Marineland Penguin Power Filter User manual

PENGUIN®
BIO-WHEEL POWER FILTERS
MINI • 125 • 170 • 330
OWNER’S MANUAL
UL
®
UL
®
Penguin Power Filters Systems are
listed by Underwriters Laboratories to
ensure that they meet stringent U.S. and
Canadian safety requirements.
Marineland, BIO-Wheel, Rite-Size, Black Diamond and Penguin
are trademarks of AQUARIA, Inc.
© 2001 The Aquaria Group Printed in the U.S.A. 4/01 P/N 8360
AQUARIUM PRODUCTS
C
LIMITED WARRANTY
Within two years from the date of original purchase,
MarinelandAquarium Products will repair or replace,
at its option,any Penguin BIO-Wheel Power FIlter
which is deemed defective in workmanship or materials.
Please return the unit (postage paid),together with proof
of date of purchase,to:
Marineland Aquarium Products
6100 Condor Drive,Moorpark,CA 93021
Damage or injuries resulting from negligence or misuse are
not covered by this warranty.Incidental or consequential
damages are specifically excluded.*This warranty gives you
specific legal rights.You may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
*Because some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental
or consequential damages,this exclusion may not apply to you.

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 appliance 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 an appliance 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 appliance 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 appliance where it will be exposed to the weather
or to temperatures below freezing.
7. Make sure an appliance mounted on a tank is securely installed before
operating it.
8. Read and observe all the important notices on the appliance.
9. If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a proper rating should be
used. A cord rated for less amperes or watts than the appliance rating
may overheat. Care should be taken to arrange the cord so that it will
not be tripped over or pulled.
10. This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other).
As a safety feature, this plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way.
If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does
not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Never use with an extension cord
unless plug can be fully inserted. Do not attempt to defeat this safety feature.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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; return the appliance to an authorized service facility
for service or discard the appliance.
1. A. If the appliance falls into the water, DON'T reach for it! First unplug
it and then retrieve it. If electrical components of the appliance get wet,
unplug the appliance immediately.
B. If the appliance shows any sign of abnormal water leakage, immediately
unplug from the power source.
C. Carefully examine the appliance after installation. It should not be plugged
in if there is water on parts not intended to be wet.
D. Do not operate any appliance if it has
a damaged cord or plug, or if it is
malfunctioning or if it is dropped or
damaged in any manner.
E. To avoid the possibility of the appliance
plug or receptacle getting wet, position
aquarium stand and 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
Figure at right should be arranged
by the user for each cord connecting an
aquarium appliance to a receptacle.
AQUARIUM TANK
APPLIANCE
POWER
SUPPLY
CORD
DRIP
LOOP

Penguin BIO-Wheel®
Power Filters
The Difference is Performance
Perfect for freshwater or marine applications,Penguin BIO-Wheel
Power Filters deliver operational simplicity,easy maintenance,and
superior 3-stage aquarium filtration.
Total 3-Stage Filtration Efficiency
A healthy,successful aquarium requires the proper filtration.Three types
are necessary:
Mechanical Filtration traps solid debris like uneaten food and fish waste.
Chemical Filtration uses media (activated carbon) to adsorb (attract and
hold) dissolved pollutants which can cause discoloration and odor.
Penguin
Mini
Penguin 170
Penguin 125
Penguin
330
45
Biological Filtration is the most critical kind of filtration.It depends
on a culture of beneficial oxygen-breathing bacteria to eliminate
toxic ammonia and nitrite that accumulate in aquarium water.
The bacteria culture biologically changes the ammonia and nitrite into
nitrate, which is removed with a partial water change.
The patented Penguin BIO-Wheel is the undisputed
best when it comes to biological filtration. Better
than frames or foams or fluidized beds.Better than
UGF’s and other submerged biomedia.Years of con-
tinuing laboratory tests and field evaluation prove it.
Superior BIO-Wheel Filtration
As the BIO-Wheel turns,it contacts water and air...providing the
bacteria with the oxygen they need to grow.Because it is a wet/dry
biological filter,BIO-Wheel provides bacteria with as much as
30,000 times more oxygen than any underwater biological filtration.
More oxygen means more bacteria working many times harder
(and many times faster) to keep your tank ammonia-free and sparkling.
And because of this superior filtration efficiency,BIO-Wheel makes
it possible for you to maintain a greater number of fish in your aquarium.
Superior Convenience
The Penguin BIO-Wheel is easy to install,easy to operate.No
tubing or noisy air pumps are required. The Rite-Size Cartridge
changes in seconds and the BIO-Wheel never clogs,never needs
replacing,requires virtually no maintenance.
The Rite-Size™Filter Cartridge supplies both mechanical and
chemical filtration.For mechanical filtration,there’s a polyfiber filter pad
to trap dirt and debris.For chemical filtration,each cartridge is packed
with Black Diamond®PremiumActivated Carbon...the best there is.
The patented ribbed cartridge back distributes carbon evenly for full
water-to-carbon contact...no“tea bag”effect,no water bypass.

KEY ITEM DESCRIPTION MINI
1Filter Box Cover PR1950B
2IntakeTube with Strainer PR1701
3ExtensionTube with Strainer* PR1702
4Strainer (only) - pkg.2 PR1705
5Impeller Housing PR1703
6Impeller/MagnetAssembly PR1704
7BIO-Wheel Bearings - pkg.2 PR1910B
8BIO-Wheel Bracket PR1915B
9BIO-WheelAssembly PR1932B
10 Filter Box N/A
11 Rite-Size Filter Cartridge (1-pk) PA0135
11 Rite-Size Filter Cartridges (3-pk) PA0135-03
1
5
4
7
8
9
2
6
3
10
MINI
REPLACEMENT P
REPLACEMENT PAR ARTS LISTS TS LISTS
6 7
1
3
5
10
11
12
9
8
7
6
2
MODELS 125 & 170
MODEL 330
1
2
4
6
8
10
9
7
12
P
PAR ARTS DIAGRAMS & IDENTIFICA TS DIAGRAMS & IDENTIFICATION TION
*Extension tube not included with all models.
11

KEY PART LISTING 125 170 330
1Filter Box Cover PR1952B PR1962B PR1972B
2IntakeTube with Strainer PR1254 PR1254 PR2345*
31”ExtensionTube w/Coupling N/A N/A PA1240
43
/4”Strainer (only) – Qty.2 PR1705 PR1705 N/A
51”Strainer (only) N/A N/A PA1241
6Impeller Housing PR1246 PR1247 PR2350
7Impeller/MagnetAssembly PR1258 PR1258 PR2355
8BIO-Wheel Bearings – Qty.2 PR1910B PR1910B PR1910B
9BIO-Wheel Bracket PR1920B PR1925B PR1930B
10 BIO-WheelAssembly PR1935B PR1940B PR1945B
11 Media Basket N/A N/A PR2360
12 Rite-Size Filter Cartridge - 1pk. PA0132 PA0133 PA0133
12 Rite-Size Filter Cartridge - 3pk. PA0132-03 PA0133-03 PA0133-03
REPLACEMENT P
REPLACEMENT PAR ARTS LISTS TS LISTS
CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION
For additional assistance or to order parts direct,you may call the Customer
Service Department at [phone],Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm (Pacific
Time).Please have your manual and MasterCard orVISA ready when ordering.
NOTE:Rite-Size Filter Cartridges are not sold as replacement parts.They may
be purchased from your local Marineland retail outlet in single or 3-packs.
9
NOTE: Assembly/Operational and Maintenance instructions
for the Penguin Mini, 125, 170 and 330 BIO-Wheel
Power Filters are virtually identical. For this reason,
and in the interest of avoiding confusion, the sections
that follow primarily feature illustrations for the
Penguin Mini and 125/170 models. In those instances
where steps provided are not applicable to all Penguin
Power Filters, separate illustrations and directives will
be included under the heading “Model 330 Only.”
ASSEMBL
ASSEMBLY/OPERA Y/OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: POSITION FILTER BOX
Inspect filter for any visible signs
of shipping damage and verify that
Magnetic Impeller Assembly and
Impeller Housing are properly
seated (all the way down) in
Filter Box (Fig.1).Hang Filter
Box in desired location on back
of aquarium.
Most parts are preassembled and do not require disassembly
prior to installation. We recommend that you read the Maintenance
section that follows to familiarize yourself with the overall
operation of the Penguin BIO-Wheel Power Filter
.
MODEL 330 ONLY
Impeller Housing for BIO-Wheel
330 slides between and is held in
place by two Rail Grooves (Fig.2)
8
FIGURE 1
Magnetic
Impeller
Assembly
Filter Box
Impeller
Housing
FIGURE 2
Impeller
Housing
Filter Box
Impeller
Assembly
Rail Grooves
*Strainer sold separately.

MODEL 330 and MINI ONLY
IntakeTube adjusts up to reduce flow rate
during feeding,if desired.To ensure proper
startup,IntakeTube should be positioned
all the way down for maximum flow.
Rinse Rite-Size Filter Cartridge
under cold water to remove carbon
dust.Shake cartridge horizontally.
This helps to distribute carbon
evenly for maximum water/carbon
contact.Slide cartridge into channels
in Filter Box (narrow side down,black
side facing aquarium,Fig 3).
STEP 3: INSTALL INTAKE TUBE
Press Strainer onto long end of Intake Tube - or Extension
Tube,if used (Fig 5).
NOTE: Strainer should rest at least one inch above surface
of gravel.If necessary, tube may be cut to allow this.
Position tube in Guide on front of filter as shown.Insert short
end all the way down into Impeller Housing.If IntakeTube is not
seated all the way down, flow will not start.
STEP 4: INSPECT BIO-WHEEL
Make sure that each Bearing
is seated snugly into its Bracket
and that BIO-Wheel rotates
freely (Fig.6).
MODEL 330 ONLY
Fill Media Baskets with filter media of
choice.Slide Media Baskets down into
filter box behind cartridges (Fig.4)
10 11
STEP 2: INSTALL RITE SIZE CARTRIDGE(S)
STEP 5: START FILTER
Fill Filter Box with water until Impeller Housing is completely
submerged.Plug power cord into standard household receptacle.
It will take approximately 45 seconds for water to achieve full
flow.Place Filter Box Cover on filter.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Never allow a Penguin Power Filter to operate
without water.
Once you have started your filter, take a moment to observe
BIO-Wheel rotation.It may rotate irregularly.Eventually it will
pause or develop a“hitch.”All this is normal.A BIO-Wheel rotating
at any speed is removing ammonia and nitrite.There is no reason
to replace a BIO-Wheel unless it is damaged.If your BIO-Wheel
fails to rotate or stops completely,consult theTroubleshooting
section of this manual.
FIGURE 3
Rite-Size
Filter
Cartridge
Filter
Box
FIGURE 4
Media
Basket
Filter
Box
FIGURE 5
Strainer
Intake Tube
Guide
FIGURE 6
Bearings
BIO-Wheel
Bracket

Proper filter maintenance begins with frequent visual inspections
to ensure normal operation and non-stressful conditions for fish.
Basic aquarium maintenance includes monthly 25% water changes
and gravel cleaning,as well as regular (once a month,minimum)
media replacement.Significantly reduced water flow (a sure
sign of clogging media),excessive mechanical or water noise,
cloudy and/or bad smelling water all require immediate attention.
NOTE: Water added to your aquarium should always be treated
(dechlorinated).Chlorine neutralizers are available at your
local pet outlet.
NEVER submerge Filter Box in water.
NEVER use soap,detergents or any non-recommended
cleaning agents on or around filter.
ALWAYS rinse parts with cold water after cleaning.
ALWAYS unplug Penguin Power Filter before
performing maintenance.
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
C
A
U
T
I
O
N
12 13
We recommend the following complete maintenance procedure
for the BIO-Wheel Power Filter as needed (at least every month):
Before you begin, unplug your Penguin Power Filter.
NOTE: Bearings can fall off axle.Before
cleaning, remove bearings and put
them aside.For your convenience,
we have included two spare Bearings
located on the underside of the Filter
Box Cover (Fig.7)
IMPORTANT: The BIO-Wheel should not be tampered with
or disassembled.Discoloration of pleated BIO-Wheel material
is normal and desirable.NEVER CLEAN THE BIO-WHEEL.
If the BIO-Wheel becomes so heavily cultured that it no
longer rotates,you can gently rinse the surface in order to
remove the heaviest buildup.Use treated (dechorinated),room
temperature tap water only. As long as a BIO-Wheel is not
damaged,it does not need to be replaced.
1. Remove Cover.
2. Carefully remove BIO-Wheel and Bracket.If calcium deposit
buildup around Bearings and Brackets interferes with rotation,
carefully remove BIO-Wheel from Bracket and gently brush
bearing and axle area clean.To avoid disturbing beneficial bacteria
culture,handle a BIO-Wheel by the End Caps and/orAxle.
Any algae,mineral or other buildup that hinder rotation can
be eliminated with a gentle rinse in room temperature water.
3. Set BIO-Wheel and Bracket aside.
4. Remove and discard used Rite-Size Cartridge(s).
MODEL 330 ONLY
Remove BIO-Baskets. Replace media.
5. Remove Intake Tube and clean
inside with a flexible filter brush
(Fig.8).We recommend the
Marineland Flexi-Brush -
available at your aquarium store.
6. Lift Filter Box from back
of aquarium.
Spare Bearings under
Filter Box Cover
Intake
Tube
Marineland
Flexi-Brush FIGURE 8
FIGURE 7

14
7. Carefully remove Magnetic Impeller
Assembly and Impeller Housing (Fig.9).
Separate and clean ImpellerAssembly
with cleaning brush (not included).
Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Inspect ImpellerAssembly and purchase
new part if excessive wear or damage is
evident.Wipe down inside and outside
surface of Filter Box with a clean cloth.
Rinse with cold water.Reinstall parts.
8. Install new Rite-Size Filter Cartridge.
MODEL 330 ONLY
Reinstall Media Baskets and install new Rite-Size Cartridges.
9. Replace BIO-WheelAssembly and Bracket.Reinstall Power
Filter on aquarium and restart.Check water flow and
BIO-Wheel rotation.Replace cover.
Clean equipment works best. Regular care keeps
your unit operating at peak efficiency. Record the
maintenance performed and the date below.
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE LOG LOG
MAINTENANCE DATE MAINTENANCE DATE
15
Magnetic
Impeller
Assembly
Impeller
Housing
FIGURE 9
BIO-Wheel
Spillway
Proper water
flow.
FIGURE
10a
When filtered through a clean cartridge,
water returns to the aquarium via the
BIO-Wheel Spillway (Fig.10a).
As dirt collects on the filter cartridge,
the cartridge gradually becomes clogged
and water flow slows.Water begins to
flow from the area around the Intake Tube
(Fig.10b).When this occurs,the cartridge
needs to be replaced.
NOTE: Carbon loses its effectiveness over time depending on fish
population, waste load and aquarium conditions.For optimum
aquarium filtration, genuine Marineland Rite-Size Filter Cart-
ridges are your ideal choice.Unlike other limited-capacity cartridges
that may contain inferior carbon substitutions, Rite-Size
Cartridges contain Black Diamond100% unmixed, superior grade
activated filter carbon...the perfect filter media for all aquariums.
Improper water
flow. Time for a
cartridge change.
Intake Tube
FIGURE 10b

TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES GUIDELINES
IMPORTANT: Always unplug your Penguin Power Filter when
inspecting or disassembling for any reason.
If filter fails
to pump
water or
flow has
slowed...
Make certain the outlet has power and is functioning
properly by first unplugging electrical cord momentarily,
then reconnecting to power source to restart the
Impeller.
Check to make sure that Impeller Housing is firmly
seated in Filter Box and that water is at correct level.
Remove Impeller Housing and make sure the
ImpellerAssembly is free to rotate.A particle
of carbon or gravel may be interfering.
Inspect aquarium water level.Maintain at 1/2inch
below frame.
Clean inside of IntakeTube with flexible filter brush.
If filter
makes
excessive
mechanical
noise...
Make sure that Impeller Housing is firmly seated
in Filter Box and that water is at correct level.
Remove Impeller Housing and make sure the
ImpellerAssembly is free to rotate.A particle
of carbon or gravel may be interfering.
Replace worn Impeller Housing or worn Impeller
Assembly.Consult Parts List for correct part number.
If BIO-Wheel
splashes
and/or makes
excessive
water noise...
Allow 24-28 hours for“breaking in”period.Material
in a BIO-Wheel is not fully absorptive when new.
Check aquarium water level.Lower than normal
levels can result in excessive splash or noise.
IF BIO-Wheel
fails to
move or
stops...
Don't panic. Irregular rotation,including brief
pauses,is normal.
Inspect BIO-Wheel bearings and axle for dirt or mineral
deposits.If evident,clean these areas carefully.
Make sure all parts are installed properly and that there
are no obvious obstructions to free rotation.
Perform regular Filter maintenance.
Marineland Customer Service:
800-322-1266
Monday - Friday,8am - 5pm (Pacific time)
If air does
not evacuate
from
system...
Check for cracks in IntakeTube and replace if defective.
Consult Parts List for correct part number.
16 17