Magnum 350 setup

[thesixis]

I will be setting up my new Magnum 350 this week. Does anybody have suggestions or mods for this filter? It will be added to a 75 that is heavly stocked with fish and lots of Java fern. The tank already has an Emperor 400 and a ugf w/power heads.
Thanks...

[CWO4GUNNER]

One recommendation and one effective Mod.

Recommend you fully read review your quick setup guide and use it for each step of assembly. Be careful not to cut your hoses incorrectly as you can only cut them once. Go through a dry dress rehearsal taking the filter apart and disconnecting hoses which will help eliminate mistakes and frustration when filled with water. Recommend you label at least one hose one each side of the quick disconnect fitting so that you don't get them crossed when reconnecting and the filter wont work a common mistake. Also lubricate your O-rings and inside each valve with a dab of vasoline to make sealing and valve operation much easier. Also keep an eye on the main canister lid large O-ring as it will shift around when the lid is off of taken off, so as you place the canister lid on look to make sure the large lid O-rind is in position not misaligned and not pinched, also NEVER force the lid on using the clamps, make sure the lid is aligned with the canister notch and the return pipe to lid small o-ring. When the lid is proper aligned (notch, large O-ring, return pipe, lid notch) gently and evenly press down on the top of the lid and then snap the clams up into position, again never force the lid and never force the clams as forcing means you are not aligned and have something caught or binding. Forcing and straining will only brake parts.

After you understand how your filter is put together a great modification that I have been using which provides more and longer sustained GPH up to over a month. Swap out the carbon basket center strainer with the tiny slit holes for the center strainer with the large holes normally used for the polishing filter. You will need to hold the large hole strainer next to the shorter slit size hole strainer and with a hack saw or bread knife cut the large hole strainer STRAIT to the same size as the shorter slit size hole strainer. Keep the cut off piece as you will still be able to use it with the polishing filter by stacking as it will not hurt or affect performance of the polishing filter if you decide to use it. Now replace the slit strainer with the large hole strainer and fill your carbon basket with 2 to 3 portions of carbon contained inside nylon stockings or small nylon carbon reusable bags small enough to easily fit in and out of the top of the carbon basket open lid. The carbon bags eliminate the need for the restrictive slit strainer while the large hole strainer allows much better sustained flow immediately and over time.

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

Only suggestion I would make is if you are going to run the micron polishing cart get a extra or 2 so when you change out the cart you will have a clean one ready to go. I soak the used dirty cart's in a light bleach water mixture over night and the cart come out clean and white like new rinse well allow to air dry and seal in a zip lock bag till you need to use them. they can be re used several times if you bleach them out.

[thesixis]

Thanks!!!