How to Put a Magnum 350 Filter Back Together

The Magnum 350 filtration system uses a powered canister which pulls water out of the tank and filters it through physical and chemical filters. Unlike powered filters that sit on the side of a tank, a canister filter sits away from the tank. Canister systems are more complex than power filters. They have several seals and a more powerful pump that moves more gallons of water per hour. They're suitable for larger tanks, and the Magnum 350 is appropriate for tanks up to 100 gallons.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-inch plastic hose
  • Activated carbon
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Instructions

  1. Assembly

    • 1

      Install the intake and outlet tube retainer bracket by sliding the flexible bow, a bending Y-shaped frame, onto the bracket. Attach the assembly to the top of the aquarium.

    • 2

      Slide the water strainer of the long end of the black intake tube. If your tank is deep, attach the intake extension. If you're using your Magnum 350 filter to run an under-gravel filter, you won't need the strainer.

    • 3

      Attach the UGF Adapter, the plastic ring, over the end of the intake tube and rest the adapter on top of the lift tube, which is discernible by its wider diameter.

    • 4

      Install the split flow diffuser onto the outlet tube; the tube's lip needs to be positioned inside of the diffuser or it won't seal properly. The diffuser is shaped like an A/C vent, and it splits the outlet flow of the water.

    • 5

      Attach the intake tube onto your preferred side of the stabilizer bracket, and then snap the outlet tube onto the available side of the retainer bracket. The water level should be above the 90-degree elbow at all times for proper water flow.

    • 6

      Adjust the flow diverters on the spit-flow diffuser to direct the water flow in your desired direction.

    • 7

      Extend the slide legs on the underside of the motor housing for stability. These should already be installed, since this is a reassembly; if not, slide them into the underside of the motor assembly. Place the canister filter in a ventilated and accessible location with the top of the canister filter below the aquarium water level, but don't plug it in yet.

    Connection

    • 8

      Measure and cut the hoses into two pieces of equal length. The hoses should be able to reach the intake and outlet tubes on both the canister and the aquarium, with 6 inches to spare. The hoses are standard 2-inch plastic aquarium hose available at most aquarist stores. Roll the hose retainer band at least 2 inches from each end of the hoses.

    • 9

      Moisten each end of the hoses with hot water or apply silicone lubricant, and push them over the barbs on the intake and outlet ports of the canister cover with firm, even pressure. Too much force can crack the port on the cover and cause a leak. Roll the hose retainer bands over the ports of the cover to keep the hoses in place.

    • 10

      Cut the hoses short enough that there's only 2 inches of slack on each hose.

    • 11

      Connect the hoses to the intake and outlet tubes installed on the aquarium, and roll the retainer bands onto the fittings.

    Canister Assembly and Disassembly

    • 12

      Unsnap the steel clips which hold the canister cover down and remove it from the motor housing.

    • 13

      Remove the contents of the motor assembly including the carbon container, the impeller assembly, the impeller housing and the gasket. The impeller assembly needs to be fitted tightly onto the impeller housing, and the canister clear of any debris. Check that the impeller magnet is in place, and replace the impeller assembly and housing.

    • 14

      Remove the filter media container cover and fill it with activated carbon. Replace the cover and rinse the container with water until it runs clear.

    • 15

      Slide a filter sleeve over the carbon container, and install the container over the top of the impeller housing.

    • 16

      Fill the carbon canister with water to a level slightly above the water line on the side of the canister, and slide it onto the motor housing assembly.

    • 17

      Install the large rubber gasket onto the top of the carbon container and the small rubber gasket over the top of the impeller exhaust tube. Wet the O-ring and set it inside of the canister cover.

    • 18

      Close and tightly seal the canister cover, and plug and turn on the canister; let it run for 10 seconds, turn it off, and wait for the air to stop going through the intake tube. Once it's stopped, turn the canister back on, and the system will cycle the water normally.