How to Set Up Marine Aquarium Ecosystem Mud

There's nothing more relaxing than watching colorful fish dart around in a marine aquarium, but many aquarium enthusiasts have shied away from saltwater tanks due to the complexity of maintaining good water chemistry. The ECO Systems Miracle Mud filter system allows novice saltwater aquarium hobbyists to have success with a relatively simple filter system. Miracle Mud is harvested from the ocean and given a proprietary treatment that allows it to be used in home aquariums. It acts both as a filter medium and adds trace minerals to the water.

Things You'll Need

  • ECO Systems aquarium filter
  • Macro algae
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Instructions

    • 1

      Add 1 to 1.5 inches of the Miracle Mud compound to the second chamber in your ECO Systems aquarium filter. Make sure the surface of the mud is level, and it is packed down securely.

    • 2

      Cover the Miracle Mud with a plate or plastic bag to prevent water pressure from disturbing the mud when you pour in the water.

    • 3

      Pour water on top of the plate or bag slowly, to avoid stirring up the mud. Remove the bag or plate once the water reaches a depth of 10 to 12 inches.

    • 4

      Remove any floating particles using a net or paper towel. If the water is cloudy, wait for it to settle before turning on the pump.

    • 5

      Turn on the pump to the flow rate recommended for your size of tank. See the setup instructions link in the Resources section for recommended flow rates by tank size and model number.

    • 6

      Allow the tank to cycle for six to eight weeks before adding fish to your aquarium. You can add macro algae to the Miracle Mud chamber during the second week of cycling. ECO Systems recommends Chaetomorpha caulerpa.