MARINELAND ML-24 (01) PDF Document

The specifications for the MARINELAND ML-24 system are as follows:

Dimensions: 50″ L x 27¼” w x 53″ H

Capacity: 110 gallons

Recommended Load: 75-100 lbs. of lobster, 35 lbs. of trout, 50-60 lbs. of catfish

Shipping Weight: 650 lbs.

Power Requirements: 15 AMPS, 115V, 60 Hz

Installation Connections:

Electric Supply: 115 VAC., 60 Hz, 15 AMP

Recommendation: 20 AMP Dedicated Circuit

Sump Drain: 3/4″ Flexible Tubing

Filtration:

Mechanical Filtration: Two (Upper and Lower) Polyfiber Filter Pads

Chemical Filtration: Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon

Biological Filtration: Biological Filter Material #1, Biological Filter Material #2, Marineland Beneficial Bacteria (Liquid)

Refrigeration: Fractional Horsepower Compressor with Helical Heat Exchanger

Basic safety precautions must be observed. To avoid possible electric shock, special care should be taken in the use of aquarium equipment. For each of the following situations, do not attempt repairs yourself; contact an authorized service facility for service.

Safety instructions include:

• If an appliance falls into the water, DO NOT reach for it! First unplug it and then retrieve it. If electrical components of the unit get wet, unplug this equipment immediately.
• If the equipment shows any sign of abnormal water leakage, immediately turn off power at main disconnect.
• Carefully examine the equipment after installation. It should not be plugged in if there is water on parts not intended to be wet.
• Do not operate any equipment if it has a damaged cord or plug, or if it is malfunctioning or if it is damaged in any manner.
• To avoid the possibility of the plug or receptacle getting wet, position tank to one side of a wall mounted receptacle to prevent water from dripping onto the receptacle or plug. A “drip loop” should be arranged by the user for each cord connecting equipment to a receptacle. The “drip loop” is that part of the cord below the level of the receptacle or the connector, if an extension cord is used, to prevent water traveling along the cord and coming in contact with the receptacle.
• Close supervision is necessary when any equipment is used by or near children.
• To avoid injury, do not contact moving parts or hot parts such as heaters, reflectors, lamp bulbs, etc.
• Always unplug this equipment from an outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning. Never yank cord to pull plug from outlet. Grasp the plug and pull to disconnect.
• Do not use this equipment for other than intended use.
• Do not install or store the equipment where it will be exposed to the weather or to temperatures below freezing.
• Make sure any appliance mounted on a tank is securely installed before operating it.
• This equipment should be grounded to minimize the possibility of electric shock.

The system comes complete with the following consumables and accessories:

Consumables:

• Marineland Sea Mix
• Biological Filter Material #1 (#C0401)
• Biological Filter Material #2 (#C0402)
• Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon (#370)
• Filter pad material – for Carbon box (#100)
• Extra airstones (#C1506)
• Bottle of Liquid Bacteria (#C1569)
• Bottom Prefilter Pads (#FP22, #FP24, #FP26, #FP44, #FP46)

Accessories:

• Thermometer (#C1502)
• Hydrometer (#C1501)
• Lobster Rake (#C1503)

NOTE: To prepare for the possibility of extra water changes, the purchase of additional Marineland Sea Mix (enough for two water changes) is recommended.

The following steps are required to get your MARINELAND ML-24 system up and operational:

1. Locate unit near a 110–120 volt grounded outlet with a 15 amp dedicated circuit.

WARNING: Do not attempt to operate unit on extension cord or non-grounded circuit. Do not handle or connect plug with wet hands.

2. Make sure Vented Panel is not obstructed. These panels allow cooling air to reach the compressor. They also provide access to filters, thermostat, on/off switch, drains and other components.

3. Unpack all accessories, supplies and Upper False Bottom from tank.

4. Remove front Side Panels. Make sure system components are plugged into junction box.

5. Set thermostat 55°F. Leave it at that setting for 6 weeks to allow for bacterial growth. Then reset the temperature to 45°F. (Refer to the loading temperatures section for specific species needs).

Prior to system startup, follow these steps:

1. Pour 1 inch of Biological Filter Material #2 (dolomite) over Lower False Bottom (A) and spread evenly over the entire surface (B).

2. Add Biological Filter Material #1 (A) covering the top layer of dolomite completely (B).

3. Add more Biological Filter Material #2 until the top layer of dolomite is within one inch from the top of the filtration well. Make certain that all carbon is covered and the top layer is level.

4. Place the blue Bottom Filter Pad over the top layer.

5. Open Drain Valve (A) and run cold, clean water through the filter bed to flush out all dolomite dust. Be careful not to expose any carbon – it will float until saturated. NOTE: To avoid spillage, position System Drain over a floor drain. Close Drain Valve (B) when finished.

6. Place Upper False Bottom over Prefilter Pad (A). Make sure that the bottom fits securely under locking tabs and that no pad edges protrude (B).

7. Remove Carbon Box Lid (A). Unwrap the Carbon Box and place inside the Carbon Filter Box Holder (B). NOTE: Before installing, gently shake the cartridge to distribute carbon. Be sure to rinse Carbon thoroughly in cold, clean water until water runs clear (C).

For Saltwater Systems Only: Add the required amount of powdered sea salt mix to the tank (table below). Save the remainder to adjust salinity at a later time.

NOTE: When filling tank, run cold water through salt to dissolve it faster.

1. Make sure Drain Valve is closed.

2. Fill display tank half full.

3. Start system. Plug power cord into 110-120v dedicated outlet and turn switch on. Never attempt to plug in unit unless hands and plug are absolutely dry.

4. Fill the remainder of the tank to within one inch of the bottom of the top frame. Carbon and dolomite dust may cause some cloudiness. This will clear in a few hours. NOTE: Never allow the water level to go below the Water Level Line on the side glass.

After your system has been running for about two hours and water is clear, it is time to measure the tank’s salt level.

1. Remove Hydrometer from the plastic tube.

2. Rinse the plastic tube and fill it with water from the tank.

3. Place Hydrometer in the tube and tap the tube lightly so that the hydrometer floats. NOTE: You may also float the Hydrometer in the tank.

4. Read the scale on the tube. The reading should be between 1.020 and 1.025. If the reading is below 1.020, add salt; if above 1.025, drain some water and replace with fresh water. 1.022 is ideal.

When replacing water lost due to evaporation, simply add cold, clean tap water.

If water is removed for a specific purpose, e.g. to dip lobsters or clean tank, new salt and water will be needed.

Never pour new salt into the tank if lobsters are present. Use a clean container to dissolve salt (approximately 1.5 lbs of salt to every 5 gallons of water).

Always wait for salt to dissolve before taking the Hydrometer reading.

1. After the tank has been running for an hour or two and your hydrometer reads between 1.020 and 1.025, pour 4 ounces (1/2 bottle) of liquid bacteria (Marineland Beneficial Bacteria) into the filled tank. Wait 15 minutes before introducing animals.

NOTE: Bacteria require a food source to grow. Lobster waste (ammonia) is their food source. The break-in period begins when lobsters are placed into the system.

FOR BEST RESULTS… We recommend that you take an old filter pad from an established tank and wring it out into the new tank. This will add thousands of live, healthy bacteria to your tank and will make your break-in period more successful.

2. Add an additional ounce of liquid bacteria every third day during your break-in period until the bottle is empty.

NOTE: You may occasionally need to add an extra tablespoon of liquid bacteria to your system. This may be necessary after a complete water change or extreme fluctuation in loading, e.g. adding a heavy load after a sellout.

Your living biological filter requires a 6 week “break-in” period for the bacteria to develop. Exceeding initial recommended capacity can lead to ammonia overload within 7-14 days.

RECOMMENDED LOADING SCHEDULE:

• Week 1: no more than 25% capacity
• Week 2: no more than 25% capacity
• Week 3: no more than 30% capacity
• Week 4: no more than 50% capacity
• Week 5: no more than 75% capacity
• Week 6: 100% capacity

In Case of Ammonia Overload…change 100% of water only. DO NOT change pads or carbon. DO NOT wash gravel. DO NOT turn system off.

Lobsters

Set salinity. Adjust water temperature (55°F for systems break-in; 45°F following break-in). Before introducing new lobsters into the system, dip each lobster and rinse it thoroughly in a bucket of saltwater. Dipping removes accumulated shipping debris and prevents lobsters from fouling the tank.

Never use freshwater for lobster dips…it will kill them. For best results, rinse water should be taken from the established display tank, discarded after use and replenished.

Fin Fish

Because fin fish are susceptible to temperature shock, it is important to avoid placing new fish in water much colder than that in which they were shipped.

One day prior to the arrival of new fish, water in the display tank should be set to the expected temperature of the water in the delivery vehicle. After fish are added, reset the thermostat and bring the water temperature down to the proper setting of 50°F.

NOTE: Due to water conditions in some areas, it may be necessary to perform weekly water changes for freshwater tanks.

Recommended temperature setting is for American Lobster (Homarus Americanus) and trout. When using tanks for other species of lobster or fin fish (bass, catfish, etc.) adjust temperature as necessary for that particular species.

Daily Maintenance:

Check tank for fatalities and weak or damaged stock. Remove immediately.

Remove foam. Check your system for foam every morning. Foam forms on the surface of the water when there is a dead or wounded animal in the tank or when organic contaminants are introduced into the system. These contaminants can enter the system via unrinsed lobsters. They can also come from feeding the lobsters.

NEVER feed lobsters. The food will foul the tank, and lobsters kept at 45°F can go without eating for over a month with no ill effects.

When foam is present, remove it with a piece of clean cardboard or other semi-rigid material. Then determine the cause and remove the source. Never attempt to eliminate the foam with a de-foaming agent. This only puts the contaminants back into the water, which will stress the animals and cause tank water to cloud up.

NOTE: Lobsters with missing claws or feet are a constant source of foam. Always remove these animals immediately to avoid contaminating the system.

Clogged filters cannot collect waste. Uncollected waste is returned to the aquarium and will reduce system efficiency. Carbon filters out dissolved pollutants, odors, chlorine, toxic gas and proteins. As with any filtering media, it is eventually exhausted and must be changed.

To change carbon, follow the steps below:

1. Remove Carbon Box.

2. Discard used carbon and Carbon Filter Pad. Rinse out Carbon Box. Tear or cut a new Carbon Filter Pad in half to fit the Carbon Box.

3. Tuck new Carbon Filter Pad into Carbon Box – blue side down (A). Pad should cover the bottom, sides and back with enough left on top to fold over the newly added carbon. Pour 8 ounces of Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon into the padded tray (B).

4. Cover new carbon with the top of the Carbon Filter Pad and tuck the pad under the lip of the Carbon Box (A). Reinstall the Carbon Box (B).

Wipe down all exterior casing surfaces.

A vinegar/water solution (3 tablespoons vinegar to a pint of water) may be used with a clean rag or paper towel. Never use chemicals, soaps, detergents or harsh abrasives on any part of the system. Do not use cleaners inside or near the system at any time.

Warning: Never spray insecticides within 20 feet of your system. The resulting contamination could kill your product and destroy your biological filter. If you must use insecticides, be careful to turn off and cover the system with plastic tarp until the odor has cleared from the area completely. Then don’t forget to turn the system back on.

Inspect the display tank and sump for algae growth.

To remove algae, simply wipe the inside tank surface with a cloth, algae scraper or acrylic cleaning pad. NEVER use soap or metal scouring pads. Keep a dedicated cloth for cleaning the inside viewing area surfaces. It should be kept clean and isolated from other departments so that it does not get contaminated by multiple task use.

Airstones must be changed when clogged, and all of them must be changed at the same time. To change airstones, follow the steps below:

1. With the system pump running, remove the Carbon Box Lid. Each Air Stack contains a white rigid tube attached to a length of flexible connector tubing. Disconnect the tubes and tubing in each Air Stack and remove the white rigid tubes with airstones attached.

2. Test for clogs by blowing through each white rigid tube. Air should pass easily through the stones. If you find yourself blowing too hard, the airstones are clogged and need to be replaced.

3. Pull the clogged airstones off the “Y” Connector at the end of each rigid white tube.

4. Place the new airstones on each open end of each “Y” connector. NOTE: We recommend you use only Marineland airstones. They last longer and provide more bubbles for aeration.

5. With a rubber band, wrap each pair of airstones together.

6. Re-insert white rigid tubes into Air Stacks and reattach flexible connector tubes. Do not push airstones all the way to the bottom of the tank.

If the filter bed is restricted, it reduces flow, leading to less oxygen availability for the biological filter, which in turn reduces ammonia consumption.

To determine if your filter bed is restricted, follow these steps (while the pump is running):

1. Remove the Carbon Box Lid and Carbon Box.

2. In one Air Stack, disconnect the flexible tubing from the white rigid tube. Bubbles will stop in the disconnected stack and will either stop or be greatly reduced in the other.

3. Noting the water level within the disconnected Air Stack, cover the air outlet in the disconnected Stack with your finger so that all bubbling is limited to the other Stack. Water level in the disconnected Air Stack will drop. The more it drops, the more restricted the filter is.

NOTE: If the water drops more than four inches, the filter bed is completely restricted.

NOTE: This condition can also result from clogged airstones and blocked air pump filters, so be sure to check for these conditions first.

If the filter bed is restricted, but the animals appear normal and water is not hazy, you have caught the problem in time. A complete tank breakdown is not necessary. You must, however, change the bottom filter pad to increase the flow through the filter bed.

To Change the Bottom Filter Pad:

1. Remove animals. Place lobsters in a box and put the box in a cooler. Place fin fish in a clean container which has been filled with water from the tank. Aerate water with the white rigid tube and airstones from the tank.

2. Slowly remove the Upper False Bottom.

3. Gently roll up the Bottom Filter Pad. Try to keep as much dirt as possible in the pad as you roll. Remove and discard.

4. Agitate the Filter Bed by hand or with a clean tool. This will open up any blockage.

5. Place a new pad in the tank. NOTE: To prevent air bubbles from being trapped in the pad, “snake” the pad over the edge of the tank…or roll the pad up underwater and wring out air bubbles before covering the Filter Bed.

6. Replace the Upper False Bottom.

Clean External Air Filter

The External Air Filter is the brown muffler-like appendage sticking out from the top of the pump. To clean, first cut off the yellow shipping straps and unscrew the filter from the pump head. Then rinse it in warm water (no soap).

Clean Internal Air Filters

There are three internal foam air filters located under the round plate on top of the pump. To remove the plate and gasket, unscrew the five top screws. The three filters are in the internal air chambers of the pump. To clean, simply lift out the three foam filters and rinse them in warm water (no soap). After cleaning, replace the filters, gaskets and top.

Clean Refrigeration Unit Condenser Intake Screen

To guard against overheating and system failure, the Refrigeration Condenser Intake Screen should be brushed or vacuumed clean. This eliminates accumulated dust and prevents clogging.

IMPORTANT: The entire “washout” procedure should take no longer than 10-15 minutes. In lobster tanks, the saltwater bacteria must not be exposed to freshwater for more that five minutes or they will start to die.

1. Remove animals. Place lobsters in a box and put the box in a cooler. Place fin fish in a clean container which has been filled with water from the tank. Aerate water with the white rigid tube and airstones from the tank.

2. Drain the tank using the drain hose in the side of the tank.

3. Remove the Upper False Bottom (A) and Bottom Filter Pad (B).

4. Wash the gravel bed by agitating with a strong, hard stream of cold water. Try to penetrate the gravel with the stream to dislodge any accumulated debris.

5. Move gravel to one end of the tank, exposing half of the bottom grid. Hose the grid to flush out any particles trapped in the holes. Repeat the process for the other half of the grid. When done, spread gravel back evenly over the entire grid.

CAUTION: Do not use soap, cleaners or hot water. Do not permanently remove gravel from the tank. These actions will destroy the bacteria in your filter.

6. After hosing out the filter bed, immediately fill the tank. For lobster, add salt and water immediately as directed in the Preparation Section.

NOTE: In areas where the tap water is over 70°F, it is recommended that ice be used when refilling the tank.

7. Put fresh carbon in the Carbon Box to eliminate any chlorine in the newly changed water. Check salinity and temperature. Allow the tank to operate for one hour before reintroducing animals.

NEVER overload your system.

NEVER wash gravel with hot water.

NEVER wash gravel with soap or cleaners.

NEVER remove gravel from the tank.

NEVER allow gravel to dry out.

NEVER expose lobster tank gravel to fresh water for more than 5 minutes.

NEVER turn off system (even when temporarily out of animals).

NEVER feed animals.

NEVER use insecticides near system.

If the entire system abruptly shuts down:

• Reset the circuit breaker in the main electrical panel.
• Check to make sure the unit is plugged in.
• Make sure the Master Switch is turned on.

If water turns yellow or odors develop:

• Replace the Carbon Filter Pad and carbon.

If water flow from Air Stack Tubes is reduced:

• Inspect airstones for blockage. Change if necessary.
• Make sure the air pump filter is not obstructed. Clean if necessary.

If water temperature is too low or too high:

• Check the Thermostat setting. NOTE: Thermostat reading may differ from measured Holding Tank temperature… adjust Thermostat as required and monitor Holding Tank temperature with a thermometer, allowing 3-4 hours for temperature to stabilize before checking again.
• Make sure that the power cord to the Refrigeration Unit is plugged into the proper outlet.
• See that the Thermostat is at the desired temperature setting and is not damaged.
• Inspect Intake Vents and Condensing Screen. Clean if necessary.

If you experience product loss shortly after arrival:

• Don’t panic. Remove dead product from the tank.
• Check water salinity. Adjust if necessary.
• Monitor water temperature. Adjust if necessary.

If fish roll, spin, swim belly up, behave erratically:

• Adjust water temperature to match that in which they are already accustomed (shipped in). Keep at this temperature for 24 hours, then lower to 50°F.

If a large number of animals die and water is clear:

• Change water and replace carbon immediately.
• Remove any metal objects that may have been introduced into the system, e.g. pennies, brass, etc.
• Make sure that insecticides or other industrial poisons are not being used near the aquarium.

If a large number of animals die and water is hazy:

• Check for restricted bio-filter. If restricted, take appropriate measures. Change water and clean BIO-Filter.
• Reduce load (if it exceeds recommended capacity).
• Make sure the water temperature is not too high. Adjust the Thermostat as required and monitor the Tank temperature with a thermometer, allowing 3-4 hours for the temperature to stabilize before checking again.
• Check for fish caught under the Upper False Bottom.
• Make sure the system is operating in accordance with the recommended six-week loading schedule.
• Inspect airstones for blockage. Change if necessary.
• Make sure the air pump filter is not obstructed. Clean if necessary.