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Setting up a marine aquarium can be challenging – a long maturation period, unstable parameters, and so-called ugly phase. But what if you could skip these difficulties and enjoy a beautiful, stable reef faster than ever? That’s exactly what the Aquaforest Kickstart Method offers! Let’s take a step-by-step look at how it works.

Aquaforest Kickstart Method – What Will You Need? #

To begin your journey with the Aquaforest Kick Start Method, make sure you have the following products:

• AF Rock – for building a stable, beautiful, and bioactive aquascape.
• Stone Fix – for bonding rocks together.
• Sea Salt / Reef Salt / Reef Salt+ or Hybrid Pro Salt – for preparing high-quality marine water (approximately 4 kg per 100 L). Always measure salinity using a high-quality refractometer designed for marine water.
• AF Bio Sand – for a natural, beautiful look and faster development of nitrifying bacteria.
• Life Bio Fil – high-efficiency filtration media already settled withlive bacteria, working from day one (250 ml per 100 L, but the more, the better).
• Bio S – nitrifying bacteria to accelerate the nitrogen cycle (1 drop per 100 L daily for 14 days. After the first 14 days, use it during every water change or when replacing filtration media).
• AF Life Source – a natural source of biodiversity (10 ml per 100 L weekly).
• Aquaforest NO3 & PO4 Premium Test Kits – for monitoring water parameters.

How to Apply the Aquaforest Kickstart Method – Step by Step #

1. Start by building your aquascape #

Use Stone Fix to securely bond AF Rock and create the desired structure, taking into account the dimensions of your aquarium. 

Make sure the construction is stable, provides good water circulation, and offers enough space for corals as well as hiding spots for fish. Allow the structure to dry completely before placing it in the aquarium. Once it is fully dry, position it in the tank before adding water.

2. Prepare the Marine Water #

Dissolve the appropriate amount of Aquaforest salt in RO/DI water heated to 25°C. Stir until fully dissolved and the water becomes clear. Slowly pour the prepared water into the aquarium.

If you want to learn more about our salts check out our video.

3. Add the Sand #

Prepare the sand according to the instructions by mixing the contents of the two bottles included in the package with 3 liters of marine water. Leave the mixture in the bag with the sand for 24 hours at a temperature of 25-28°C. 

After this period, the sand is ready for use. Add it slowly to the aquarium, preferably in 2-3 portions at intervals of a few hours. You can start preparing the sand before making the water so that both are ready at the same time.

4. Install the Filtration Media #

Place Life Bio Fil in a high-flow area of the sump to ensure optimal water circulation. 

For the best results, it is recommended to use an Aquaforest media reactor, which provides excellent flow and enhances efficiency.

5. Introduce Bacteria #

Add 1 drop of Bio S per 100L of water daily for 14 days to support biological filtration. Supplement this with 10 ml of Life Source per 100L weekly to further stabilize the tank and promote biodiversity.

6. Monitor Water Parameters #

Use NO3 & PO4 test kits to track the progress of the nitrogen cycle. The presence of NO3 indicates that the cycle is functioning properly. Ensure that NH4 (ammonia) and NO2 (nitrite) are completely eliminated before introducing live organisms into the tank.

7. Control the Temperature #

To speed up the maturation process, maintain a temperature of 29-30°C for the first 2-3 weeks. Before introducing live organisms, lower the temperature to 25°C.

Also check out the Aquaforest Kickstart Method guide in the video version:

Why Use the Aquaforest Kickstart Method? #

Mixing different brands, adding live rock, or using water from other aquariums can introduce unwanted changes and disrupt the cycle. The Aquaforest Kickstart Method is a safe, effective, and tested approach for a fast and stable aquarium startup.

Effects of Using the Aquaforest Kickstart Method #

• Faster development of a stable ecosystem in the reef aquarium.
• Significantly reduced maturation time.
• No issues with unstable water parameters.
• A healthy environment for corals and fish.

Ready to start your marine aquarium the right way? Follow the Aquaforest Kickstart Method and enjoy a beautiful, healthy reef!