EcoSystem Miracle Mud® Filter. Do not turn the light on
– leave the light OFF for the time being.
Safety
Note: DO NOT allow Power Compact light
fixture to come into contact with any water.
6.
Turn on the pump of the protein skimmer. New setup -
allow the EcoSystem Miracle Mud® Filter to run
continuously for 3 days WITHOUT any fish, corals, or
plants in your aquarium tank. After this initial 3 days set
up, you can start to cycle your tank by adding some
hardy fish into your aquarium (i.e. yellow tang,
damsels). Consult your local fish store for possible
suggestions.
7. New setup - after 1 week of cycling your tank, place
cured live rocks
into aquarium. DO NOT switch on the
aquarium lights during this period of filter preparation.
•
Cured live rocks are live rocks that have been
cycling in your dealer’s tanks for a minimum period
of 6 weeks. Using uncured live rock is NOT
recommended as it will cause persistent nuisance
algae and phosphate problem.
8. If you plan to have substrate (live sand, crush corals,
aragonite) in your main tank – please place cured live
rock directly onto the aquarium bottom and distribute
substrate bed around live rock.
•
Substrate bed must be only
1” (2.54cm) OR LESS
in depth (refer to Q&A section on substrate, pg. 19
for details)
•
If you have an existing tank that has much more
substrate – you will need to get rid of excess
amount
.
Contact EcoSystem for instructions.
