Ensure that the tank is placed on a stable, level surface. Although small this tank will be eye-catching, so place it in pride of place in the kitchen, bedroom or living room. Keep it away from sources of noise, or where there could be temperature fluctuation changes such as near a window, door or radiator.

Add the pump to the rear chamber, if not already installed, with the duckbill nozzle fitting into a pre-drilled hole. The return pipe from the pump will then slot into the back of it. Direction of flow and rate can be adjusted later if needed. Flow is controlled via a slide setting on the side of the pump.

Place the skimmer into the dedicated chamber and ensure that it points the right way.
Connect the air pump to it, taking care to use the non-return valve in the length of airline.

Add the heater to the handy rear chamber alongside the pump. This ensures that it is out of the way visually, yet in an area of optimal flow for even heat distribution. Don’t turn the heater on until the tank contains water, as it may break. Use the thermometer provided to bring the tank to 25°C/77°F.

Place the PowerPads, available separately, into the chamber at the rear, or simply leave in the black mechanical filters already in place. There’s no set sequence for the foams, so feel free to make a rainbow if you wish! Mechanical filters will need regular cleaning and replaceable pads will need periodic changing. 

Rinse the substrate and add it to the tank. Be careful not to scrape any of the sand around the edges as this will scratch the tank. Shape the sand layer as required - 2cm/0.8” all over will be ample. Any deeper and it may become a cleaning nightmare. 

Make a saltwater mix and measure it with the hydrometer included. You want a reading of around 1.024 for corals. Leave the water for 24 hours for the salt to dissolve. Once mixed, add the water to the tank to the halfway point, taking care not to unduly disturb the sand.

Add live rock and take time to achieve the layout you like, leaving platforms to place corals on.
Then ensure your design is stable and cannot topple over. Be careful not to scratch the tank at this stage, and use gloves in case the live rock harbours anything that might bite or sting.

Fill the tank with the remainder of the water and turn everything on. Once the water is at temperature and everything is settled add the inverts to the tank. Hardy soft corals would be a sensible choice here, but we have set ours up with some more difficult species.

Add the light mounted on the bracket provided. Ensure it is secured before turning on and then re-evaluate the position of corals to make sure each species is getting enough light. Make sure that low-light species aren’t directly beneath the glare at the surface.

Once happy that everything has enough light, add the condensation lid. This will help to prevent evaporation, as well as stop creatures from getting out and foreign objects falling in. Remember to keep the lid clean to ensure enough light for the corals at all times.

Monitor and be ready to clean the cup of the protein skimmer every few days. In the event of evaporation, top up the tank with fresh water and not salt-mix. Test the water frequently, especially for ammonia and nitrite, and do a water change if adverse readings occur.