| Preparing Your Cardiff Aquarium
The following steps should be performed prior to the addition of water, sand, etc. It is recommended you consult your dealer on the proper types and methods of adding water, substrate and life to your Cardiff.
Step 1. Preparing the location of the Cardiff
Just like any piece of furniture, placing the Cardiff in the home requires some forethought as to the requirements of the aquarium itself and your viewing needs. Ideal locations should have the following:
- A solid, level floor capable of supporting a stand and aquarium weighing up to 400 lbs.
- Located in an area that does not receive direct sunlight.
- Located in an area that is not in the direct path of people or pets moving through the home.
- Have direct access to at least two (2) GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected outlets.
- Have easy access to the front and sides of the Cardiff for cleaning and ventilation.
Step 2. Unpacking the Cardiff
Before unpacking the Cardiff, note any external damage to the box in case shipping damage has occurred and be sure to keep all packaging in the unlikely event the unit needs to be returned.
- Place the Cardiff shipping carton in an upright position and carefully cut away cardboard - being careful not to cut into the stand.
- Remove any protective packaging from the stand. Using a Phillips (+) screwdriver, remove the screws that hold the back panel of the Cardiff stand in place and set aside, along with the panel. Carefully remove the packaged Cardiff Aquarium from the stand through the back panel opening and remove any excess protective packaging. Thoroughly inspect the stand, aquarium and components for any visible damage or missing parts.
- Once the Cardiff has been inspected, set the aquarium aside and replace back panel into place on the stand with the screws removed in Step b.
- Remove the packaged Cardiff Aquarium from the outer carton and carefully cut any packaging straps securing the top and bottom protective covers to the Cardiff. Carefully remove the glass top with packaging (held in place by the front corner braces and top cover) and place in a safe area for installation after setup is complete. Remove the top and bottom cardboard covers, and place the Cardiff on the stand.
- Rinse aquarium with clean freshwater - do not use detergents or soaps. Before assembling aquarium and installing, we highly recommend water testing the aquarium for 12-24 hours. Place aquarium on Cardiff stand or on a perfectly flat location and fill with fresh water. Allow aquarium to hold water for 12-24 hours and inspect for leaks or shipping damage (cracks). If any leaks or cracks are found, please contact your retailer or dealer immediately for replacement.
- Remove protective packaging from the filtration section of the Cardiff. Carefully remove all components from the filtration section and inspect for damage. Be careful not to discard bag containing the suspension clips for the glass top.
- Identify all the components and made sure they have not been damaged. Rinse all components under clean fresh water to remove any dust or residue (do not use any detergents). Most components are pre-assembled with the packaged Cardiff, so it is critical that you identify the location of each component and its assembly before removing parts for cleaning. Allow all parts to dry before proceeding with assembly. The pre-filter sponge, Nano-Ball bags, and Filter Pad can all be rinsed under freshwater as well. For best performance, do not remove Nano-Balls from the nylon mesh bags they come in. Do not rinse the Activated Carbon until the Cardiff has been cycled and is ready for fish, corals, etc. to be added. When rinsing carbon, remove from plastic bag and rinse with fresh water.
Step 3. Assembling your Cardiff
Before proceeding with the setup of your Cardiff, make sure that the base or stand that you are placing the Cardiff on conforms to the requirements in Step 1.
- Place the cleaned Cardiff Aquarium onto the aquarium stand. Keep the glass top off and in a safe location throughout the installation. Use a level to ensure that the Cardiff is situated evenly.
- Place the pre-filter sponge into the pre-filter skimmer chamber.
- Attach the airline to the air intake connection on the protein skimmer pump.
- Attach the protein skimmer pump into base of protein skimmer body and place the skimmer assembly positioned correctly into the protein skimmer chamber of the Cardiff. It may be necessary to hold the protein skimmer pump in place by gently pulling the power cord upward when placing the protein skimmer into the filtration section. Route the airline and power cord from the pump through the opening at the right-side base of the protein skimmer body and up through the top of the filtration section.
- (Note: Protein Skimmer for saltwater use only) Insert the Collection Cup Adjustment screw partially into the receptacle at the top left hand side of the protein skimmer body. Place the Collection Cup Height Adjustment band onto the Collection Cup body. This will be used in conjunction with the height adjustment screw to hold the collection cup at a specific height for optimal skimming performance. Place the collection cup lid onto the collection cup and insert into the top of the protein skimmer body so that half of the cup is in the body and half is out. Slide the adjustment band down the body of the collection cup until it holds the collection cup at the desired height (which may change once the unit is operational). Tighten the adjustment screw until it secures the collection cup in place. Do not over-tighten the screw as this can damage the Cardiff and Collection Cup. Final positioning of the collection cup will occur later when water is flowing through the unit. When filling the Cardiff with water, the protein skimmer will initially float-remove the collection cup and add water directly into the top of the protein skimmer to weight it down. Once the pump for the protein skimmer is operational, the skimmer will fill to its normal level.
- Place bottom drip plate onto the support shelves at the base of the biological/chemical chamber. Place the enclosed pre-rinsed bags of Nano-Balls into the biological/chemical chamber evenly distributed over the bottom drip plate. Do not remove Nano-Balls from the nylon mesh bags. The Activated Carbon media bag(s) will be placed on top of the Nano-Balls after the aquarium has completed the nitrogen cycle. When water is added to the Cardiff, the Nano-Ball and activated carbon bags may float initially. This will not affect their functionality in the filtration system. Place the top drip plate onto the support shelves at the top of the biological/chemical chamber and place the filter pad over the drip plate.
- Attach one end of the return pump hose connector to the outlet of the return pump and the other end to the return elbow. Insert the return elbow with hose and return pump attached into the receptacle in the return area of the Cardiff filtration section. It may be necessary to twist the return pump to position it at the bottom of the return area so that it rests flat on the bottom.
- Attach the flexible return nozzle to the return outlet on the inside portion of the Cardiff by pushing the connection cone firmly over the return outlet. The fit will be fairly tight but will allow the cone portion to twist on the outlet for adjustability. Once the unit is up and running, it may be necessary to adjust the nozzle for desired flow patterns, wave action and/or surface agitation.
- Place the Top Off Plate onto the support shelves positioned over the top of the return pump area. Route the power cord to the return pump through the cutout in the Top Off Plate. The Top Off bottles will be added later when the unit is filled with water.
- When installing the glass top, place each of the 5 suspension clips on the rim of the aquarium so that the resting edge of the clip is facing the inside of the Cardiff. Position the clips so they support the glass top evenly over the top of the Cardiff. Place the glass top on top of the Cardiff so that the cutout is facing the filtration section of the Cardiff. The power cords for the pumps and airline tubing from the protein skimmer can be routed out the back of the Cardiff through the partial cutout in the glass top.
Step 4. Preparing the Cardiff for use
Before placing the Cardiff into operation, it is recommended that you fill the unit with fresh water to test the following:
- Check the stand to make sure it is stable and still level.
- Check the outside of the Cardiff for leaks.
- Plug in both the protein skimmer pump and the return pump to make sure they are operational. *Note: The protein skimmer will not produce micro-bubbles in fresh water.
- Check to make sure water is flowing smoothly through the pre-filter sponge where water enters the filtration section and through the filter pad over the biological/mechanical chamber.
- If you plan to use a heater with the Cardiff, the heater can be placed either in the main portion of the aquarium, or in the filtration section between the protein skimmer and biological/chemical chambers. If placing the heater in the filtration section, it is extremely important that the heater be placed only in the designated section as this area will maintain a constant water level at all times. The Cardiff will accommodate a heater up to 11.5" long (100-200w UL listed heater recommended). Ensure that the entire heating element is submerged under water in the filtration section.
Operation
Filling the Cardiff aquarium
When filling the Cardiff with either salt water or fresh water, begin by filling the main viewing portion of the aquarium first. As the water level nears the top of the Cardiff, the water will begin to cascade into the filtration section through the pre-filter screen and sponge. Once the water level fills the filtration section up to just below the top drip plate, stop filling and plug in the protein skimmer and return pumps. The water level within the main viewing portion of the Cardiff will stabilize approximately 1" below the top edge of the Cardiff. The water level in the filtration section (also referred to as the "sump" section) may begin to drop. Under normal operation, the water level in the filtration section will decrease with time due to evaporation and from wastewater removed from the protein skimmer, while the water level in the viewing section will remain constant. Using the Top Off system, however, will help maintain a stable water level in the filtration section. Continue filling the Cardiff until the water level in the filtration section again reaches the level of the top off plate and top dip plate.
Using the Protein Skimmer
Saltwater use: The Cardiff's protein skimmer gives you the ultimate control in the foam quality/quantity that is collected. By using the collection cup adjustment screw you can position the collection cup in the ideal position for optimal foam collection. Start by positioning the collection cup in the skimmer so that the bottom edge of the funnel is approximately 1/4" below the water (not foam) level inside the skimmer. Initially the protein skimmer may collect large amounts of clear liquid or light colored foam, especially after live rock or sand has been added. It is possible that the skimmer will not produce any foam at all. Typically there is up to a 2-week period for the skimmer to "break in" and begin to collect a consistent foam quality. During the first few months, the foam collected will change in quality and quantity as the Cardiff matures and as specimens are added. Therefore, periodic adjustment of the collection cup maybe necessary during this time. The collection cup should be emptied when no more than 1/2 full or at least once per week. Rinse the cup under warm water, being sure to remove any buildup inside the throat or tube inside the cup, as this will inhibit skimming performance
Freshwater use: Although the protein skimmer is designed for use with saltwater aquariums, it does add value to any freshwater aquarium. The protein skimmer will not be able to collect foam since the low specific gravity of fresh water does not allow the unit to produce the same micro-bubbles as in salt water, but the skimmer will add additional aeration to the aquarium and can be attached to a CO2 system for use with freshwater plant aquariums
Using the Top Off System
The Cardiff comes with two Top Off containers. With either a freshwater or saltwater system, the water loss from evaporation will always be fresh water, so the Top Off containers should be filled with purified fresh water (Reverse Osmosis water is recommended). The filled containers with cap in place will be inserted top down into the hole in the Top Off Plate. Check the container daily to ensure water is still present. When all the water has left the container, replace it with the backup container and refill the used bottle so that it is ready for use. The evaporation rate with the Cardiff will vary with the ambient temperature of the home, the humidity level, and with the type of lighting or extra accessories being used in the Cardiff, such as pumps. Having the glass top in place will also cut down on the evaporation rate. After a couple of weeks you will know how much time it takes for the Cardiff to use a full container of water. It is still important to check the salinity levels on a regular basis due to saltwater loss from the protein skimmer.
Maintenance
The following guide should be reviewed and followed to ensure optimal performance of the Cardiff and its components as well as the health of the inhabitants.
| Task |
Description |
Daily |
Weekly |
Monthly |
| Inspect Pumps |
Check both the protein skimmer and return pumps to make sure they are operational |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Clean outside of Cardiff and glass top |
Use a soft moist cloth (use freshwater) to remove dirt and salt creep from the outside and glass top of the Cardiff - Do not use any detergent |
Optional |
Yes |
Yes |
| Check protein skimmer collection cup |
Empty collection cup and rinse under warm water to remove waste and buildup. Make sure the throat portion of the collection cup is clean. Do not use any detergent. Make sure that the collection cup is in optimal position for best skimming performance |
Optional |
Yes |
Yes |
| Check water top off containers |
Check Top Off containers to make sure water is still present. Replace with prefilled backups if empty. Refill container to prepare for next use |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Inspect your Cardiff's inhabitants |
Check all the Cardiff's inhabitants for any signs of stress as this can indicate a problem with the system |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Pre-filter grooves, filter pads and sponges |
Remove and rinse the pre-filter sponge and filter pad to remove detritus and debris. Use a small brush to remove algae and debris from the pre-filter grooves preceding the sponge. The sponge and pad should be replaced when water cannot flow through them freely even after cleaning |
Optional |
Yes |
Yes |
| Water change |
Perform a water change - typically about 10-20% of the water volume |
No |
Optional |
Yes |
| Algae removal |
Using an algae magnet, algae scraper, or algae pad, remove algae from the viewing glass on the inside of the Cardiff. Take care not to get sand or small rocks between the pad/magnet and the glass as it can scratch the Cardiff. |
Optional |
Yes |
Yes |
| Pump Maintenance |
Unplug each pump and remove the filtration section of the Cardiff. Remove the base plate to access the impeller chamber. Remove and rinse the impeller and all parts making sure to remove any debris. Reconnect the pump parts and place back into the protein skimmer and return pump area as directed. |
No |
Optional |
Yes |
| Replace chemical media |
If using chemical media such as activated carbon, it is recommended that it be replaced as it can re-release chemicals it has absorbed back into the aquarium. |
No |
Optional |
Yes |
| Filter section maintenance |
After a few months, detritus, sand and other debris will slowly build up at the bottom of the filtration section. It can also build up on the biological media, affecting the nitrification rate. Perform the following:
- During water change remove the Nano-Balls, chemical media and drip plates and place in the water removed from the aquarium
- Remove the protein skimmer from the filtration section and rinse the body and collections cup. If using a heater, unplug and remove it (allow 15 minutes after unplugging it to cool down) and wipe off any buildup on the heater
- Remove and clean the return pump.
- Before reinstalling all components, use a siphon tube to removes any loose debris collected at the bottom of the filtration section
- Reinstall all components
|
No |
No |
Yes - Every 3 to 6 months |
The Cardiff Aquarium Components
- The Aquarium - The Cardiff uses clear thick beveled glass panels fused at the edges to create an aquarium that perfectly accentuates the inhabitants inside while providing unparalleled strength. A glass cover, complete with cutouts for easy removal and power cord clearance, aids in reducing evaporation. It is highly recommended that the glass top be used on the Cardiff at all times.
- Filtration - Blending into the rear portion of the aquarium, the Cardiff uses an integrated filtration system, housing all the critical filtration components vital to the aquarium's health and appearance. Water is pulled from the main portion of the aquarium through the Surface Skimmer, drawing water from the top of the water column where the majority of waste accumulates in an aquarium. Water passes through a mechanical pre-filter sponge to remove heavy wastes and algae, reducing heavy waste buildup in the biological filtration section, improving water quality. Following the pre-filter, water enters the Cardiff's Protein Skimmer (for use with saltwater systems) where it is blended with air and injected laterally into a fusion cylinder where the micro-air bubbles and waste-laden water are subjected to unprecedented dwell time to produce waste foam. This foam is pushed into the collection cup, completely separating it from the aquarium water where it can be discarded easily. Water exits the protein skimmer, cascading over the Drip Tray and Filter Pad and filtering out any remaining waste. Water is then distributed in an even pattern through the Drip Plate into the Biological/Chemical Chamber, containing Nano-Ball biological media and activated carbon. The highly oxygenated water coming directly from the protein skimmer is extremely beneficial to the aerobic bacteria inhabiting the biological media, enhancing the ability of the bacteria to break down harmful ammonia and nitrite quickly. The included activated carbon chemical media help remove impurities and discoloration in the water. The easy to use carbon packs should be replaced monthly for best results.
- Cardiff Top-Off System - The Cardiff is the first aquarium system incorporating a ready-to-use top-off system, automatically maintaining a consistent water and salinity level inside the Cardiff. Included with the Cardiff are two Top-Off containers that can be pre-filled and dropped into the Top-Off section quickly and easily without spilling water or disturbing the inhabitants with a gush of water from a bucket. This Top-Off system also removes the need for guesswork when going on vacation and salinity level fluctuations from overfilling your system with water. The Top-Off system will only add water when the level drops, eliminating the need for minimum/maximum fill lines, as well as providing adequate water movement in the aquarium. Water is distributed into the aquarium through a flexible "Y" nozzle that can be shortened, elongated and positioned in a variety of ways to separate wastes from rocks and corals, suspend organics to be filtered, eliminate "dead zones" and to add further oxygenation by promoting surface agitation of the water surface.
- Cardiff Circulation System - One of the most important aspects of any aquarium is circulation, both for regulating flow through the filtration section and to provide proper water movement in the aquarium. The Cardiff uses a flow-adjustable heavy-duty 395gph submersible pump for circulating water from the filtration section into the Cardiff. The flow rate is key to both maximizing the turnover rate of the Cardiff (the entire aquarium is filtered 11 times per hour) as well as providing adequate water movement in the aquarium. Water is distributed into the aquarium through a flexible "Y" nozzle that can be shortened, elongated and positioned in a variety of ways to separate wastes from rocks and corals, suspend organics to be filtered, eliminate "dead zones" and to add further oxygenation by promoting surface agitation of the water surface.
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 "Current Cardiff Aquarium System")
