Quick Start Guide 1 Gallon Betta Aquarium
Step 1. Insert Grommet.
Step 2. Fill NoClean Aquarium with about 3” of water.
Step 3. Assemble Reservoir. Part D & C.
Step 4. Assemble Reservoir with Grill (E).
Step 5. Insert reservoir. Fully submerge and LEVEL Reservoir.
Step 6. Add River Stones. (1 lbs, 5 oz) *If provided use all River Stones in kit.
Step 7. Assemble (male / female) Elbow & Tube.
Step 8. Insert tube into Reservoir and Elbow (H) through Grommet.
Step 9. IMPORTANT!!! Assemble as shown or the tank will NOT work properly!!! Rounded side of Spout Tip must be on the down / under side of Spout (I).
Step 10. Connect Spout (I) to Elbow (male / female part H).
Step 11. PREVENT OVERFLOW! Add Plant & Decor BEFORE filling the aquarium!
Step 12. Fill with conditioned water until it’s level to the bottom of the white Grommet.
Step 13. Important - Practice makes perfect. Before adding the fish to your new aquarium practice a few times with your water pouring. You want to begin the pour slowly enough to not stir up the debris. Then, once the flow begins, speed up your pour till the water exits the spout at full throttle speeds. Yes, very satisfying!
Extra Credit Steps:
1. Polish your fingerprints off the aquarium walls with a non abrasive fabric such as a microfiber sun glasses towel.
2. Wipe off water marks on top, inner walls after your water change.
3. After your water change water level will be below the Grommet. Instead, top off your water levels so they are even to the bottom of the white Grommet.
4. Give your Betta fish your smiles and undivided attention at least once a day. Typically, they are very aware and responsive.
IMPORTANT, KEEP REEDING:
Use River Stones – Do NOT use Gravel!
- The type of substrate used has a major impact on the performance of the aquarium. For best results, only use River Rocks / Stones supplied by NoClean Aquariums.
- (**Important**) WASH the stones with HOT water to remove silt. Do NOT use soap. NoClean Aquariums does NOT pre-wash stones.
- Use all stones provided in this kit. Arrange evenly.
- If selecting your own river stones, ensure they are similar in size to the stones provided in this kit. Use approximately 1 lb 5 oz of stones.
Water Conditioning & Acclimation
- Always use water conditioner when adding tap water to the aquarium to remove chlorine & detoxify heavy metals. Too much conditioner may cloud water. We recommend API Water Conditioner.
- Water may cloud (rarely happens) after initial set up but should clear up within a few days while aquarium “cycles.”
- Acclimate your fish to its new home and avoid subjecting it to large fluctuations in water temperature.
Aquarium Setup Tips
- Arrange rocks and plants before filling it to the top with water.
- If decorating your aquarium with real plants, make sure they will grow in low light conditions such as Anubias; otherwise, they won’t last long and will dirty up your aquarium when they die.
- Rinse aquarium, stones, plants and decorations under tap water to remove dust & contaminants.
- DO NOT use abrasive sponges or brushes to clean aquarium walls or scratching may occur. Gently rub with a soft brush or sponge periodically to prevent any buildup of algae or scum.
Fish & Feeding Tips
- Uneaten food rots – clouding water and promoting algae. Don’t overfeed or use vacation feeders.
- Betta Fish: Feed your Betta fish two to four pellets, once or twice a day. Avoid flake food since it may cloud your water. Betta’s are top feeders. The pellets float & should be eaten before sinking below. If possible, get your Betta’s attention before feeding to reduce uneaten food. Betta fish like water temperatures between 74—82O F. A small heater may be obtained.
Cleaning & Use
An important key to fish health is water quality. NoClean Aquariums makes this task quick, easy and painless—for both you and your fish!
To activate the self-cleaning system, simply pour clean water up to the top of the aquarium. This flushes out waste trapped in the reservoir while performing a partial water change. For best results, start pouring slowly until water begins flushing out. This helps prevent stirring up the debris.Then, pour more rapidly until the water in the aquarium reaches the very top. Keep your eyes at the top of the aquarium (not the tube) so you know when to stop pouring!
We recommend pouring fresh, conditioned water into the aquarium 1-2 times a week. The temperature of water added should be similar to the water temperature of tank to prevent shock. For best practice, prepare you fresh, tap water 24 hours in advance in an open container to allow any chlorine to evaporate out.
Choose how much water to remove / replace during a cleaning. For a more thorough water change, pour in a pitcher or more. Make sure receiving container is large enough. Place the aquarium in the sink to perform large water changes.
TOP IT OFF: After the self-cleaning system automatically shuts itself off, add additional water so it’s just below the bottom of the silicone grommet.
The plant & fish debris will eventually pass through the stones naturally. If debris happens to get caught it usually works itself out after a few cleanings. To flush it out manually, simply agitate the stones / debris with the handle of a net (or poker) during the self-cleaning cycle to assist the debris in getting sucked down and away and not stirred up.
Algae: While the design and function of your aquarium helps prevent algae, proper aquarium placement is essential. Don’t place your aquarium near sunlight because this will guarantee algae growth! If you do get a little algae or residue on the wall, simply wipe it off with the provided brush or soft sponge. Once it completely settles to the bottom, run the cleaning system to flush it out. For basic reassurance, gently rub down the walls every two weeks before build-up occurs using an acrylic safe pad, soft sponge or with the provided brush.
Naturally Remove Algae with a (1) Nerite Snail: Before adding a Nerite snail, allow a small amount of algae to grow on the walls. This is food for your snail. They are algae eating machines and should keep your walls clean and they won't disturb your Betta fish.
Floater Plants: We recommend floater plants such as Water Spangles (sold separately) especially if using the "Dazzle LED (sold separately). They will provide shade for your Betta, help filter the water and reduce algae growth on the side walls.
Once your tank is established and you have learned its balance the maintenance will never be easier.