Start Here - Marineland™ Canister Filters Quick Setup Guide

1. Parts Check

Verify all parts are present before beginning assembly. The parts list includes:

1) Valve Block*
2) Motor Head*
3) Impeller Assembly Cover
4) Impeller Assembly
5) Filter Media Securing Plate
6) Filter Floss Pad
7) Ceramic Rings (220 & 360 only)
8) BIO-Filter Balls
9) Carbon Bags
10) Filter Foam
11) Filter Trays (Stack n' Flo)
12) Canister
13) Intake Tube
14) Strainer
15) Outlet Tube
16) Elbow & Diffuser
17) Suction Cups
18) Vinyl Tubing (2 lengths)
19) Snapper Clamps

*Includes attached o-rings, please do not discard. Additional Valve Block O-Rings are also included.

Models 160, 220 & 360

Diagram showing exploded view of filter components for Model 160 and Models 220 & 360.

2. Case Prep

Follow these steps to prepare the filter case:

Unlock and remove motor head.
Unwrap all media and rinse thoroughly.
Place media in appropriate Filter Trays. Load filled trays and Securing Plate.

Diagram illustrating media placement in trays:

Securing Plate
Filter Floss Pad
Ceramic Rings
BIO-Filter Balls
Carbon Bags
Filter Foam
Filter Tray #4
Filter Tray #3
Filter Tray #2
Filter Tray #1

Model 360 Only

Diagram showing the assembly of the motor head with the canister, including closing locking buckles and aligning intake and connector pipes.

Steps for attaching valve block:

Turn key.
Press key down.
Close key cover.

Diagram showing valve block attached to motor head.

3. Placement

Position the canister filter correctly relative to the aquarium:

Place canister filter under aquarium in an accessible location. The top of the canister must be below the aquarium water level. DO NOT PLUG IN.
Ensure the distance from the bottom of the filter to the top of the aquarium falls within these ranges:
- 160: 20-60 inches
- 220: 24-60 inches
- 360: 32-60 inches

Diagram showing the canister filter placed under the aquarium.

4. Intake/Outlet Assembly

Assemble the intake and outlet tubes:

Intake Tube: Attach strainer and suction cups (2) to intake tube. Moisten suction cups and press intake tube into position on the inside wall of the aquarium.
Outlet Tube: Attach elbow, diffuser, and suction cup (1) to outlet tube. Moisten suction cup and press outlet tube into position on the outside wall of the aquarium.

Diagram illustrating the intake tube with strainer and suction cups on the inside aquarium wall, and the outlet tube with elbow, diffuser, and suction cup on the outside aquarium wall.

5. Connection

Connect the tubing to the filter:

Attach vinyl tubing ends to valve hose barbs. Tighten Hose Nuts. Ensure vinyl tubing is pushed as far as possible onto the hose barbs before tightening.
Extend hoses to the highest barbs on aquarium intake and outlet tubes. Allow for 2 inches of slack. Cut hoses to fit with a straight, smooth cut using tubing cutters or a sharp knife.
Attach hoses to intake and outlet tubes. Place snapper clamps around hose and tubes at fittings. Tighten snapper clamps.

Diagram showing vinyl tubing connected to valve hose barbs and then to aquarium intake and outlet tubes with snapper clamps.

6. Start Up

Initiate the filter operation:

Press the Quick Prime button multiple times until water starts to flow into the canister and back up towards the aquarium.
Plug in the filter.

Important Notes:

A slight rattling noise is normal ONLY DURING STARTUP. If noise persists, shut off filter and check for dirt or debris in the bottom of the Canister.
If water flow through the Diffuser is not satisfactory, unplug the filter and check hose connections for obstruction or kinking.
Ensure a drip loop (for safety) by allowing 2 inches of slack in the power cord.

Diagram showing the Quick Prime button and a drip loop for the power cord.

7. Filter Maintenance

Perform routine maintenance to ensure optimal filter performance:

Important: Never use soap, abrasives, or any other cleaning agent on or around the filter or aquarium. Never attempt to remove the Motor Head when the filter is in use. Never submerge the Motor Head.
To perform maintenance, first unplug the filter. Stop water flow by lifting the key cover on the valve block. Turn the key counter-clockwise to unlock the valve block. Lift the valve block from the canister, leaving the intake/outlet assemblies, tubing, and valve block together for easy reconnect.
Clean filter media regularly. Rinse with water from the aquarium. NOT TAP WATER.
Clean impeller assembly cover and impeller monthly. Rinse thoroughly under warm tap water.
Rinse filter foam every three weeks and replace after nine weeks.
Replace filter floss pad and carbon filter bags every month.

Diagram illustrating cleaning the impeller and rinsing media.