How to Use BioSpira

Marine, or saltwater aquariums mimic the ocean environment and can be a challenge to establish for the tropical fish hobbyist. New saltwater tanks require a cycling period during which the empty tank rests for up to 14 days to build bacteria and regulate chemicals in the water. Adding Instant Ocean Bio-Spira to a new tank eliminates the cycling period and allows you to add fish immediately without risking their health.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Rag
  • Aquarium sand
  • Decorations
  • Filtration system
  • Tap water
  • Aquarium salt
  • Instant Ocean Bio-Spira
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the aquarium to remove any chemicals or debris. Fill the tank with hot water, scrubbing the inside with a clean rag. Pour the water out and rinse with clean water until no traces of debris remain. Do not use soap to wash the tank, as soap residue can kill fish.

    • 2

      Fill the bottom of the tank with 2 inches of sand and add your decorations. Plants, rocks and artificial reefs make your tank more visually appealing and give the fish somewhere to hide.

    • 3

      Hang your filtration system on the side of the tank. Filters work by drawing water from the tank over a charcoal filter, which removes harmful chemicals and incorporates oxygen into the water.

    • 4

      Fill the tank with lukewarm tap water and add aquarium salt and a bottle of Bio-Spira to the water. Add 1/2 cup salt for every gallon of water to produce the proper salinity. A 100 mL bottle of Bio-Spira will treat up to 30 gallons of water, so add an additional bottle if you have a tank larger than that.

    • 5

      Plug the filter in and allow the water to begin cycling over the filter. The filter will help evenly distribute the salt and Bio-Spira throughout the tank. Leave the tank running for 24 hours for proper distribution before adding any fish.