Picotope 3 Gallon Aquarium Kit

Sleek, curved glass desktop aquarium makes a stunning starter tank! Or, for advanced aquarists, use it to create a radiant mini reef. Compact fluorescent Clamp on Lamp adjusts for perfect illumination for live rock, mushroom corals, zooanthids, invertebrates, and freshwater fish. Plus, this energy-saving lamp features telescoping arms, space-saving design, adjustable light hood, and a remote ballast for a cooler running environment. Amazing, 150 L/H compact powerfilter maintains crystal-clear water, while providing mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.

Includes: 3 gallon glass aquarium, 11-3/4" x 8-7/8" x 8" tank; compact fluorescent Clamp-on Lamp fixture with 9W 50/50 lamp and remote ballast; 40 gph Pico powerfilter.

Please click on "More Information" for specifications.

• If the aquarium appliance falls into water, DON'T reach for it! First, unplug it and then retrieve it. If the electrical components of the appliance get wet, unplug the appliance immediately.
• Carefully examine the appliance after installation. It should not be plugged in if there is water on parts not intended to be wet.
• Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, or if it is malfunctioning, or if it is dropped or damaged in any manner.
• To avoid the possibility of the appliance plug or receptacle getting wet, position the aquarium stand and tank to one side of a wall mounted receptacle to prevent water from dripping onto the receptacle or plug. A "drip loop," should be arranged by the user for each cord connecting an aquarium appliance to a receptacle. The "drip loop" is that part of the cord below the level of the receptacle or the connector if an extension cord is used, to prevent water travel along the cord and coming in contact with the receptacle. If the plug or receptacle does get wet, DON'T unplug the cord. Disconnect the fuse to the circuit breaker that supplies power to the appliance. Then, unplug and examine for the presence of water in receptacle.
• Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
• To avoid injury, do not touch moving parts or hot parts such as heaters, reflectors, lamp bulbs, etc.
• Always unplug an appliance from the outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
• Do not use an appliance for other than intended use. The use of attachments not recommended or sold by the appliance manufacturer may cause an unsafe condition.
• Do not install or store the appliance where it will be exposed to the weather or to temperatures below freezing.
• Make sure an appliance mounted on a tank is securely installed before operating it.
• Read and observe all the important notices on the appliance.
• This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). As a safety feature, this plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. Never use with an extension cord unless plug can be fully inserted into outlet.
• This appliance is intended FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY. Do not use or mount this appliance in such a way that the top vents are restricted or blocked. These vents are necessary to avoid overheating and ensure safe operating temperature.
• Make sure the appliance is set on a level surface to prevent undue stress on the tank.

Cleaning
It is important to keep this appliance clean. Always unplug the appliance before performing maintenance or cleaning the exterior of hood. Wipe exposed surfaces carefully with a damp terry cloth to remove any dust or mineral deposits, which may collect over time. Make sure all surfaces are dry before re-plugging into an electrical outlet. To prevent scratching the aquarium, use a damp terrycloth when cleaning. Never use algae scrapers, scouring pads, razor blades, glass cleaner, or other such abrasives.

Servicing
In order to ensure proper electrical connections and polarity, a qualified electrician should replace parts and perform servicing.

Operation
Please carefully read the entire owner's manual for proper operation procedures before proceeding with turning on this appliance and adding livestock such as fish, coral, and invertebrates.

Handling Precautions

• Never attempt to move a full or partially full Picotope.
• Never lift by grabbing the walls.
• Never use cleaners that contain ammonia.
• Always lift and carry from underneath, giving support to the bottom at all times.

Choosing a Location
Find a leveled surface that can support the weight of the tank, water, and livestock. An average aquarium can weigh 10 lbs per gallon once filled with water, rock, gravel, and other accessories. To prevent excessive algae growth and higher water temperatures, do not place in direct sunlight.

Filling the Tank

• Always de-chlorinate tap water before adding to aquarium.
• Always fill with room temperature water.
• Rinse Activated Carbon, which is located in the rear filter compartment, for 30 seconds or until water runs clear.
• Fill the main body until water reaches the bottom of the clamp for the light fixture. Once it's filled, plug powerfilter into an approved electrical outlet with a fuse or circuit breaker.
• Once filter is on, water will enter intake strainer through the filtration media and return back into the tank.

Adding a Heater (not included)
If you wish to keep tropical (warm water) fish, you will need a submersible heater. Most tropical fish will need a temperature between 74-78°F for optimal living conditions. A heater can be placed in the main body behind accessories such as decorations, plants, etc. The manufacturer recommends a small 100% submersible 25-50W heater if necessary.

Turning On Your Lighting System
Plugging in the remote ballast:

• Plug power-cord from the remote ballast into an outlet strip that's properly approved and equipped with a fuse or circuit breaker.
• Press the switch located on the clamp portion of the light fixture to "ON" position to turn on compact fluorescent lamp.

*It is recommended you keep a photoperiod of 8-10 hours per day to replicate a natural cycle that your livestock has grown accustomed to.

Water Changes
Water changes should be done on a monthly to bi-monthly basis, depending on the bio-load kept. 25% water changes with gravel vacuuming is essential to keep dissolved organic compounds to a minimum.

Replacing Black Filter Sponge
Should be changed monthly to remove trapped debris and free-floating particulate matter.

Replacing Activated Carbon
Activated Carbon adsorbs dissolved pollutants and removes the yellow discoloration of water and associated odors. Replace Activated Carbon bag monthly.

Replacing White Biological Filter Sponge
Should not be removed as it houses the beneficial nitrifying bacteria for removal of ammonia and nitrate. This sponge does not need to be changed.

Changing the Lamp
Always disconnect the power supply when performing lamp changes. The manufacturer recommends replacing lamps every 9-12 months, due to a decline in intensity, which is vital for corals and invertebrates. Spectral shifts may also occur that may lead to undesirable algae growth.

1. Unclamp light fixture from tank rim.
2. Lay light fixture down on a leveled surface and unscrew light cover.
3. Unclip lamp from bulb clips.
4. Unplug the (2) female wires from the male pins at the base of the lamp.
5. Re-insert new replacement lamp and reconnect wires, place into bulb clips, and screw on light cover.