How to Install Magnum Aquarium Filters

Installing an aquarium filter can be a difficult process, especially more complex filters like Marineland Magnum filters. These filters are more expensive and complex than regular filters, but their benefits are worth the time and money involved. Marineland offers three variations of their Magnum filters: 220, 350 and 350D. All three models are similar in their installation, with the major difference being the media used for filtration.

Things You'll Need

  • Outlet tube with split flow diffuser
  • Intake tube with strainer
  • Tube retainer bracket with bow
  • Hose retainer bands (package of four)
  • Canister cover with intake diffuser
  • O-ring cover seal
  • Rubber gasket set
  • Carrying handle
  • Core for micron cartridge
  • Core set for carbon container (220 and 350D Models)
  • Carbon container screen (220 and 350D Models)
  • Impeller exhaust tube
  • Clip and pin set (package of four)
  • O-rings Magnum quick disconnect valve (package of four, 350D Model)
  • Inlet strainer
  • Magnetic impeller assembly
  • Impeller and shaft assembly without magnet (350 and 350D Models)
  • Impeller housing
  • Adhesive foot pads (package of 14)
  • Canister with clips
  • Sealed motor and switch assembly
  • Stabilizer leg
  • Sump cap
  • UGF adapter
  • Split flow diffuser
  • ¾" Extension tube with coupling (350D Model)
  • Micron cartridge (350 and 350D Models)
  • Carbon/Media container (220 and 350D Models)
  • Bonded filter sleeve (220 and 350D Models)
  • Silicone lubricant
  • Quick disconnect valves (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Assembling your Magnum filter

    • 1

      Slide the flexible bow of the intake outlet onto the outlet tube retainer bracket.

    • 2

      Attach the intake outlet and outlet tube retainer bracket to the aquarium. The flexible bow is placed under the frame, on the inside of the aquarium, to lock the assembly into place.

    • 3

      Place the long end of the intake tube into the strainer. If you need the intake extension, attach it now. If you are attaching an underground filter you do not need the strainer. Instead you will need to attach the underground filter adapter to the intake tube.

    • 4

      Attach the split flow diffuser to the outlet tube with the lip of the tube inside the diffuser.

    • 5

      Attach outlet tube to the retainer bracket and intake tube to the stabilizer bracket with the elbow of the outlet tube below water level.

    • 6

      Choose the direction you wish the water to flow by making adjustments to the flow diverters found inside the split flow diffuser.

    • 7

      Adhere rubber foot pads to the bottom of the motor assembly and stabilizer legs.

    • 8

      Position stabilizer legs on the bottom of the motor housing and adjust until the motor housing is stabilized.

    • 9

      Set the canister and motor assembly in a place that allows the top of the canister to remain below the water level.

    Connecting your Magnum filter

    • 10

      Cut the hose into equal halves.

    • 11

      Roll a hose retainer band over each hose. Adjust the band to a minimum of two inches from the end of the hose.

    • 12

      Place a small amount of silicon lubricant around the ends of the hoses.

    • 13

      Attach hoses to the magnum cover via the intake and outlet ports, ensuring the hoses completely cover the barbs on the ports.

    • 14

      Adjust the hose retainer bands to ensure they do not shift.

    • 15

      Attach hoses to the intake and outlet tubes on the Magnum filter, ensuring the hoses completely cover the barbs on the ports. Resize the hose lengths as needed.

    • 16

      Adjust the hose retainer bands onto fittings to ensure they do not shift.

    • 17

      Affix carrying handle onto the canister.

    Operating your Magnum filter

    • 18

      Turn the motor switch to "Off."

    • 19

      Remove the canister cover by opening the stainless steel clips and pushing the cover tabs.

    • 20

      Remove the canister from the motor housing using the carrying handle.

    • 21

      Empty the canister and ensure all parts are intact and free of obstructions.

    • 22

      Replace the impeller housing and assembly by placing the large rubber gasket on top of the impeller housing.

    • 23

      Install the media (carbon/media container or micron cartridge) based on the instructions in the appropriate section below.

    • 24

      Pour water into the canister. Replace the canister on motor housing. Moisten the o-ring and fix it around the inside of the cover skirt. Secure the canister cover and close the stainless steel clips. Plug in the power cord and turn on the filter for 10 seconds. Turn the filter off until bubbles stop, and then turn the filter back on.

    Installing the carbon/media container (220 and 350D models)

    • 25

      Fill the container with activated carbon, and then reseal. Run water until runoff is clear, not black or gray.

    • 26

      Place the carbon/media container into the rite-size filter sleeve, and place the carbon/media container into the canister.

    • 27

      Return to Step 7 of "Operating Your Magnum Filter."

    Installing the micron cartridge (350 and 350D models)

    • 28

      Slide the rite-size filter sleeve over the micron cartridge.

    • 29

      Insert the micron cartridge into the canister.

    • 30

      Return to Step 7 of "Operating Your Magnum Filter."

    Installing quick disconnect valves (after hoses have been installed)

    • 31

      Cut the hose where you wish the valves to be installed, and then remove five inches of the hose to accommodate the valves.

    • 32

      Loosen compression nuts of the valves and attach them to the hoses. Tighten the compression nuts.

    • 33

      Twist the couplings to reconnect the valves, and then insert the coupling into the lock.