On receiving the orca you will need to wash everything out with warm water. The instructions are next to useless so I will run you through the basics. Do not plug anything in yet.
Bio balls go in the middle chamber where the heater resides.
The ceramic rings will need washing before going into the chamber on the left which houses the return hole and spray bar.
The spray bar can be turned 360 degrees and also removed completely. Note that the spray bar is useless unless fitted with a return pump, which I will go into later.
The tube with the valve on the end, need placing through the cable bridge. This is the skimmer valve which should be left fully open during the cycling stage. This allows a built up of scum, which helps break-in the skimmer and slowing down bubble production.
The UV power supply can be fixed to lid using the sucker feet, or left sitting away from the tank.
Plug arrangements need to have a drip loop, for mine I mounted a six plug extension lead fitted to the wall about three foot high and one foot away from rear of tank.
You will need to buy a plug timer for your lights if you wish to keep coral, I have set mine to come on at 1pm and off at 11pm. Total of 10 hours, your time may vary depending on when you are at home to enjoy the tank. Note it must be a constant period of time, i.e. not broken into two five hour periods.
Sand/ Crushed coral (Substrate).
I have used ‘Tropic Marine fine gravel’ about 5kg was used in the bottom of the tank about inch and a half deep.
