Starting a marine tank may seem daunting, but with the right guidance and a little patience, you’ll soon create a thriving, miniature ocean teeming with life. Whether you dream of colorful corals swaying with the current, playful clownfish exploring their new home, or the delicate balance of an underwater ecosystem, this journey begins with the First Wave.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from setting up and cycling your tank to selecting the right species and maintaining optimal water conditions. You'll also find expert product recommendations, stocking ideas, and troubleshooting tips to help you navigate common beginner challenges.
Ready to take the plunge? Dive into the world of reef keeping and start building your own stunning aquatic masterpiece today!
Key Features:
- Ideal First Step into Reef Aquariums: Perfect for beginners looking to create a stunning aquatic setup.
- Sleek Design with Compact Footprint: The compact size ensures it fits effortlessly into your living space without compromising on features.
- Built-in Multi-Stage Filtration System: Includes a fine pore filter pad, coarse pore filter sponge, ceramic bio-rings, and a multi-directional outlet to maintain optimal water quality with minimal effort.
- Low-Voltage DC Protein Skimmer: Effectively removes organic waste and micro bubbles, while ensuring a quiet operation for a serene aquarium experience.
- Low-Voltage LED Lighting: The integrated Reef-Ready LED system offers a natural light cycle (sunrise, daylight, sunset, moonlight blue), perfect for marine life. With 34 LEDs housed within a sleek, recessed unit, it provides brilliant, energy-efficient illumination.
- Easy Set-up & Maintenance: The First Wave Aquarium Set is designed for simple assembly and easy upkeep, making it the perfect choice for beginners.
Recommended species
-
Tigrigobius multifasciatus -
Discordipinna griessingeri -
Acanthemblemaria macrospilus -
Pseudochromis fridmani -
Assessor macneilli -
Pictichromis porphyrea -
Elacatinus oceanops -
Priolepis nocturna -
Trimma rubromaculatum -
Pseudocheilinops ataenia -
Assessor flavissimus -
Stonogobiops yasha -
Pictichromis paccagnellae
Feeding your marine fish & corals
A varied diet is essential to keep fish and corals healthy and happy. Here’s what to know about different food types:
- Dry Food (Flake, Pellets, Granules): Great as a staple food, enriched with nutrients. Feed daily.
- Frozen Food: Includes options like brine shrimp, krill, and mussels. Popular with marine fish as they resemble natural diets. Thaw before feeding.
- Live Food: Perfect for picky eaters or predators needing live prey. Includes river shrimp, artemia, and copepods. Live food is ideal for corals too.
- Seaweed: Designed for herbivores. Comes in dried sheets that can be clipped to the tank.
- Paste Food: A mouldable paste that can be stuck to rocks or glass. Encourages natural grazing behaviour.
- Coral Food: Feed corals daily with phytoplankton (plant-based) and zooplankton (animal-based) for healthy growth. Store wet foods in the fridge once opened.
By tailoring the diet to your tank's inhabitants and feeding regularly, you'll create a thriving and balanced environment for both fish and corals.
Handpicked TMC Favourites for Your Aquarium
Discover our carefully selected range of TMC favourites, chosen for their quality, reliability, and ability to enhance The First Wave Aquarium. From premium equipment to vibrant livestock essentials, these top picks ensure your aquarium thrives with ease.
- Top-Quality Selection – Trusted by hobbyists and professionals alike.
- Perfect for All Levels – Whether you're a beginner or an expert, find the best products for your setup.
- Innovation & Expertise – Backed by years of marine expertise.
Explore our handpicked favourites and elevate your aquarium today!
FAViA app
Struggling to make sense of your water chemistry results?
Use the chemistry checker with the FAViA app!
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
- 48l Aquarium tank with built-in filtration system
- Aquarium lid with feeding port
- Filtration system lid
- Low voltage DC Reef ready LED
- Low voltage DC Return Pump with inlet sponge
- Low Voltage DC protein skimmer
- Low voltage PSU
- Fine pore filter pad
- Ceramic bio-ring pack
- 2 x Coarse pore filter sponges
- Multi-directional outlet
- Pipework and fittings
- Heater bracket
(*Heater sold separately)