Marineland ML Series User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
Commercial Aquariums
OPERATING MANUAL
REFRIGERATED LIVE SEAFOOD
DISPLAY AND HOLDING SYSTEMS
ML SERIES

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
WARNING – To guard against injury,basic safety precautions should be observed,including the following:
READ AND FOLLOW ALL
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
DANGER – 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.
1.A.If an appliance falls into the water,DON'T reach for it! First unplug it and then retrieve it.If electrical components of the unit get wet,
unplug this equipment immediately.
B.If the equipment shows any sign of abnormal water leakage,immediately turn off power at main disconnect.
C.Carefully examine the equipment after installation.It should not be plugged in if there is water on parts not intended to be wet.
D.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.
E.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",shown in the
Illustration at right 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.If the plug or receptacle does get wet,
DON'T unplug the cord.Disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker that
supplies power to the appliance.Then unplug and examine for
presence of water in the receptacle.
2. Close supervision is necessary when any equipment is used by or
near children.
3. To avoid injury,do not contact moving parts or hot parts such as heaters,reflectors,lamp bulbs,etc.
4. 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.
5. Do not use an this equipment for other than intended use.The use of attachments not recommended or sold by the appliance
manufacturer may cause an unsafe condition.
6. Do not install or store the equipment where it will be exposed to the weather or to temperatures below freezing.
7. Make sure any appliance mounted on a tank is securely installed before operating it.
8. Read and observe all the important notices on the equipment.
9. If an extension cord is necessary,a cord with a proper rating should be used.A cord rated for
less ampere or watts than the equipment rating may overheat.Care should be taken to
arrange the cord so that it will not be tripped over or pulled.
10. This equipment should be grounded to minimize the possibility of electric shock.This unit
is equipped with an electric cord that has an equipment grounding conductor and a
grounding type plug.The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is installed and grounded
in accordance with all appropriate codes and ordinances.
11. This equipment is for use on a nominal 120 volts circuit,and has a grounding plug that
looks like the plug illustrated in (A).A temporary adapter which looks like the adapter
illustrated in (B) and (C) may be used to connect this plug to a two pin receptacle as shown
in (B) if a grounded outlet is not available.The temporary adapter should be used only until a grounded outlet can be installed by a
qualified electrician.The green colored rigid ear (lug and the like) extending from the adapter must be fastened to a permanent ground
such as a grounded outlet box.
Grounding
Pin
Adapter
Grounding
Means
(C)Grounding
Pin (D)
(A)(B)
Metal
Screw
Cover of Grounded
Outlet Box
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Power
Supply Cord
Drip Loop

THE MARINELAND ML SERIES
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This manual will provide you with the information you need to successfully
operate and maintain your new ML System.Please read it carefully and keep
it for future reference.

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In this closed system,refrigerated water is drawn from the enclosed Sub-Chamber up
through theAir StackTubes and into the Carbon FilterTray. As water passes through the
Carbon Filter Box,mechanical and chemical filtration are provided by a polyfiber filter
pad and eight ounces of Black Diamond PremiumActivated Carbon.The carbon adsorbs
dissolved organic compounds which cause odor and discoloration.
Filtered water spills into the display tank and is drawn through the filter bed where
biological filtration occurs. A thriving culture of beneficial nitrifying bacteria efficiently
oxidizes all ammonia and nitrite on contact.Filtered water than re-enters the Sub-Chamber
for recirculation.
Inside the ML System…
The Marineland ML Systems are easy-to-maintain,refrigerated systems for displaying and
holding large loads of live seafood.
Your new system comes complete with everything you need to become fully operational:
Consumables: • Marineland Sea Mix
• Biological Filter Material #1 (#C0401)
• Biological Filter Material #2 (#C0402)
• Black Diamond PremiumActivated 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, we recommend the
purchase of additional Marineland Sea Mix (enough for two water changes).

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Dimensions:
ML-22
271 /4”Lx271 /4”wx53”H
ML-24
50”L x 271
/4”wx53”H
ML-26
72”L x 271
/4”wx53”H
ML-44
50”L x 50”w x 53”H
ML-46
72”L x 50”w x 53”H
Shipping Weight
ML-22
400 lbs.
ML-24
650 lbs.
ML-26
800 lbs.
ML-44
1125 lbs.
ML-46
900 lbs.+ 500 lbs.
Capacity:
ML-22
50 gallons
ML-24
110 gallons
ML-26
150 gallons
ML-44
230 gallons
ML-46
330 gallons
Recommended Load:
ML-22
30 lbs.of lobster
ML-24
75-100 lbs.of lobster
35 lbs.of trout
50-60 lbs.of catfish
ML-26
100-125 lbs.of lobster
50 lbs.of trout
70-80 lbs.of catfish
ML-44
150-200 lbs.of lobster
70 lbs.of trout
100-110 lbs.of catfish
ML-46
200-250 lbs.of lobster
100 lbs.of trout
150 lbs.of catfish
Power
Requirements:
ML-22, ML-24, ML-26
15AMPS,115V,60 Hz
ML-44
20AMPS,115V,60 Hz
ML-46
30AMPS,115V,60 Hz
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
Installation
Connections:
Electric Supply:
115VAC.,60 Hz,15AMP
Recommendation:
20AMP Dedicated Circuit
Sump Drain:
3/4”FlexibleTubing
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
ML SERIES

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ML SERIES EXPLODED VIEW
1-Clear Plastic Lid (CP1536)
2-BlackTop Double Lid Holder (CB1541B)
(not pictured) BlackTop Single Lid Holder (CB1540B)
3-AirTube Connector (CP1516)
4-AirTubeAssembly (CP1512)
5-“Y”Connector (CP1515)
6-Airstone (CS1506)
7-2”Air StackTubes (CP1510)
8-Corrugated Upper False Bottom -
varies with tank size (CP1527 - CP1531)
9-Bottom Filter Pad - varies with tank size
(CSFP24 - CSFP46)
10 - Biological Filter Material #1 & #2
(CS0401 & CS0402)
11 - Corrugated Lower False Bottom - varies
with tank size (CP1562 & CP1566)
12 - Carbon Box Lid (CP1538)
13 - Carbon Box (CP1535)
14 - AirTube with 1 /2”threaded PVC Plug
(CP1513)
15 - Refrigeration Coil (CP1818)
16 - Air Pump (CP1550)
17 - ExternalAir Filter (CP1553)
18 - “T”HoseAdapter (CP1552)
19 - Thermostat*(CP1558)
20 - DrainValve w/o Fitting (CP1519)
21 - DrainValve with Fitting (CP1518)
22 - Casters (CP1505)
23 - Black Side Panel (CP1545B)
24 - BlackVented EndPanel(CP1546B)
25 - Refrigeration Compressor
(CP1883)
26 - Carbon Filter Box Holder
(CP1778)
27 - Junction Box
*Inside Cabinet

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INSTALLATION
Tank Preparation
1. Locate unit near a 110–120 volt grounded
outlet with a 15 amp dedicated circuit.
2. Make sureVented Panel is not obstructed.
These panels allow cooling air to reach
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.
WARNING: Do not attempt to operate unit on
extension cord or non-grounded circuit.
Do not handle or connect plug with wet hands.
The following simple steps are required to get your system up and
operational. Consult exploded views for any necessary clarification.

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5. Set thermostat (see exploded for location) 55° F.
Leave it at that setting for 6 weeks to allow for
bacterial growth.Then reset the temperature to
45°F.See page 17 for loading temperatures.
4. Remove front Side Panels.Make sure system
components are plugged into junction box.

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FILTRATION PREPARATION
NOTE: Ammonia (produced from animal waste and respiration) is the biggest killer
of aquatic animals.For this reason, biological filtration is CRITICAL.
A biological filter is a living filter...aerobic beneficial bacteria that consume animal
waste products and convert toxic ammonia to non-toxic nitrate.When properly
maintained,it keeps your product alive and healthy,your water clear.When a biological
filter is overtaxed or abused,water clarity and product longevity will be affected.
DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR TANK...every filter requires a break-in period which
allows beneficial bacteria to take hold and grow.
We recommend that you make an effort to keep your lobster population relatively
constant.Beneficial bacteria breathe oxygen,but consume ammonia.No animals,no
ammonia.No ammonia,no bacteria.
IMPORTANT: Your system contains three types of filters
1. Mechanical – Filter pads to screen out solid waste particles.
2. Chemical – PremiumActivated Carbon to adsorb dissolved contaminants,
discoloration,odors,toxic gases.
3. Biological – Special BIO-Mix in the tank bottom to help remove toxic ammonia
and nitrites and maintain pH balance.
NEVER use soap or cleansers in or around tank.
NEVER leave tank turned off for long periods of time.
NEVER let gravel bed dry out.

1. Pour 1 inch of Biological Filter Material #2 (dolomite) over Lower False Bottom (A) and
spread evenly over entire surface (B).
2. Add Biological Filter Material #1 (A) covering top layer of dolomite completely (B).
3. Add more Biological Filter Material #2
until 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.
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Prior to system startup, follow the few easy steps outlined below to get
your system ready for operation. Refer to the exploded view (pg. 5) for
additional clarification.
Filter Bed Setup
AB
AB

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4. Place blue Bottom Filter Pad over top layer.
5. Open DrainValve (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.
AB
AB
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).

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

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1. Make sure DrainValve 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 remainder of 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 water level to go
below Water Level Line on side glass.
SYSTEM STARTUP
For Saltwater Systems Only: Add the required amount
of powdered sea salt mix to tank (table below). Save the
remainder to adjust salinity at a later time.
Model Salt Required (approximate)
ML-22 14 lbs.
ML-24 28 lbs.
ML-26 48 lbs.
ML-44 60 lbs.
ML-56 96 lbs.
NOTE: When filling tank, run cold water
through salt to dissolve it faster.

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1. Remove Hydrometer from plastic tube.
2. Rinse plastic tube and fill it with water from tank.
3. Place Hydrometer in tube and tap tube
lightly so that hydrometer floats.
NOTE:You may also float Hydrometer in tank.
4. Read scale on tube. Reading should be between
1.020 and 1.025. If the reading is below 1.020,
add salt;above 1.025,drain some water and
replace with fresh water.1.022 is ideal.
MEASURING SALINITY
After your system has been running for about two hours and water
is clear, it is time to measure the tank’s salt level.
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 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 Hydrometer reading.

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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.
STARTING YOUR BIOLOGICAL FILTER
FOR BEST RESULTS...We recommend that you take an old filter pad from an
established tank and ring 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.
Contact Marineland or your service representative for an additional supply.

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ADDING ANIMALS
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 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 (pg.13).
Lobsters
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.
Your living biological filter is not capable of handling large loads in the beginning.
It requires a 6 week“break-in”period for the bacteria to develop and cover the available
surface area in the filter bed.This process cannot be rushed.We recommend very
light loads for the first few weeks.Exceeding initial recommended capacity can lead to
ammonia overload within 7-14 days.
RECOMMENDED LOADING SCHEDULE
Week 1: no more than 25% capacity Week 4: no more than 50% capacity
Week 2: no more than 25% capacity Week 5: no more than 75% capacity
Week 3: no more than 30% capacity Week 6: 100% capacity
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 water temperature down to 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.
Fin Fish
Recommended temperature setting is forAmerican Lobster (HomarusAmericanus) and
trout.When using tanks for other species of lobster or fin fish (bass,catfish,etc.) adjust
temperature as necessary for that particular species.

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MAINTENANCE
Routine maintenance must be performed.The procedures listed below are neither
difficult nor time consuming.They will keep your system clean, your stock healthy.
Failure to follow these simple maintenance steps will adversely affect system
performance.This could lead to premature failure of some components and loss of
product.We recommend setting up a maintenance log to track procedure completion.
Daily
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 (pictured).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.

Every Two Weeks
Change Carbon Filter Pad and carbon
Clogged filters cannot collect waste.Uncollected waste is returned to the aquarium and
will reduce system efficiency. In addition,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 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
in to padded tray (B).
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AB

Inspect display tank and sump for algae growth.
Algae spores enter the system naturally via tank inhabitants and light allows them to
grow.The more light you have,the greater the potential for algae growth.To remove
algae,simply wipe 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.
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.
4. Cover new carbon with top of Carbon Filter Pad and tuck pad under lip of Carbon
Box (A).Reinstall 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.
Every Month to Six Months
Replace airstones
Airstones are a very important part of your system’s filtration and circulation system.
Within the system,they dramatically increase water flow and provide added surface
area for oxygen exchange.The turbulent bubbling action also helps to neutralize toxic
gases like carbon dioxide.
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AB

Airstones may become clogged due to algae growth,mineral deposits,and/or organic
deposits.The occurrence of these factors varies depending on the amount of light
hitting the tank,the hardness of the local water supply,and general maintenance
practices.When airstones become clogged,they must be changed...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.EachAir Stack contains a white rigid tube
attached to a length of flexible connector tubing.
Disconnect the tubes and tubing in eachAir 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.
NOTE: Replacement“Y”connectors
(Part #C1515) can be ordered by calling the
24-Hour Marineland Hotline at 1-800-322-1266.
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.
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