If you are on the hunt for a new filtration system for a fairly large aquarium, you’re likely to come across the Marineland Magnum Filter. This is a fairly compact filtration unit, an internal one, that is meant for fairly large tanks and engages in all major types of filtration.
Today we are doing a detailed Marineland Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter review to see how good this particular filter actually is, we take a detailed look into its features, pros, and cons to help you decide if it’s the right option.
Table of contents
Our Marineland Magnum Internal Canister Filter Review
Features
The Marineland Magnum Internal Filter is a pretty neat filter for several reasons. Yes, like most filters it does have some drawbacks. However, generally speaking, this does seem to be one of the better internal filters. Let’s take a closer look at it to see what it is all about.
Filtration Capacity
Ok, so first and foremost, this thing is designed to be used with aquariums up to 97 gallons in size. At the same time, it has a processing power of up to 290 gallons of water per hour. In other words, it is a pretty good option for larger tanks. Now, if you have a 90-gallon tank, this filter can process the entire water volume of that tank over 3 times per hour.
This is a fairly strong and efficient filter, but if you have a really heavily stocked tank, we would not recommend using it for anything over 7 gallons. This way, the filter can process the entire water volume of the tank over 4 times per hour. This way you can ensure that the Marineland Magnum keeps the water in your tank very clean and clear.
Filtration Types
One good feature of the Marineland Magnum Filter is that it comes with all 3 major types of filtration. In other words, this is a 3 stage filter that engages in mechanical filtration for the removal of solid debris, biological filtration for the removal of ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites, as well as chemical filtration for the removal of other toxins, colors, and odors.
To be clear, all filtration media comes included here, including a Rite-Size floss sleeve, Bio Spira, and Black Diamond Carbon. Now, these types of media are not the best, but they do get the job done.
They work well enough to remove most impurities and debris from aquarium water. For a simple 70 gallon tank that is not too heavily stocked, this media will do fine.
2 Media Chambers
What is pretty neat about this thing is that it comes with dual filtration chambers. The point here is to allow you to customize the type and amounts of media which you can use. If you like, you can add more of one type of media and less of another. It’s really up to you.
This high level of versatility makes the Marineland Magnum a pretty attractive choice for many people, especially those who like to have a lot of biological filtration capacity.
Size & Placement
Yes, this is an internal filtration unit, which means that it takes up a bit of space in the tank. It comes in at around 8 inches in diameter and just over a foot (12 inches) in height. So, it will take up a fair amount of space in any fish tank.
Though it should not be used for anything under 50 or 60 gallons, the space it takes up is relatively small compared to the overall tank size. With that being said, it does still take up more space than any kind of external filtration unit.
In terms of placement, the Marineland Magnum comes with suction cups to make things easy. It does not have to sit at the bottom of your tank. Simply plaster it onto the interior wall of your tank wherever you see fit using the suction cups.
Surprisingly enough, the suction cup included here is actually quite stable and secure. Just be sure to place it vertically, as it cannot be placed horizontally.
Self – Priming & Maintenance
What is pretty cool about this internal submersible filter is that it is self-priming. Because the motor is already submerged, you do not need to perform any manual priming, which is often quite a pain in the butt.
Also, seeing as this is a canister filter, it comes with quite a decent lid with secure clips. All you have to do is take the lid off to clean the interior. It really does not get any easier than that.
Water Polishing
Something else that should be mentioned here, since this is in the name of the product, is the optional water polishing feature which this particular filtration unit comes with. This unit comes with a reusable pleated micron cartridge which can be charged with diatomaceous earth to further increase its filtration efficiency.
This cartridge, since this filter has room for lots of media, can be kept inside of the filter if you so choose, or you can take it out and replace it with other types of media too, hence why this water polishing feature is labeled as optional.
To be clear, this feature is intended to remove any remaining fine debris from the water which the mechanical media is not able to remove. It is a beneficial feature no doubt, but for some people with lightly stocked tanks, it might actually be a bit of overkill.
Durability
Overall, the Marineland Penguin is quite durable too. It is made with pretty solid internal components that are should last for quite some time assuming the filter is looked after. The outer shell is made of really rugged plastic to ensure that the filtration unit does not break down within the tank.
This also helps because it ensures that no electrical components get exposed to the water, which is bad for the filter itself and for your fish too. While it is not the number one most durable aquarium canister filter on the market, it’s no weakling either.
- Quite durable.
- Lots of processing power.
- Good for larger aquariums.
- Lots of media capacity – customizable.
- Polishes the water.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Self-priming.
- Engages in all 3 major types of filtration.
- Not very small or compact.
- Makes a fair bit of noise.
- Included media could be a little better.
Alternatives
In case you are not a huge fan of the option we just reviewed, the Marineland Magnum, you can always take a look at the Marineland Magniflow canister filter. This thing is intended for 55-gallon tanks and smaller, so it is a bit smaller than the Magnum.
Also, the Magniflow looks a little different and has dual pumps, plus it is actually an external filtration unit, so it does not take up any space on the interior of the tank.
Yes, this is why the Magniflow is better, but in terms of the filtration media included, overall power, media capacity, and processing capacity, it is not as good or powerful as the Magnum.
Simply put, the Magnum is better for larger purposes, whereas the Magniflow is better for slightly smaller tanks.
Verdict
All in all, we think that the Marineland Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter is a pretty decent option to go with. Besides a couple of minor cons and drawbacks, it is one of the better internal canister filters for medium and large tanks out there right now. It’s fairly durable, easy to set up and maintain, and it does a great job in terms of aquarium water filtration.
SEE ALSO: Marineland Magniflow c360 Canister Filter Review
