Help Guides

The Charterhouse Aquatics Help Guides Blog provides comprehensive and practical advice on maintaining aquariums, offering expert tips, step-by-step guides, and product reviews to ensure a healthy and thriving aquatic environment for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Best Flow Settings for EcoTech Vectra Return Pumps

Best Flow Settings for EcoTech Vectra Return Pumps

Setting the right return flow helps stabilize nutrient export, maintain consistent surface agitation, and reduce back-siphoning risk.

EcoTech Vectra S2 vs M2 vs L2: Which Pump Is Right for You?

EcoTech Vectra S2 vs M2 vs L2: Which Pump Is Right for You?

Choosing the right return pump depends on tank size, plumbing layout, and head pressure. Here’s how the Vectra lineup compares:

EcoTech Vectra Setup Guide: How to Install & Calibrate Your Return Pump

EcoTech Vectra Setup Guide: How to Install & Calibrate Your Return Pump

The EcoTech Vectra series (S2, M2, L2) is a leading choice for reef return and closed-loop systems. Here’s how to install and configure your pump for peak performance.

Best VorTech Flow Settings for SPS, LPS & Mixed Reefs

Best VorTech Flow Settings for SPS, LPS & Mixed Reefs

Proper water movement is vital for coral respiration, nutrient uptake, and waste removal. Here’s how to tune your EcoTech VorTech MP series for best results, using Mobius or ReefLink.

EcoTech VorTech MP40 vs MP60: Which Is Right for Your Reef?

EcoTech VorTech MP40 vs MP60: Which Is Right for Your Reef?

Choosing between the MP40 and MP60 can be tricky. Both offer smart flow control and quiet operation, but they’re built for different tank sizes and goals.

EcoTech VorTech MP Series Setup Guide: Installation & Flow Programming

EcoTech VorTech MP Series Setup Guide: Installation & Flow Programming

The EcoTech VorTech pump series (MP10, MP40, MP60) is one of the most advanced wave-making systems in reef aquatics. With their unique motor-outside-the-tank design, they deliver clean aesthetics, efficient heat...

Best Radion G6 Light Settings for Coral Growth and Color

Best Radion G6 Light Settings for Coral Growth and Color

The EcoTech Radion G6 is one of the most powerful and customizable LED reef lights on the market. But with great power comes great complexity—especially when it comes to tuning...

EcoTech Radion G6 vs. G5: What’s New and Should You Upgrade?

EcoTech Radion G6 vs. G5: What’s New and Should You Upgrade?

The EcoTech Radion lighting series has long been a favourite in the reef-keeping world. With the release of the Radion G6, reef aquarists are asking the big question: What’s different...

EcoTech Radion G6 Setup Guide: How to Install and Configure Your Reef Lighting

EcoTech Radion G6 Setup Guide: How to Install and Configure Your Reef Lighting

The EcoTech Radion G6 represents the pinnacle of modern reef lighting. With its enhanced HEI2 optics, optimized spectral output, and seamless Mobius control, this light isn’t just powerful—it’s intelligent. Whether...

Maximising Coral Growth with Smart Flow: Programming Ecotech Pumps

Maximising Coral Growth with Smart Flow: Programming Ecotech Pumps

Creating the right water movement is crucial for coral health and growth. In the wild, corals thrive in ever-changing wave conditions that bring nutrients and remove waste. With Ecotech Marine’s...

Setting Up Your Ecotech Vortech or Vectra Pump: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting Up Your Ecotech Vortech or Vectra Pump: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing an Ecotech Marine pump is a smart upgrade for any saltwater aquarium—combining power, precision, and smart control. Whether you're adding a Vortech flow pump to circulate water or a...

How to Choose the Right Ecotech Pump for Your Saltwater Aquarium

How to Choose the Right Ecotech Pump for Your Saltwater Aquarium

Selecting the perfect water pump is crucial to the success of your reef or saltwater aquarium. Ecotech Marine offers industry-leading options with its Vortech and Vectra pump lines, each designed...

Troubleshooting biOrb Lighting: What to Do If Your Light Stops Working

Troubleshooting biOrb Lighting: What to Do If Your Light Stops Working

Lighting plays a key role in both the beauty and health of your biOrb aquarium. Whether you use a standard LED, an MCR (Multi-Colour Remote) unit, or an automatic light...

Choosing the Right Lighting for Your biOrb Model

Choosing the Right Lighting for Your biOrb Model

Lighting is one of the most important features of any aquarium—and biOrb makes it easy with a range of purpose-built lighting options. Whether you want vibrant colour control, simple white...

How to Upgrade Your biOrb Aquarium with MCR Lighting

How to Upgrade Your biOrb Aquarium with MCR Lighting

If you’re looking to enhance your biOrb aquarium’s visual appeal and add more functionality, upgrading to the biOrb MCR Lighting System is the perfect solution. The MCR (Multi-Colour Remote) lighting...

The Best Fish and Décor Combinations for Your biOrb Aquarium

The Best Fish and Décor Combinations for Your biOrb Aquarium

Choosing the right fish and décor combination is the secret to a healthy, beautiful, and low-maintenance biOrb aquarium. Whether you’re starting a nano setup or upgrading to a larger tank,...

Essential biOrb Maintenance Tips for First-Time Aquarium Owners

Essential biOrb Maintenance Tips for First-Time Aquarium Owners

Starting your first aquarium is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. If you’ve chosen a biOrb aquarium, you’ve already made a smart decision. These all-in-one systems are designed for simplicity,...

How to Choose the Right biOrb Décor Kit for Your Aquarium Size and Style

How to Choose the Right biOrb Décor Kit for Your Aquarium Size and Style

Decorating your biOrb aquarium is about more than just appearance—it’s about creating a balanced, visually engaging environment that enhances both the health of your tank and your personal style. With...

Troubleshooting Cloudy Water in Your biOrb Aquarium

Troubleshooting Cloudy Water in Your biOrb Aquarium

Cloudy water is one of the most common issues faced by both beginner and experienced fishkeepers—especially in compact systems like the biOrb aquarium. While biOrb tanks are designed for ease...

biOrb Aquarium Maintenance Checklist: Weekly, Monthly & Seasonal Tasks

biOrb Aquarium Maintenance Checklist: Weekly, Monthly & Seasonal Tasks

Keeping your biOrb aquarium clean and healthy doesn’t have to be difficult—especially when you follow a simple maintenance routine. With their integrated filtration systems and easy-access design, biOrb tanks are...

How Often Should You Change the Filter in a biOrb Aquarium?

How Often Should You Change the Filter in a biOrb Aquarium?

Keeping your biOrb aquarium clean and healthy starts with regular filter maintenance. The filter is the heart of your aquarium’s ecosystem—it clears waste, absorbs toxins, and keeps the water crystal...

Artificial vs Live Plants in biOrb Aquariums: Which Is Better for You?

Artificial vs Live Plants in biOrb Aquariums: Which Is Better for You?

When setting up your biOrb aquarium, one of the first decorating decisions you’ll make is whether to use live plants, artificial plants, or a combination of both. Each option has...

Best Plant Combinations for Each biOrb Model (CLASSIC, LIFE, FLOW & More)

Best Plant Combinations for Each biOrb Model (CLASSIC, LIFE, FLOW & More)

Decorating your biOrb aquarium with the right combination of plants not only enhances its visual appeal but also supports a stress-free, healthy environment for your fish. Whether you own a...

How to Decorate Your biOrb Aquarium: A Step-by-Step Planting Guide

How to Decorate Your biOrb Aquarium: A Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Decorating your biOrb aquarium is more than just arranging ornaments—it’s about creating a healthy, balanced, and visually captivating environment for your fish. With their iconic central filtration system and 360°...

Choosing the Right Fish and Plants for Your biOrb Freshwater Aquarium
biOrb Maintenance Essentials: Keeping Your Freshwater Aquarium Crystal Clear

biOrb Maintenance Essentials: Keeping Your Freshwater Aquarium Crystal Clear

Keeping your biOrb freshwater aquarium crystal clear isn’t just about looks—it’s essential to the health of your aquatic ecosystem. Thanks to biOrb’s sleek, all-in-one design and built-in filtration system, maintenance...

Beginner’s Guide: Setting Up Your First biOrb Freshwater Aquarium

Beginner’s Guide: Setting Up Your First biOrb Freshwater Aquarium

Whether you’re new to fishkeeping or transitioning from a traditional tank, the biOrb freshwater aquarium offers a stylish, all-in-one solution that’s perfect for beginners. With their distinctive globe or cube...

Maintenance Tips for Juwel Aquariums: Keeping It Pristine

Maintenance Tips for Juwel Aquariums: Keeping It Pristine

Owning a Juwel aquarium offers a seamless, high-quality aquatic experience—but like any living ecosystem, it requires consistent care. With proper maintenance, your aquarium will stay crystal-clear, your fish healthy, and...

Assembly and Installation Guide for Juwel Aquarium & Cabinet Combos

Assembly and Installation Guide for Juwel Aquarium & Cabinet Combos

Installing a Juwel aquarium and cabinet is a rewarding process that brings your aquatic vision to life. Whether you’ve chosen a sleek Juwel Rio, the elegant Vision, compact Lido, or...

Choosing the Right Juwel Aquarium & Cabinet for Your Home

Choosing the Right Juwel Aquarium & Cabinet for Your Home

Whether you’re a first-time aquarist or an experienced hobbyist planning a new display, choosing the right aquarium and cabinet combo is a decision that shapes both the aesthetic and functionality...

Troubleshooting Common Red Sea ReefLED Issues (Connectivity, Coverage, Acclimation)

Troubleshooting Common Red Sea ReefLED Issues (Connectivity, Coverage, Acclimation)

Red Sea’s ReefLED lighting system is known for its reliability, smart control via the ReefBeat app, and optimal REEF-SPEC lighting for coral growth. But like any advanced tech, occasional hiccups...

Red Sea ReefLED PAR, Spectrum, and Mounting Guide

Red Sea ReefLED PAR, Spectrum, and Mounting Guide

When it comes to reef lighting, not all LEDs are created equal. For healthy coral growth, vivid coloration, and long-term stability, reef aquarists must carefully consider three essential lighting factors:...

How to Set Up and Program Red Sea ReefLED with the ReefBeat App

How to Set Up and Program Red Sea ReefLED with the ReefBeat App

Smart reef lighting has become essential in modern marine aquarium care, and Red Sea’s ReefLED lighting systemdelivers both performance and precision. Whether you’re keeping SPS, LPS, or soft corals, proper...

How to Use Seachem Prime for Safe and Effective Water Conditioning

How to Use Seachem Prime for Safe and Effective Water Conditioning

Water quality is the foundation of a healthy aquarium. Without proper conditioning, tap water can introduce harmful chemicals that stress or even kill fish, invertebrates, and beneficial bacteria. That’s where...

Purigen vs. Activated Carbon: Which Filtration Media Is Best for Your Tank?

Purigen vs. Activated Carbon: Which Filtration Media Is Best for Your Tank?

Clear, healthy water is the foundation of any successful aquarium—freshwater or marine. When it comes to chemical filtration, aquarists often turn to two of the most widely used media: Seachem...

The Complete Guide to Dosing Reef Fusion 1 & 2 in Marine Aquariums

The Complete Guide to Dosing Reef Fusion 1 & 2 in Marine Aquariums

Maintaining a thriving reef tank requires more than just strong lighting and stable salinity—it depends on the precise balance of calcium and alkalinity. Corals, especially stony types like SPS and...

Interpreting ICP Test Results to Adjust Your Trace Zlements Routine

Interpreting ICP Test Results to Adjust Your Trace Zlements Routine

In modern reef-keeping, achieving vibrant coloration, consistent growth, and long-term coral health isn’t just about good lighting or stable alkalinity—it’s about precision. One of the most powerful tools available to...

Understanding the Role of Trace Elements in Coral Colour and Growth

Understanding the Role of Trace Elements in Coral Colour and Growth

The vibrant hues and vigorous growth of reef corals are not just the result of good lighting or clean water—they are a reflection of chemically balanced seawater, rich in both...

How to Dose Trace Zlements Safely and Effectively in Your Reef Tank

How to Dose Trace Zlements Safely and Effectively in Your Reef Tank

In the world of reef aquariums, trace elements may be required in minuscule amounts—but their impact is monumental. From coral coloration and immune response to tissue repair and photosynthesis, these...

Troubleshooting Reef Zlements Dosing: What to Do When Levels Drift

Troubleshooting Reef Zlements Dosing: What to Do When Levels Drift

Reef dosing is a cornerstone of stable marine aquarium chemistry. When using a system like Reef Zlements Complete Dosing, you’re aiming to maintain consistent levels of key elements such as...

Understanding the Role of Base and Trace Elements in Coral Health

Understanding the Role of Base and Trace Elements in Coral Health

Creating and sustaining a thriving reef aquarium is both a science and an art. While lighting, flow, and biological balance are essential, none of it works without a chemically stable...

How to Set Up Reef Zlements Complete Dosing in Your Aquarium

How to Set Up Reef Zlements Complete Dosing in Your Aquarium

Dosing is the cornerstone of maintaining water chemistry in a thriving reef tank. Without a reliable and balanced supplement routine, even the most advanced lighting, flow, or filtration systems will...

Top 5 Signs You Need an ICP Test for Your Reef Tank

Top 5 Signs You Need an ICP Test for Your Reef Tank

Maintaining a vibrant reef aquarium takes more than just routine maintenance and crystal-clear water. Hidden chemical imbalances, unseen contaminants, and subtle trace element deficiencies can wreak havoc on your corals—often...

How to Read and Act on Your Reef Zlements ICP Test Results

How to Read and Act on Your Reef Zlements ICP Test Results

Maintaining a healthy reef aquarium involves more than testing calcium and alkalinity. Trace elements, heavy metals, and macro/minor ions all play essential roles in coral vitality and ecosystem stability. That’s...

Why ICP Testing is Essential for Modern Reef Aquariums

Why ICP Testing is Essential for Modern Reef Aquariums

Maintaining a thriving reef aquarium requires more than just clear water and stable temperatures. In today’s advanced reef-keeping world, success hinges on understanding and managing the intricate balance of trace...

Breeding Made Easy: Using Breeding Boxes and Accessories in Freshwater Tanks

Breeding Made Easy: Using Breeding Boxes and Accessories in Freshwater Tanks

Breeding fish is one of the most rewarding experiences in the aquarium hobby—but it also comes with challenges. Protecting fragile fry, managing territorial behavior, and providing safe spaces are all...

How to Improve Tank Oxygen Levels with Air Stones and Airline Kits

How to Improve Tank Oxygen Levels with Air Stones and Airline Kits

Oxygen is one of the most vital, yet often overlooked, elements of a healthy freshwater aquarium. Proper oxygenation ensures your fish can breathe easily, your beneficial bacteria thrive, and your...

Must-Have Accessories for Every Freshwater Aquarium

Must-Have Accessories for Every Freshwater Aquarium

Setting up a freshwater aquarium isn’t just about the tank, filter, and fish—it’s about adding the right accessories to create a safe, thriving, and easy-to-maintain environment. Whether you’re a beginner...

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Freshwater Aquarium

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Freshwater Aquarium

Cleaning your aquarium is essential to fish health and water clarity, but doing it the wrong way can actually do more harm than good. From over-scrubbing filters to using household...

How to Use Water Conditioners and Test Kits the Right Way

How to Use Water Conditioners and Test Kits the Right Way

Water quality is one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of freshwater aquarium care. While filters do the heavy lifting, water conditioners and test kits help you create a safe,...

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