Practical advice from EMA
Get ready for your order, then check the first steps once it arrives. Choose a topic below and use it alongside your product’s instructions.
Corals
Choose a position that suits the coral you bought, with room for it to extend and grow.
Before it arrives
- Check the light and flow guidance on the coral’s product page.
- Allow space between corals, including room for sweeper tentacles.
- Read the acclimation guidance before your coral arrives.
Once it arrives
- Watch the tissue and polyp extension as the coral settles.
- Avoid repeatedly moving it between positions.
- If you notice a change, tell us the coral, its position, lighting, water movement and your current water readings.
Read the acclimation guideLivestock delivery informationArrive Alive terms and claim steps
Marine fish
Plan for the species’ adult size, temperament and feeding needs.
Before it arrives
- Check compatibility with the fish already in your aquarium.
- Have your receiving or quarantine setup ready before delivery.
- Prepare suitable food and read the acclimation guidance.
Once it arrives
- Observe breathing, swimming and interactions with tank mates.
- Check whether the fish is accepting suitable food.
- For a concern, tell us the species, when it arrived, what you have observed and your current water readings.
Read the acclimation guideLivestock delivery informationArrive Alive terms and claim steps
Invertebrates
Use the guidance for the exact animal: shrimp, snails, clams and anemones have different needs.
Before it arrives
- Check its food, lighting and compatibility requirements.
- Choose a suitable position or habitat before arrival.
- Read the acclimation guidance and have your receiving setup ready.
Once it arrives
- Follow the species guidance and keep salinity stable.
- Observe how the animal settles into its new surroundings.
- For a concern, include the species, time since arrival and current water conditions.
Read the acclimation guideLivestock delivery informationArrive Alive terms and claim steps
ReefMat filters and fleece
A few checks make installation and future roll changes easier.
Before it arrives
- Match replacement fleece to your exact ReefMat model.
- For a new unit, check sump space, working water depth, hose routing and access for roll changes.
- Check compatibility with your sump; some older REEFER sump versions need modification.
Once it arrives
- Install a new unit using the instructions for its model, then connect ReefBeat.
- Check that the fleece advances normally.
- Keep track of roll use so you know when to order a replacement.
Lighting
Consider the aquarium’s dimensions, the mounting position and the corals you keep.
Before it arrives
- Check coverage at your intended mounting height.
- Confirm which mount is included or needed.
- Have the manufacturer’s setup instructions ready.
Once it arrives
- Follow the manufacturer’s installation and acclimation guidance.
- Keep a note of your starting schedule and intensity.
- Watch how your corals respond as they adjust to the new light.
Aquariums
Confirm the delivery arrangements and prepare the installation space before your aquarium arrives.
Before it arrives
- Check the full dimensions, including the cabinet and space needed for maintenance.
- Measure doorways and the route to the aquarium’s final position.
- Review what is included in your package and confirm any delivery or access requirements.
Once it arrives
- Follow the manufacturer’s assembly and levelling instructions.
- Complete the initial checks and testing described in the manual before adding livestock.
- For an assembly question, include the model and the step you are working on.
Other equipment
Use the instructions for your exact model and variant.
Before it arrives
- Check dimensions, connections and operating requirements.
- Confirm which accessories are included.
- Allow space to remove and clean the equipment.
Once it arrives
- Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- Check connections, settings and operation as described in the manual.
- For a question, include the model, settings and what you have observed.
Tests and reagents
Match the refill to the test kit or checker you use.
Before it arrives
- Check the exact kit or checker model before opening a refill.
- Confirm the pack size and number of tests.
- Read the sample volume, timing and storage instructions.
Once it arrives
- Use clean test vessels and the stated sample volume.
- Follow each timing step and check the reagent expiry date.
- If a result looks unusual, check your method against the instructions before repeating the test.
Salt
Use the mixing instructions for the salt you have selected.
Before it arrives
- Compare the salt’s stated parameters at the salinity you maintain.
- Have a clean mixing container and the measuring equipment specified by the manufacturer ready.
- Check the mixing instructions and yield for your pack.
Once it arrives
- Mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Confirm salinity before using the new water.
- Record the salinity and parameters of the mix so future batches can be compared at the same salinity.
Supplements
Use current test results and the product instructions to plan dosing.
Before it arrives
- Check the concentration and recommended dose for your system’s water volume.
- Record your starting test results and current dosing amounts.
- Read the product’s instructions before making a change.
Once it arrives
- Keep a record of the amount dosed and the corresponding test results.
- Re-test as directed to understand your aquarium’s consumption.
- Review results before changing a regular dose.
Food
Choose a food and particle size suited to the animals you keep.
Before it arrives
- Check the food type, particle size and pack size.
- Read the storage instructions and have the required storage ready.
- Check the feeding directions for the species you intend to feed.
Once it arrives
- Store the food as directed on the pack.
- Watch whether your fish or coral accept it.
- Follow the feeding instructions when deciding how much to offer.
Gift vouchers
Keep the voucher details easy to find when it is time to use them.
Before it arrives
- Check the voucher value you selected.
- Read the delivery and redemption information on its product page.
Once it arrives
- Keep the voucher email and code safe.
- Refer to its redemption instructions when placing an order.
A question about your order?
Email info@easternmarineaquariums.co.nz with the product model or species, your question and the relevant aquarium details.
If livestock arrives with a problem, follow the Arrive Alive claim instructions promptly.
