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Review on πŸ” Marina Power Filtration System by Will Moorehead

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Nice filter with some modifications

I was trying to decide whether to buy the Fluval C2 or this skinny Marina. I chose this model because it's thin and unobtrusive, and I love the clear color compared to the Fluval C2, which has an oddly bright red basket inside. In addition, reviews of the durability of this device are more positive in comparison with the Fluval C2, which has problems with noise and propeller failure. This device's motor is located in the tank, which helps with noise cancellation and cooling to keep it from overheating or failing. I also like that if the power goes out due to a storm or whatever, the device will automatically start and restart. in case I'm not at home to fill up the tank with water. I dose liquid fertilizer in my aquarium (because I have live plants) so I didn't use the included carbon filter or the filament filter in the box. The charcoal filter removes the plant chemicals I want to add to the aquarium, which defeats the purpose of dosing, and the filament filter is an extra expense that I don't need since I make filament filters myself. The right side of the suction filter is filled with yellow Aquaclear foam to remove large debris, the middle section has Poly-Fil panels that flex to increase surface area for water purification, and the left side has 20 gallons -Aquaclear ceramic rings. You can buy poly-fil sheets for making quilts at Wal-Mart and cut them to size. I don't buy pet store brands (due to cost) and Wal-Mart Polyfill White Sheets are cheaper and won't harm my fish and shrimp in the tank. Although this filter is fairly quiet, the sound of sloshing water coming out of the discharge chute is a little loud and keeps me awake. Also, I have a rimless 10 gallon Aqueon Ascent tank where the back of the tank is higher than the front. So I can't add more water to make up the difference between the chute and the waterline. People, this is the first world problem! Solution: Use the fake clear plastic American Express cards they always ship to increase the length of the exit shaft. I trimmed the card to fit the ejector chute snugly. Then superglue the card to the flat bottom of the gutter and wait 30 minutes for it to dry and harden. Then apply GE's clear silicone gel to seal the card from falling into the aquarium due to water pressure on the card. GE's clear silicone also has a 30-minute cure time, so I'm up and running in an hour. Make sure you only use 100% clear silicone as other sealants contain additives that will get into your tank and kill all your fish and shrimp. Even if you notice that your churn is not that strong; This will help disassemble the plastic casing around the impeller and remove (with the help of cotton swabs) the dirt that will accumulate there over time. I also like to take a cotton swab and apply a thin coat of white petroleum jelly to the outside of the impeller housing and silver shaft to minimize noise and prolong life. Some people have complained about the noise. This is due to the round black plastic piece that you twist to adjust the filter level. It touches the glass, and so the motor transmits vibrations to this plastic element, which resonates with the glass. I cut a small square piece from the felt backing used for furniture legs. Then I removed the adhesive sheet and stuck it on the back glass. The black plastic equalizer rests on the furniture upholstery and noise is not transmitted to the glass. You can also use rubber covers and rubber bumpers. Folks, this is easy to fix. Update March 2020: I got rid of my terrible Aqueon Ascent tank and bought another 10 gallon tank with all sides up too. I now have a Tidal 35 filter that I bought from Revain and I don't feel like talking about it, but I like the Tidal 35 better than the Marina filter. The new filter has an adjustable water flow that mixes the surface water really well, and the box is big enough for me to put sponge filters, filter yarn, and bio-media rocks on it. Tidal 35 is self-priming even after a power failure. Click on this helpful tab if this information was great. 4U thank you

Pros
  • This is amazing
Cons
  • Some bugs